Subscribe
Subscribe
Map
Map
Other Sites
Other Sites
Search
Search
Canal Towns

Canal Towns

A mid-1800’s architectural wonder helped make Chicago the city it is today.  The 96-mile Illinois & Michigan Canal (I&M Canal) connected the Great Lakes in Bridgeport, Chicago to the Illinois River at LaSalle-Peru, and amazingly unique towns sprung up that maintain their authentic charm to this date. 

READ ON!
Attractions Shop Food & Drink Events Read the Blog Stay Lodging Packages
Canal Towns News Plan Your Season of Road Trips by Getting the Free Travel I&M Canal Towns Guide
Route 66

Route 66

Freedom. The Open Road. The American Dream. All are still alive on The Mother Road. The nostalgia of diners, museums, tourist stops and neon lights are there for you to visit as you make the drive from Chicago to Santa Monica, CA. You can still get your Kicks on Route 66!

READ ON!
Attractions Shop Food & Drink Events Read the Blog Stay Lodging Packages
Route 66 News Meet Jennifer Bronk from Bronkberry Farms in Plainfield, IL
Starved Rock

Starved Rock

A visit to Starved Rock State Park consists of many sights to behold, including breathtaking views of its many canyons and awe-inspiring scenes of eagles flying during the winter month.

READ ON!
Attractions Shop Food & Drink Events Read the Blog Stay Lodging Packages
Starved Rock News Starved Rock Country Welcome Center & Illinois Made Gift Shoppe
Events

Events

The Heritage Corridor is filled with events that are waiting just for you.  Live music, fun festivals, learning programs, and active adventures await.

READ ON!
All Events Submit Your Event Lodging Packages Music / Performing Arts Festivals
Events News Fireworks at the Joliet Slammers Stadium
I Want To...

I Want To ...

Are you looking for a specific type of place to visit in the I&M Canal Heritage Corridor?  If you're a craft beer fan, you will love the Heritage Corridor Ale Trail?  Seeing a thrilling journey or just an escape, check out Adventure Outside Chicago.  We've got all the info to unlock your next trip right here.

READ ON!
Read the Blog Flock to the Rock Grab a Beer Shop Small Find Adventure Sip Some Wine Plan My Wedding Plan a Meeting
I Want To... News 10 Picturesque Winter Images from Around the Heritage Corridor
Map
Subscribe
Map
Map
Other Sites
Other Sites
Search
Search
Your Spring Adventure in Starved Rock Country Starts Here



Ottawa's Debate Days

101 E. Lafayette St. Ottawa, IL 61350

Dates: Aug. 15, 2026 - Aug. 23, 2026
times: 8am - 5pm
admission: Free
Location: Downtown Ottawa, 101 E. Lafayette St., Ottawa, IL 61350


WEBSITE DIRECTIONS
Ottawa's Debate Days is a celebration of the world-renowned debate between future U.S. President Abraham Lincoln and Senator Stephen Douglas. It was held in the heart of historic Downtown Ottawa, at Washington Park. Come celebrate all things Ottawa with a week full of summer fun in the sun!

Saturday the 15th

Puzzle contest 10am & 4pm @ Scouting Museum Event @ LaSalle County Genealogy Guild 1pm Ticketed Gala @ Ottawa Center for the Arts (evening) Art Show w/ Lincoln Theme by Ottawa Arts Committee

Flag Scavenger Hunt from 8/15 – 8/22

Sunday the 16th

Lecture on Black Hawk Wars 11am @ Scouting Museum Ticketed Mrs. Lincoln/Douglas Character Tea @ Reddick Mansion 2pm, with Quilt Trunk Show

Monday the 17th

Lecture on Early Pioneers 6pm @ Scouting Museum Store Deals Tours

Tuesday the 18th

Lecture on Lincoln's in Town 6pm @ Scouting Museum Store Deals Tours

Wednesday the 19th

Store Deals Tours Chris Vallillo Concert @ the Abbey 7pm

Thursday the 20th

Lecture on the 7 Debates 6pm @ Scouting Museum Store Deals Tours

Friday the 21st

Store Deals Tours Third Friday Market Best Beard Contest 5:30pm in Washington Park Music by Illinois 33rd Band in Washington Park 6pm w/ Lincoln & Douglas Impersonators

Saturday the 22nd

Store Deals Tours Old Time Fair w/ Farmers & Makers Market on Jackson St. from 11am to 4pm (fair is FREE) Carriage Rides pick up on Columbus/Jackson St Corner (Time TBD) Re-enactment of Lincoln Douglas Debate 4-5pm Ice Cream Social in Washington Park 6pm w/ Scouting Museum 6pm Music in the Park 6-9pm

Sunday the 23rd

Store Deals Tours 250th Anniversary Parade 1pm

What's Nearby?

#HeritageCorridor