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!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!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!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!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!Mickey has Minnie. Peanut Butter has Jelly. And Hamburgers have French fries… but what else!? We decided to reach out to some of our Burger Trail locations for a little insight into the perfect side.
The Lone Buffalo, Ottawa:
At The Lone Buffalo, in Ottawa, the seasoned fries are a must try. Paired with any of the burger options and a Tangled Roots Brewing Company beer, a perfect trio is created. It is so much more than your “classic” burger and fries, you’ll be heading back for more.
Nick’s Tavern, Lemont:
For the past 75 years, Nick’s Tavern has been serving up some of the best burgers in the region, and the old school tavern keeps it simple with potato chips. Salty & crispy- chips are the perfect pair for Nick’s award winning burgers.
9th Street Pub, LaSalle:
Four words: Fully. Loaded. Garlic. Fries. 9th Street Pub takes fries to the next level with their mouthwatering sides. Go all out and pair them with the Garlic Breath Burger (keep the vampires away right?) or build your own burger to balance out the meal. Not so into the garlic? Try the Sweet Potato fries!
Honest Abe’s Tap, Morris:
Sometimes, you’re just not in the mood for fries, and that’s OK! While Honest Abe’s Tap offers a variety of fried potatoes (waffle fries, tots, crinkle cut), they also offer options for those thinking outside of the potato sack . On the lighter side, they offer cottage cheese and salad, and if you are looking for a vegetable side, you can opt for the Broccoli & Cheese. Yum.