Reunion Activities

The season of family/friend reunions are right around the corner and gives us another reason to gather as a group and bond over food and fun activities! One of the best parts is exploring and trying new things with your favorite people. Check out these ideas on how to spend your free time together.

Team building and outdoor adventure at The Forge: Lemont Quarries
Lemont, Illinois
Whether you are looking to strengthen as a team, challenge each other or just experience a day of outdoor fun, The Forge in Lemont has activities for every group. Ropes courses, zip lining and laser tag are just a few of the activities offered to entertain your group. The “Two Towers Adventure” is the perfect challenge for kids aged 3-13 to explore, and if you only have a short time explore the trails of the grounds along the Illinois & Michigan Canal. If your group is looking for a bite to eat with a view, visit The Foundry, which is on property and open to the public.

Get on the water with Kayak Morris & Starved Rock
Morris & Ottawa, Illinois and in Starved Rock State Park
Sign up for a guided tour or rental your own kayaks and canoes so your guests can explore at their own pace. The Kayak Morris/Starved Rock group offers rentals in three different locations and explore the waters of the Illinois River, I&M Canal and Mazon River. Your group is able to rent based on how much time is available with 2- hour, 4-hour and daily rentals. If your group is looking to extend the adventure, check out the camping and glamping options offered!

Ready, Aim, Throw at Axe Factor Throwing
Plainfield, Illinois
For an indoor alternative, bring your crew to Axe Factor Throwing in Plainfield for an unforgettable activity. Trained “axe-perts” will work with your group and coach you on aiming and technique to ensure a safe and fun time. Catering can be brought in from the grill next door, to fuel you up during your adventure. Private lanes for groups of up to 8 are available, but make sure you book ahead to reserve your spot!

Challenge each other with a day of fun at Haunted Trails
Joliet, Illinois
Haunted Trails in Joliet is the perfect place to challenge each other to round of mini golf or around the go-kart track! If you’re looking for an extra challenge, take it inside and battle it out in a game of laser tag. Enjoy pizza, burgers and more at the one site-restaurant to fuel up before showing off your skills in the batting cages. Haunted Trails is an ideal location for groups of all ages rain or shine with their indoor game room.

Catch a foul ball at a Joliet Slammers or Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp game.
Joliet & Peru, Illinois
Two minor league baseball teams call the Heritage Corridor Region home and will be playing all summer long. The Joliet Slammers, Frontier League champions from 2011 and 2018 and play in downtown Joliet at Duly Health and Care Field May – September. The Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimps are new to the area, playing at Veterans Memorial Park in Peru, but have played with the Prospect league since 2019.

If you’re looking for something a little more low key, check out some of the below options for casual hiking, shopping and sipping!

Walking/Hiking
The Heritage Corridor Region is home to hundreds of miles of trails that are perfect for hiking, walking and biking. If the group wants to take it easy, check out Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie or the I&M Canal trails in Lockport and Lemont where the trails are smooth and moderate. You can also rent bikes from The Canal Corridor Association at Midewin and in Lockport. For more experienced hikers check out some of the trails in Starved Rock State Park, Matthiessen State Park and Buffalo State Park, all located in LaSalle County.

Shopping
If your group is interested in retail therapy then the Heritage Corridor’s antiques & boutiques are your answer. Beautiful boutiques scatter the area from ItIsAmazing in downtown Joliet to Betty’s in Morris, you’re sure to find something you’ll love. At Mabel’s Market in Lemont and Home Again on Route 66 in Pontiac you’ll find home furnishings and accent pieces to complement any home. For younger shoppers, Prairie Fox Books and Rock Paper Scissors in Ottawa have books, games and educational toys that will fill the summer months with fun!

Indulge Responsibly
For groups of 21 years and older, the breweries, distilleries and wineries in the area are sure to please. Star Union Spirits in Peru was recently awarded a Gold Medal and four Silver Medals at the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and have a large menu featuring their spirits in specialty and signature cocktails. Wine fans will can sip and savor to find their favorite bottle at August Hill Winery in Utica, Bishop’s Hill in Joliet and Sable Creek in Plainfield. And for beer enthusiasts in the group the Heritage Corridor Ale Trail features over 20 breweries in the area, including Will County Brewing in Shorewood, Nik & Ivy Brewing in Lockport, RT66 Old School Brewing in Wilmington and Pollyanna Brewing in Lemont. Find your favorite beer and buy a growler or six pack to enjoy at home or share with the rest of the reunion!

Whether your reunion is for family or friends, the Heritage Corridor region has activities to fill in your time all along The First Hundred Miles of Route 66, in the communities of the I&M Canal and in Starved Rock Country! For more inspiration or help planning reach out to our staff!