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.
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Christmas is right around the corner, so it's time to get into a jolly mood! If you’re looking for something fun to do with the entire family, then The Forge: Lemont Quarries has the perfect weekend planned out just for you.
Beginning on Friday, December 17, from 5PM – 7:30PM, grab a drink at The Foundry and enjoy live ice sculpting where they will be craving a mountain bike from ice. This is a free event!
From Saturday to Sunday, December 18-19, The Forge Sings Christmas! The Caroling by Candlelight is an evening musical performance on top of The Foundry. While they fill the air with jolly music, you can fill up your bellies with hot chocolate and comfort foods from The Foundry. This event will be $15 per person.
Also, on Friday and Saturday, you can get competitive with one another and join in on a Holiday Scavenger Hunt to meet Eugene and Cory, The Forge’s friendly elves.
More info here
Other Adventures Happening at The Forge:
WINTER CLIMBING ADVENTURES
Adventures
High Ropes Challenges: With 300 high ropes elements to choose from, the fun is literally endless
Free-Fall Rappelling: Rappel from 15+ unique platforms from 15 to 120 feet off the ground
Challenges
185 Easy Elements: Focus on fun over challenge. Get your footing and navigate with ease. Easy elements are clearly marked at the park as levels 1 or 2.
90 Moderate Elements: Maybe you're not quite ready to go full-on daredevil, but you want to test the waters. Look for levels "3" and "4" during your experience.
25 Hard Elements: You're daring, you're adventurous, you have no fear! These elements will push your limits. Our most challenging elements are marked level 5.
More info here
FORGEFIRE GLOBE DINING
Enjoy a unique dining experience even with cold temperatures right at The Forge. Their Cozy see-through globes feature candlelit view of the picturesque Forge Quarry during the winter.
More info here
FAT TIRE RACE & TOUR
This is a great event for adventurous cyclists of all abilities. The race and tour courses helps you explore the trails within the Park and the adjoining trails of the Heritage Quarries Recreation Area and I&M Trails. More info here