
Subscribe
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!
The most wonderful time of year is here. The holidays are fast approaching, and it's time for lights! While you’re out searching for your holiday gifts, take a detour and enjoy these holiday events around the Heritage Corridor.
Lighting Up Lemont:
Where: Historic Downtown Lemont
When: Saturday, December 3rd, 3:00pm – 7:00pm
Come take a stroll around historic downtown Lemont for “Lighting up Lemont.” Enjoy the evening with many events filled with family-fun activities such as carousel rides, Santa visits, tractor rides, lighting displays, musical entertainment, and much more. For a full list of events and street closures, please visit the Village of Lemont website or call (630) 257-1550.
City of La Salle's Celebration of Lights:
Where: 2837 E 5th Road, Rotary Park, La Salle, Illinois
When: 5 to 9pm Tuesday – Thursday and Sunday; 5 to 10pm Fridays and Saturdays
The Celebration of Lights is finally here. This beautiful scenery must not go unnoticed. It is free to view the lights, but donations are always accepted to help grow this extravagant view. While you’re in La Salle, don’t forget to sign up for Breakfast with Santa. This event will be hosted in the Auditorium Ballroom, Saturday December 3rd between 8am and 9:30am. Reservations are required, and the admission price is $10 per person. For more information on these events please call (815) 223-3755 or visit the City of La Salle website.
Ottawa Light Up the Festival Parade:
Where: Downtown Ottawa
When: Friday, November 25th, 6:00pm
Take a stroll through historic Washington Square Park and watch the lights shine. While you’re there, check out some of the other activities as well such as a Santa visit, festive decorations, and the holiday parade.
Village of Bolingbrook Festival of Lights Winter Walk:
Where: Behind Town Center; 375 W. Briarcliff Rd, Bolingbrook
When: December 3rd – January 8th Dusk – 10:00pm
Gather your friends and family to experience the magic of a Winter Wonderland. With events such as tree lighting, bonfires, and hot chocolates with Santa, there are many opportunities for everyone to explore and experience this magic place. For a full list of activities please visit the Village of Bolingbrook’s Festival of Lights Facebook page.
Utica's Christmas in the Village:
Where: Village of North Utica – 248 W. Canal St, Utica
When: Saturday, November 26th – 27th, 11:00am – 5:00pm
Stop by to enjoy a night of horse-drawn carriages, a barbershop quartet, Christmas on the canal vendor show, and business Saturday specials.
Joliet's Light Up the Holidays Festival and Parade:
Where: Downtown Joliet Chicago St.
When: November 25th, 10:00am – 7:00pm
This year’s Light Up the Holiday’s Festival and Parade will include many festive activities, tree, lighting, parade, and fireworks. Unlike last time, the City of Joliet is hosting a Christmas market, horse-drawn carriage rides, and North Pole Park, which includes an iceless skating-rink, inflatable snow-globes, and photo opportunities.
Wilmington's Christkindlmarket at the Holiday Parade:
Where: Wilmington Park District – 100 – 300 N. Water St, Wilmington
When: Saturday, November 25th, 3:00pm – 8:00pm
Get into the holiday spirit during and after the Holiday Parade. After the parade, there will be many opportunities to choose from. These activities include late-night shopping, pictures with Santa, Island Holiday Lights Walk, and much more. Guaranteed to make you holiday cheer.
City of Pontiac Light Up Parade and Tree Lighting:
Where: Downtown Pontiac – 100 N. Mill St, Pontiac
When: Friday, November 25th, 6:00pm
Kick off the holiday season at Pontiac. During the tree lighting, there will be live performances from local talent. Following the tree lighting will be the annual Light Up Parade. After this, there will be many opportunities to meet Santa.
Princeton Christmas Walk and Home for the Holidays Lights:
Where: Princeton, IL
When: Every weekend starting Friday, November 18th – January 1st
Enjoy a night out with Princeton’s Christmas Walk and Home for the Holiday Lights.
Light Up Streator:
Where: Streator, IL - East Main St., City Park
When: Saturday, November 26th, Activities starting at 10:00am, Lighting & Parade start at 6:30
Activities all day, with lighted floats and Santa appearing in the parade! Lighted areas by Light Up Streator and Parade by Keeping Christmas Close to Home.
Also, check out Merry on Main on Friday & Saturday, December 9-10th for shopping, food, drink, raffle, and sales in Downtown Streator!
City of Spring Valley Lighted Christmas Parade:
Where: Starting at Hall High School – 800 W. Erie St, Spring Valley
When: Saturday, November 26th, 6:00pm
Join Spring Valley as they take on their annual Christmas Parade. Parade will begin at Hall High School and travels east on Saint Paul Street to Power Street.
Village of Romeoville Holiday Lights Festival:
Where: Romeoville Village Hall – 1050 W. Romeo Rd, Romeoville
When: Friday & Saturday, December 2nd & 3rd, 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Celebrate the holiday season at Romeoville’s Village Hall with the warm glow of lights! The grounds of Village Hall and the Police Department will be decked out & twinkling from Dec 2 – Jan 1. Explore the different areas and capture the perfect holiday photo with the lights! Be sure to use the hashtag #RomeovilleHoliday.