Plan your Spring around the Corridor
The road is calling! Hop in the car and see what Spring in the Heritage Corridor has in store for you. From The First Hundred Miles of Route 66 to the charming towns along the I&M Canal and out to Starved Rock Country, Heritage Corridor Destinations has endless options for you to experience a relaxing getaway, thrilling journey, dynamic dishes, and lively entertainment.
Relaxing Getaways
Starved Rock Lodge & Historic Log Cabins
Oglesby, IL
Nestled in the much-loved Starved Rock State Park (the seventh most-Instagrammed state park in the country!), this authentic log-built lodge is one of the most unique places to stay in the Midwest. When you stay at Starved Rock Lodge, you’re just steps from hiking trails full of canyons and seasonal waterfalls – and Spring is one of the best times to see these beautiful natural falls! After exploring, relax in the indoor pool complex, taste dishes from award-winning, onsite restaurants and bars, and maybe even enjoy a band on the patio.
Kishauwau Cabins
Tonica, IL
Break away from the daily hassles of life and plan a trip to Kishauwau Cabins. Just a 2-hour drive southwest of Chicago in LaSalle County, these romantic cabins are spread throughout 65 acres of wooded landscape above the Vermilion River. With 17 different cabins, Kishauwau is the perfect place for travelers to experience family vacations, reunions, romantic getaways, and even dog-friendly stays.
Fox River Bed & Breakfast
Ottawa, IL
Surrounded by 17-acres of lovely nature, this historic Victorian-style farmhouse sits along the picturesque Fox River. Guests from all over the world come to view the beautiful sandstone cliffs that stretch along the Fox River. With both Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks just minutes away, Fox River Bed and Breakfast is a bucket-list getaway for sure. Canoe along the river, hike, and bike at both State Parks, admire the different species of birds, or head downtown to refresh your wardrobe at unique boutiques!
Thrilling Journeys
The Forge: Lemont Quarries
Lemont, IL
Stretched across 300-acres of historic land, the Forge Parks offers year-round outdoor recreational activities that exhilarate, educate, and entertain adventure seekers of all ages and abilities. From mountain biking and rock climbing to kayaking and canoeing, the Forge offers any activity you can imagine. Come venture this 300-acre adventure park to discover outdoor activities, events & concerts, and even dining options.
Kayak Starved Rock Campground
Ottawa, IL
Kayak at the #1 State Park in the Midwest region. With 18 canyons and the towering St. Peters Sandstone Bluffs, Kayak Starved Rock is the perfect place for travelers to enjoy educational and entertaining tips, one-of-a-kind views, and soaring eagles. With over 3 million visitors a year, come find out why this campground is a major Midwest attraction. You can even rent kayaks for the day or just a few hours!
Skydive Chicago
Ottawa, IL
If you’re feeling adventurous, take a trip over to Ottawa and sign-up for skydiving sessions with Skydive Chicago. Nestled along the Fox River and home of the World VFS Champions and National Silver FS Medalists, Skydive Chicago is the Midwest’s world-class skydiving resort offering classes from beginners to experienced jumpers. Make it a weekend trip and stay the night in one of their cozy cabins along the river.
Hornbaker Gardens
Princeton, IL
Just 5 miles southeast of Princeton, IL, Hornbaker Gardens is a destination garden center, arboretum and botanic garden that attracts plant enthusiasts from across the country. This lovely garden hosts over 400 varieties of hostas and a large selection of daylilies, trees & shrubs, grasses, aquatics, annuals, and other perennials. Bring your family to bask in the beauty with garden tours and children’s gardens.
Dynamic Dishes and Creative Drinks
Al’s Steakhouse
Joliet, IL
Al’s Steakhouse is the oldest, established, upscale dining restaurant in Joliet. With a warm atmosphere and beautiful décor, Al’s has earned a reputation of having the best charbroiled steaks in the area, and fresh fish too. Their special Grecian-style steaks and double baked potatoes are sure to curb your appetite.
Public Landing
Lockport, IL
Housed in Lockport’s historic Gaylord Building, the Public Landing restaurant offers spacious outdoor seating that overlooks the I&M Canal and the Lincoln Landing Park for you to enjoy the warm spring weather that’s on the way. Public Landing serves up classic American cuisine with fresh ingredients in a beautiful setting.
Lone Buffalo by Tangled Roots
Ottawa, IL
Located near Starved Rock State Park, the Lone Buffalo boasts delicious meals and locally made craft beer in a comfortable atmosphere. With a menu ranging from pub burgers and salads to ribs and salmon, the chefs here use the freshest ingredients from local farmers.
Home Cut Donuts
Joliet, IL
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, Home Cut Donuts in Joliet has been baking fresh donuts since 1966. Satisfy your sweet tooth this Spring and check out over 45 varieties of donuts, eclairs, cinnamon rolls, muffins, and cookies – and hot & fresh coffee at any time of day!
Bruce & Ollie’s
Utica, IL
Even if it doesn’t quite feel like Spring weather is here yet, it’s always time to treat yourself to some dessert – you deserve it! Located inside the Bickerman Building on Mill Street in Utica, you’ll find this charming shop that serves up ice cream, coffee, deli sandwiches, soups, salads, and even craft beer & wine. Grab a seat in their spacious café and enjoy your ice cream!
Lively Entertainment
Rialto Square Theatre
Joliet, IL
Right in the heart of the city center lies the Jewel of Joliet, the Rialto Square Theatre. Considered one of the 10 most beautiful theatres in the nation, the Rialto brings in top talent on a regular basis. Whether you prefer comedy, concerts, musicals, or dance, the Rialto will always remain entertaining. Be sure to arrive early to admire the intricate design of the theatre, which has an inner lobby modeled after the Hall of Mirrors in the Palace of Versailles, an arch that will remind you of the Arc de Triomphe, and a gorgeous 20” eight-arm crystal chandelier, nicknamed the Duchess.
On tap this Spring:
Hollywood Casino
Joliet, IL
Experience thrilling action on over 1,100 slot and video poker machines, and tables. The 50,000 square foot gaming floor features games such as blackjack, craps, roulette and more. If you’re in the mood for some grub after all that gaming, check out their steak house, buffets, and bars.
Harrah’s Joliet Hotel & Casino
Joliet, IL
With over 200 rooms, thrilling table games and slots, Harrah’s Joliet Hotel & Casino is your one stop shop this Spring for fun and entertainment. After a day on the slots, indulge of one of their many dining options ranging from quick bites to fine dining.
FREE VISITORS GUIDE
FREE VISITORS GUIDE
