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Canal Towns

Canal Towns

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. 

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Canal Towns News Plan Your Season of Road Trips by Getting the Free Travel I&M Canal Towns Guide
Route 66

Route 66

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!

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Route 66 News Meet Jennifer Bronk from Bronkberry Farms in Plainfield, IL
Starved Rock

Starved Rock

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.

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Starved Rock News Starved Rock Country Welcome Center & Illinois Made Gift Shoppe
Events

Events

The Heritage Corridor is filled with events that are waiting just for you.  Live music, fun festivals, learning programs, and active adventures await.

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All Events Submit Your Event Lodging Packages Music / Performing Arts Festivals
Events News Fireworks at the Joliet Slammers Stadium
I Want To...

I Want To ...

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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Read the Blog Flock to the Rock Grab a Beer Shop Small Find Adventure Sip Some Wine Plan My Wedding Plan a Meeting
I Want To... News 10 Picturesque Winter Images from Around the Heritage Corridor
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Summer Fun in the Corridor



05/14/2025 by  
Wilmington’s Gemini Giant Before GPS and glowing billboards, there were giants—towering fiberglass sentinels standing guard over America’s highways. Known as Muffler Men, these 18- to 30-foot-tall figures were originally designed in the 1960s as eye-catc...READ MORE

Buy Two, Get One Free – All Year at the Starved Rock Country Welcome Center!

 05/13/2025 by  
We’re running a Buy Two, Get One Free offer all year long at the Starved Rock Country Welcome Center Gift Shoppe—open daily from 12 PM to 6 PM in North Utica, IL. This special applies to specific products during specific months, so there’s always somethi...READ MORE

Tangled Roots Craft Beer & Kitchen Opens in Downtown Washington, IL

 05/07/2025 by  
Tangled Roots Expands to Washington Square  Tangled Roots Brewing Company, one of our standout regional members, has just opened its newest location in downtown Washington, Illinois. With craft beer, locally sourced food, and a strong commitment to community, this ...READ MORE
A Foodie Favorite in Wilmington: Nelly’s on Route 66

Foodie Favorite: Nelly's on Route 66

 03/25/2025 by  
In a town known for its small-town charm and Route 66 history, Nelly’s on Route 66 has carved out its place as a go-to stop for great food and friendly service. Opened in 2007, Nelly’s began as a walk-up stand with a simple mission: serve fresh, flavorful food fa...READ MORE

Member Spotlight: Illinois Rock & Roll Museum & Audiophil’s Records

03/20/2025 by  
Member Spotlight: Illinois Rock & Roll Museum & Audiophil’s Records – A Music Lover’s Must-Visit in Joliet Music has always been a big part of Illinois’ identity. Some of the most influential rock, blues, and jazz artists have roots her...READ MORE

Rising Star in American Craft Distilling

 12/12/2024 by  
  Bob Windy and Jeff Yosowitz, founders of Star Union Spirits, are redefining the craft distilling scene in the Midwest. Their distillery, located in the historic Westclox building in Peru, Illinois, has quickly become a symbol of innovation in the American ...READ MORE

What to Do in the Heritage Corridor This Winter

 12/03/2024 by  
The Heritage Corridor is full of festive activities to make your winter season unforgettable. From markets to tree lightings, here’s your guide to the best events in chronological order: Holiday in the Park When: December 6, 2024 Where: Morris-Goold Park, ...READ MORE

I&M Canal and Centennial Trail Connection Officially Open: A New Link for Scenic Adventures

 11/05/2024 by  
On October 7, a ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the grand opening of a trail connection linking the 3.26-mile Centennial Trail with the 11-mile I&M Canal Trail. This new pathway offers the public 14.5 miles of uninterrupted, scenic trail, spanning from Lemont to Joliet an...READ MORE

Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor Festival

 04/24/2023 by  
  Celebrate the 16th Annual Illinois Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor Festival on May 3rd & 4th, 2025. This two-day festival emphasizes family fun on one of the most famous two-way highway in America - Route 66. This annual festival invites everyone to...READ MORE

Scenes from the Corridor