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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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Illinois Waterway Visitor Center
950 N. 27th Road, Route 1 Ottawa, IL 61350
815-667-4054
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This Visitor Center is located across the Illinois River from Starved Rock State Park, offering a great view of Starved Rock. View Starved Rock Lock & Dam and enjoy interacting with towboat Pilot House, while you learn about Illinois River's unique history and watch wildlife. History detectives can discover displays about early users of the Illinois River, the I&M Canal and how water transportation transformed the United States. Throughout the summer the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers offer five free Illinois Safe Boating classes at the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center in Ottawa, Illinois. Today and in the future, the responsibility for safe use of the Illinois Waterway rest with the recreation users. Boaters, anglers and hunters need to include safety in their trip planning.

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Top 5 Bike Trails

What's Nearby?

Scenes from Around the Corridor