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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Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. To properly start your day off right, we have a list of places in the Heritage Corridor where you can enjoy your breakfast while gaining energy for the day.
Thyme Craft Kitchen Peru, IL Midwest farm fresh ingredients, seasonal chef elevated dishes with unique flavors to start off your morning right. Also, you can come back later for their crafted cocktails, midwest beer & whiskies, and hand selected worldwide organic wines.
Jitters Joliet, IL Located just two blocks from the Rialto Square Theatre and Harrah’s Casino, you can stop in for breakfast or lunch. Their specialties include pastries and sandwiches made fresh daily. Try their fresh brewed coffee and espresso drinks for a morning burst.
Clayton's Tap Morris, IL Generations have been gathering for food and spirits at Clayton’s Tap for over 40 years. Clayton’s Tap is your place to grab tasty breakfast that will give you the burst of energy you need before starting your day.
Cherry Hill Café Joliet, IL Their menu offers a variety of breakfast creations that are both delicious and filling. Not only that, you get an amazing value here with the amount of food on each plate.
Home Cut Donuts Joliet, IL Start your day with something sweet at this local favorite coffee and donut shop. They have over 55 years of early-morning experience, serving over 45 varieties or donuts, eclairs, cinnamon rolls, muffins and cookies to help satisfy your sweet tooth.
The New Chalet Restaurant Ottawa, IL Voted one of the best restaurants on Ottawa, they are only minutes away from Starved Rock State Park. You can enjoy an old home cooked meal made to perfection.
Nonie’s Bakery Utica, IL A family-owned bakery that serves breakfast and lunch. Inside their shop, you can sit back and relax in their quiet environment to connect with your family before a day of exploring Starved Rock State Park.
Lock 16 Café and Visitor Center La Salle, IL Enjoy this Illinois & Michigan Canal restaurant and visitor center that offers homemade desserts, specialty coffee and plenty of unique things to purchase. Dine then shop all in the same place.
Bruce & Ollie's Utica, IL Proudly serving Capannari's Ice Cream, Deli sandwiches, soups, salads, craft beer/wine, and breakfast in a family-friendly setting.
These are just a few of the many places you can sit down and enjoy your breakfast down the Heritage Corridor. Be sure to check out our website for more locations down Route 66, along the I&M Canal, and Starved Rock Country.