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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The holiday season is near, so it’s time to get into the jolly spirit! Around the Corridor, several of our cities have something fun for you to experience this season. From parades to tree lighting ceremonies and even a special visit from Santa himself!
Here are some holiday special events you can attend with the whole family below:
Spring Valley, IL
Christmas in the Valley
November 13, 2021
Join Spring Valley for a full day of holiday fun that is great for all ages. Begin the day with breakfast with Santa, then performances by Brass Quintet, IVCC Jazz Band and Harmony Guaranteed Barbershop Quartet. There will be reindeers, trolley rides, specialty shopping & sales, vendor fair, and much more! These are just a few locations around the Corridor that are having holiday celebrations, be sure to check back for any updates.
Pontiac, IL
Light Up Parade and Tree Lighting
November 26, 2021
This year, they will be combining two of the holiday celebrations into one big event! On Friday, the evening will start with their annual tree lighting ceremony. This year, they will be featuring the unveiling of a new lighted sculpture. Then immediately after, the lighting parade will begin.
Joliet, IL
Light Up the Holidays Festival & Parade
November 26, 2021
Activities will begin downtown as early as 10AM and will include the Joliet Public Library, Jitter Coffeehouse, Chicken-n-Spice, Chevere Latin Café, JJC City Center Campus and more! Also, you can ride with good ol’ Saint Nicholas during the parade.
Ottawa, IL
Festival of Lights
November 26, 2021
Join in on all the full downtown Ottawa where you can enjoy their holiday parade at 6PM then following right after the parade, stick around for the fireworks as they light up the sky. Then lastly, deck the parks with your family.
Lemont, IL
Hometown Holiday
December 4, 2021
There is plenty to do in Lemont for the holidays. Begin by strolling through the historic downtown during “Lighting Up Lemont” as their Christmas lights display throughout the quaint family-owned shops, restaurants, brewery, and pubs. You can also enjoy other events such as the Tractors for Toys, Holi-Dazzle Light Decorating contest, Frigid 5K, Senior Holiday Luncheon, Santa’s Merry & Bright PJ Night and more! There will also be a special visit from Santa at The Forge.