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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Just because there is snow on the ground, doesn’t mean you can embrace nature and head out for a hike at Starved Rock State Park. I recently sat down with Lisa, from the Starved Rock State Park Visitors Center to learn about how to prepare for a winter hike, and here are some of her tips:
Of course Lisa and the staff want to see you, but even more than that, you can grab a map of Starved Rock State Park, ask the front desk staff for trail suggestions and updates and learn the history of the area
Before you head to the park, make sure to check the weather and be aware of how much snow may be on the ground, or any snow, ice or frozen rain is expected during your trip. Also, keep in mind that unlike many city parks, the trails of Starved Rock State Park are not shoveled, plowed or salted.
Make sure to wear layers, this will keep you warm and if you get warm during the hike you can shed your top layer. Also remember to wear shoes that have traction or wear Yaktrax!
Pack your water bottle, a snack (but be sure to take any trash with you!), a walking stick for extra support and a mini first aid kit, just in case!
For more information, watch my “Kate Learns Something” video, where I interview Lisa, and she gets more specific!
Happy Hiking!