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.
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. The area known as Starved Rock Country contains so much more!
Start the day off right with a trolley ride in the Starved Rock area. Nearby the Westclox Museum and Weber House and Garden tour will offer more views of the landscape. You will also learn about the rich history and significance of the area! Don't miss out on some of the great restaurants, like Uptown Grill in LaSalle, IL for some tasty bites. Starved Rock is more than a day trip, and is definitely full of more adventure than you'd expect.
Starved Rock Trolley Ride
Learn about the rich history and legends of Starved Rock State Park and Lodge as the trolley takes you to Buffalo Rock State Park, through historic downtown Utica and to the Starved Rock Visitor Center.
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Westclox Museum
The company that began waking America up in 1885- the Westclox Museum tells the story of not only the company, but of the people who worked there.
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Lunch at Starved Rock Lodge
Enjoy a delicious meal in the magnificent Starved Rock Lodge, after a relaxing meal, feel free to freshen up before a continued day of adventure.
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Weber House and Gardens Tour
Sitting on 2 acres, you'll be fully immersed in the storybook/Tudor architecture and English-style gardens with an intimate look at American history through the eyes of Ted Weber—a Chicago-area radio and TV personality for over 50 years.
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Bus tour of Streator Murals
In 2018, the internationally renowned "WallDogs" brought 260 artists to Streator to paint 17 murals throughout the city.
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Dinner at Uptown Grill
This fifth-generation family run restaurant brings an extensive and flavorful menu to the Starved Rock Area that will make you want to come back for seconds.
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Return to Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center
After breakfast at the hotel, get ready for a morning full of adventure and hiking at the Starved Rock State Park. After taking in the beauty that is Starved Rock take time to connect with the history of the area. Immerse yourself in the past while exploring the local area and taking a canal boat road on a one-of-a-kind mule-pulled boat!
Breakfast at Starved Rock Lodge
Free time at Starved Rock State Park
Join a guided hike, hear the history of the Lodge, or just enjoy a peaceful morning in nature before the day's adventure begins.
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Captain's I&M Canal Tour
Step back into 1848 with our period-clothed “salty” boat crew and two friendly mules guiding you along the historic Illinois & Michigan Canal for an hour-long ride followed by a hearty hot meal in the I&M Canal Visitor Center.
Explore downtown Utica
Before hitting the highway, take some time to explore downtown Utica. Take a look at Clarks Run Antiques, August Hill Winery, and get something tasty at Cajun Connection.