Put a little FUN in your next meeting FUNction with unique venues just southwest of Chicago
There are unique and engaging opportunities for your next board meeting, staff retreat or training session just southwest of Chicago along I-80 and I-55. The Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau is your source for "experiential and fun" meeting locations in the region. These locations will provide the traditional meeting space bundled with unique experiences to put a little FUN in your next function.
From escape rooms and brewery tours to hiking and old prison tours. Let the CVB help you get started on planning your next meeting experience.
As the Forest Preserve District of Will County suggests Reconnect with Nature - enjoy guided hikes and trolley tours at Starved Rock State Park Lodge & Conference Center (Oglesby); view an impressive seasonal waterfall at Matthiessen State Park (Utica); enjoy the scenic riverwalk at the Four Rivers Educational Center (Channahon); or meet nestled away at the Isle la Cache Museum (Romeoville). All 2,630 acres of Starved Rock State Park are stunning, but the waterfalls are what truly make a hike through the canyons and trails worth it.
Meet in one of the many canal towns and explore the historic charm and vibrant specialty retail and dining options. Lewis University's (Romeoville) many classrooms and meeting spaces offer an ideal location for large or small business functions. After your meeting, tour the Isle la Cache Museum. In Lockport, the downtown offers a unique meeting space, restaurant, and museum opportunity all rolled into one at the Gaylord Building (Lockport). This National Register of Historic Places site also includes a wonderful exhibit exploring the creation and commercial value of the Illinois & Michigan Canal and Gallery 7 artists' displays.
The Grundy County Historical Society (Morris) offers a nice retreat location to explore local history and meet away from traditional conference centers. The location is just minutes/steps away from Gebhard Woods and the I&M Canal tow path.
The 407 Building and Reddick Mansion offer great board retreat locations just a few steps from the meeting of the Illinois and Fox Rivers in downtown Ottawa. Of course, for an adventure filled meeting enjoy a boat ride or water sport activity provided by Quest Water Sports (Ottawa). The Uptown Grill, Lock 16 and Hegeler Carus Mansion all provide unique spaces in historic downtown LaSalle.
If you're looking to "escape" the region offers a few escape rooms for team building activities. The bank heist at Plainfield Lanes is sure to get the adrenaline pumping as you try to find the money escape before the police. Also, the Escape hOUR room (Bolingbrook) offers two rooms - the wild West saloon/high noon and unsportsmanlike conduct. So, utilize local meeting space then gather your team to work together to escape these rooms. If you're interested in a more traditional "escape" bundle your meeting with a tour of the Old Collins Street Prison (Joliet) - tours consists of general grounds and a few famous cells. Both Rialto Square Theatre and Joliet Area Historical Museum are great locations for your next fun event.
The Bolingbrook Golf Club offers 6 great meeting spaces for groups from 5-800, as well as an 18-hole championship golf course and driving range. The Nest is a great on-site restaurant for a meal or a beer.
If you're craving a little excitement as part of your meeting, we would love to see you in J-Town! (Joliet) The Autobahn Country Club and Chicagoland Speedway both offer unique driving and/or riding experiences as a great added value meeting experience. Get the adrenaline rushing as you race around one of the exciting tracks. With Hollywood Casino Joliet and Harrah's Casino Joliet both offering traditional meeting locations, try your luck in-between meetings.
Get Your Kicks with your Meeting on 66. The beloved Rialto Square Theatre (Joliet) and interactive Joliet Area Historical Museum/Route 66 Welcome Center both offer fun and unique locations for your upcoming business function. The museum offers a scenic rooftop space, or lower level space in which to host your event. Further south on old Route 66, immerse your group in authentic Route 66 memorabilia at either the Route 66 Hall of Fame Museum (Pontiac) or the Eagle Performing Arts & Conference Center (Pontiac).
Pair your next meeting with a wine and/or beer tasting at one of the following unique locations: Pollyanna Brewing (Lemont); MyGrain Brewing Company (Joliet); Lone Buffalo Restaurant (Ottawa); and August Hill Winery & Illinois Sparkling Company Tasting Room (Utica). For more information about all of the unique brewery offerings in the area, visit HeritageCorridorCVB.com/AleTrail.
Tangled Roots Brewing Company (Ottawa) includes The Lone Buffalo "farm-to-table" restaurant. With meeting space overlooking the copper kettles - this location combines a great meeting space, delicious restaurant and brewery all under one roof.
Private events are special at August Hill Winery & Illinois Sparkling Company's private tasting room and meeting spaces. This combined location in downtown Utica features locally-made handcrafted wines, with wine tastings and flights, gallery of local art, outdoor patio all great for private events.
Insure that your next meeting, special event or workshop includes inspiration - courtesy of the unique venues in the region and the knowledgeable staff of the Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau. Call at (800) 926-2262 or go to HeritageCorridorCVB.com for meeting ideas.
• Robert Navarro is president & CEO of the I & M Canal Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau.