There are reasons people are flocking to Heritage Corridor region
Whether you are planning a vacation or planning a corporate event, there is one thing that most are looking for. An escape. And the towns of the I&M Canal Heritage Corridor are seeing people escape from the big city or suburbia to embark on new adventures and exploration. The Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau has helped with that, as counties in the region are seeing increases in tourism numbers and hitting record numbers.
The first 100 miles of Route 66
One amazingly popular escape from Chicago is hitting the road on the first 100 miles of Route 66. Popular craft breweries like Flapjack Brewery, Garage Band Brewing Company, MyGrain Brewing Company, Route 66 Old School Brewing and more are just minutes off the famous road, and are perfect for hosting your corporate event.
Roadside stops are perfect for "filling up" at a mom & pop diner or snapping the perfect selfie. The 30-foot tall Gemini Giant stands guard at Wilmington's The Launching Pad Drive In. Fiberglass statues of Elvis, Betty Boop, James Dean and more will meet you at The Polk-a-Dot Drive In in Wilmington.
There are great attractions as well, including Harrah's Joliet, Old Joliet Prison, Haunted Trails Entertainment Park, and more. Make your way to Pontiac, Illinois for a quintessential Route 66 town. It's home to Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame, Pontiac Oakland Automobile Museum, the world's largest outdoor painted Route 66 sign, swinging bridges and much more. Grab a bite to eat at Edinger's Filling Station, the Old Log Cabin, or many other nostalgic restaurants.
The unique charm of the Illinois & Michigan Canal
Chicago's reputation as a shipping capital started in part due to the Illinois & Michigan Canal. You have to go back to a time before cars and railways were prevalent. The Illinois & Michigan Canal connected the Great Lakes to the Illinois River, and in turn, the Mississippi River and Gulf of Mexico.
Those limestone-built towns along the I&M Canal still boast that unique charm of yesteryear, striving to keep its unique architecture and historic flair. Combined with modern restaurants, boutique stores and fun events the communities provide a warm downtown feel and the perfect escape from everyday life.
You'll love walking into stores like Joliet's ItIsAmazing, Ottawa's "a mess of Things" and Prairie Fox Books, Braidwood's Countryside Village, or Morris' Jakins & Such Pretties and Ruby Begonia's. You will be surprised and delighted by dining at Lockport's Tallgrass and Public Landing Restaurants, Peru's MarkAllen's American Kitchen, Ottawa's The Lone Buffalo and Joliet's Final Cut Steakhouse.
The I&M Canal Boat, located in LaSalle, truly transports you to the late 1800s with their authentic method of travel. Learn more about the history of the Canal at the Joliet Area Historical Museum, Will County Historical Society and Museum, and the LaSalle County Historical Museum.
Adventure outside Chicago in Starved Rock Country
Whether you're looking to take the at-home family or the work-family, the Starved Rock Country area is a true escape to nature. Starved Rock Lodge, nestled within Starved Rock State Park, is a picturesque lodge featuring event space for weddings and conferences. Visitors can enjoy a great meal in the dining hall or a drink in the Back Door Lounge. Stepping onto their beautiful overlook, one can gaze into the beautiful trees of the Park, catch the nearby Illinois River, and search for soaring wildlife in the skies.
Then, visitors can start their hike into the beautiful State Park, exploring naturally-chiseled sandstone canyons and searching for seasonal waterfalls. Visitors can also take a five-minute drive to nearby Matthiessen State Park, which is equally as picturesque.
If you want to amp up the adventure, go sky diving at Sky Dive Chicago in Ottawa or zip lining in Marseilles at Zip Chicago. If you want to search for handcrafted beverages, nearby August Hill Winery, Tangled Roots Brewery and Star Union Spirits are perfect locations to wet your whistle. There are many nearby independent restaurants and boutique stores in the towns of Ottawa, Utica, and LaSalle that are all within a 10-minute drive from the State Park.
Your source for escape
Make sure to visit HeritageCorridorCVB.com to find out more about how you can escape from the big city and suburbia to find a unique vacation for your family or a memorable event location for your corporate outing. Our staff is ready to help you create your next adventure.
• Robert Navarro is president and CEO of the Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau.