Nestled between Lake Michigan and the Illinois River in the northeastern part of the state, Heritage Corridor Destinations offers abundant opportunities for exploration, from top attractions like Starved Rock State Park and the First 100 Miles of Route 66 to tow towns along the Illinois & Michigan Canal.
The 96-mile (155km) Illinois & Michigan Canal (I&M Canal) connected the Great Lakes in Chicago to the Illinois River at LaSalle-Peru. This “highway” allowed for many cities along the Canal to come to life—today, today, these cities blend history with a modern sophistication that make for a delightful trip. With delightful restaurants like Tallgrass Restaurant in Lockport and Nick’s Tavern in Lemont, boutique shops like Betty’s in Morris and Weeta’s Boutique in Ottawa, and exciting attractions like SkyDive Chicago in Ottawa and Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, a visit to the I&M Canal is an experience to remember.
There are many great stops along the First 100 Miles of Route 66, from the Route 66 Welcome Center at the Joliet Area Historical Museum to the 20 Walldog murals found throughout downtown Pontiac. Don’t miss local favorites like the two-cell jail in Gardner and the Polk-a-Dot Drive-in in Braidwood. And don’t miss the Gemini Giant, one of the last remaining “Muffler Men” along America’s Main Street.
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 months, but the area known as Starved Rock Country contains so much more. Nearby Matthiessen State Park and Buffalo Rock State Park offer more views of the landscape. Don’t forget about some of the great restaurants, like The Lone Buffalo or The Pink Chihuahua in Ottawa, for some tasty bites.
