Illinois’ Heritage Corridor Destinations starts just southwest of Chicago and follows the historic Illinois & Michigan Canal for nearly 100 miles to Starved Rock State Park, one of the state’s most scenic sites. It’s a region filled with history, charming towns, and stunning natural beauty—here are three ways to make the most of your trip.
Discover the First Hundred Miles of Route 66
Known as “The Mother Road”, Route 66 stretches for about 2,500 miles (4,000 km) from downtown Chicago to Santa Monica, California, passing one-of-a-kind roadside attractions and hundreds of small towns on its way across America. Heritage Corridor Destinations is home to the First Hundred Miles of Route 66—along the way you’ll find amazing photo ops, mom-and-pop-diners and other unique attractions. Don’t miss the Old Joliet Prison, the Gemini Giant statue in Wilmington, and Route 66 murals and the Route 66 Museum and Hall of Fame in Pontiac.
Visit towns along the I&M Canal
The 96-mile (155 km) Illinois & Michigan Canal is a water route that was constructed in the mid-1800s and connected the Great Lakes in Chicago with the Illinois River (and eventually the Mississippi River), boosting the shipping industry and helping make Chicago the thriving city it is today. These days, the towns located along the I&M Canal offer an enticing mix of history and modern amenities worth exploring. Notable stops along the route include Joliet (home to unique attractions like the Old Joliet Prison and the Joliet Iron Works Historic Site), Ottawa, Lockport, and Lemont (which offers ziplining, hiking, and paddling at The Forge: Lemont Quarries).
Enjoy nature in Starved Rock Country
Starved Rock State Park is a natural gem in Illinois. Located along the Illinois River, the 2,630-acre (10 square km) park is well-known for its steep sandstone canyons and waterfalls, as well as hiking trails, camping opportunities, and a historic lodge. The park is part of the larger Starved Rock Country, which includes nearby Matthiessen State Park and Buffalo Rock State Park, as well as friendly communities like Ottawa, LaSalle, and Utica.
