The countdown begins! There are only 10 episodes left of Heritage Corridor Destinations’ Secrets and Surprises in Illinois. To celebrate its 40th anniversary, Heritage Corridor Destinations has launched a brand new audio series in January 2024 – this entertaining and informative short-form podcast explores some of the state’s lesser-known historical and cultural milestones.

Narrated by Kevin Kollins, the series, titled “Illinois Secrets and Surprises,” consists of two-minute, bite-sized stories that highlight interesting people, places and things from Illinois’ past. As the podcast enters its final 10 episodes, some of the most unexpected and exciting gems of local history have been saved for the thrilling final episodes.

“Chicagoland radio host Kevin Kollins tells the story to reveal either an Illinois secret or surprise, or both,” announced Robert Navarro, president and CEO of Heritage Corridor Destinations. “I’m so excited to share these audio stories with you about the amazing people, places and things we’ve found throughout Illinois. I hope some of the episodes will inspire listeners to visit the places these stories come from to find out more.”

The series will include 40 episodes when all are released, one for each year Heritage Corridor has served the region. The episodes will highlight unique topics from every corner and era of Illinois. New episodes will be released most Mondays on all major podcast platforms and will run through October. The spots will also air on radio stations across Illinois and can be listened to through popular sites like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and many others.

The first episode highlights the contributions of Illinois entrepreneur JF McCullough – a name you may not know – a man whose contributions line America’s streets and who is reinventing the way we eat and snack in America.

The countdown to the end of the season’s 10 episodes begins with the fascinating story of Franklin Lennox Thomas – an Illinois story you won’t want to miss. The episode was released on Monday, August 12th and is now available on all podcatcher platforms.

If you’re looking for a highlight near you, start with “The Clyde Tombaugh Story.” In just two minutes, the life and times of the Streator native and internationally renowned astronomer are told.

The topics of “Illinois Secrets and Surprises” are wide-ranging and include unusual and unexpected little-known facts about the state’s legendary residents, innovations and unique places. The topics of upcoming episodes remain top secret, but in the episodes already released, you can expect features on popular treats with a local twist, the history of sculptures that break world records, Illinois’ forgotten connection to a common household item and much, much more.

Heritage Corridor Destinations inspires, influences and shapes the visitor experience through tourism partnerships with the communities and counties along the historic I&M Canal National Heritage Corridor, which begins just a few miles southwest of Chicago and extends southwest through Starved Rock Country. The organization is the officially certified bureau for the following counties: Bureau, Grundy, La Salle, Princeton, Putnam and Will. Heritage Corridor Destinations works to attract visitors to the region, promote local businesses and organizations and stimulate economic development.

It markets the region to prospective visitors both domestically and internationally, focusing on overnight and group travel to maximize the economic impact of tourism on communities. The organization partners with communities, hotels, restaurants and other establishments to highlight the region’s unique cultural, historical and natural attractions.

To listen to “Secrets and Surprises in Illinois,” visit hcdestinations.com/secrets-podcast.

To learn more about Heritage Corridor Destinations and explore what to do in Starved Rock Country, The First Hundred Miles of Route 66 and the I&M Canal Town regions, be sure to visit www.HCDestinations.com and follow Heritage Corridor Destinations on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.