A mid-1800’s architectural wonder helped make Chicago the city it is today. The 96-mile Illinois & Michigan Canal (I&M Canal) connected the Great Lakes in Bridgeport, Chicago to the Illinois River at LaSalle-Peru, and amazingly unique towns sprung up that maintain their authentic charm to this date.
READ ON!Freedom. The Open Road. The American Dream. All are still alive on The Mother Road. The nostalgia of diners, museums, tourist stops and neon lights are there for you to visit as you make the drive from Chicago to Santa Monica, CA. You can still get your Kicks on Route 66!
READ ON!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 month.
READ ON!The Heritage Corridor is filled with events that are waiting just for you. Live music, fun festivals, learning programs, and active adventures await.
READ ON!Are you looking for a specific type of place to visit in the I&M Canal Heritage Corridor? If you're a craft beer fan, you will love the Heritage Corridor Ale Trail? Seeing a thrilling journey or just an escape, check out Adventure Outside Chicago. We've got all the info to unlock your next trip right here.
READ ON!Take a journey back in time down the Illinois & Michigan Canal National Heritage Area. The I&M Canal Boat reopens for the 2021season, so come aboard on the “Volunteer,” a mule-pulled 1840’s replica canal boat, while it coasts calmly up and down the canal.
Every trip begins with “Mule Tending 101” as the period-dressed guides introduce the passengers to Moe the mule. While the deck hand, mule tender, and boat captain guide the boat one mile up the canal to the Little Vermillion aqueduct and back, tales of the canal are told.
These hour-long rides are typically available from Friday – Sunday through October 31, at 11:30am, 1pm, and 2:30pm. Rides are $20 for adults, $17 for seniors, and $9 for kids. Riders can purchase tickets online and pick them up at the I&M Canal Visitor Center in LaSalle, then walk or drive down to the boat. Stop into Lock 16 Café & Visitor Center for a quick bite to eat or a refreshing beverage. You can also browse through their gifts and exhibits to take home something special.
For more information, visit www.hcdestinations.com/Attractions/IandM-Canal-Boat-Tours