Meet Abraham Lincoln

What better way to learn history than actually being there? Travel back to 1848 as Illinois Congressman Abraham Lincoln salutes the opening of the I&M Canal. This free, 45-minute outdoor program will take place at three locations throughout the day and is the first event in our year-long 175th Anniversary celebration.

·      11:00 AM in Joliet, Illinois, on the steps of the Will County Courthouse

·      1:30 PM in Morris, Illinois, on the steps of the Grundy County Courthouse

·      4:00 PM in Ottawa, Illinois, in Washington Square Park, with short reception to follow at Reddick Mansion

Other events Celebrating the I&M Canal's 17th Anniversary:
April 12: Mass at St. James at Sag Bridge at 3pm

• Catholic Mass will be celebrated by Pere Jacques Marquette and S.J. at St. James at Sag Bridge. There will be a reception to follow in the parish hall. 

April 14: 26th Annual Boat Captain's Lunchoen from 11:30am - 1:30pm at Bolingbrook Golf Club

• The Boat Captain's Luncheon, started by Canal Corridor Association Chairman, John Trutter, in 1992, is an annual gathering of canal supporters from throughout the IMCNHA celebrating the work and passion of its volunteers. The 26th Boat Captain's Luncheon will take place on Friday, April 14th, 2023, from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, held at the stunning Bolingbrook Golf Club, located at 2001 Rodeo Drive, Bolingbrook, Illinois.

April 15: Louis Jolliet: A Solid Path through water from 7pm-9pm at Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park and Theatre

• This is a one-act, one-person play written and performed by Jim Healy in honor of the 350th Anniversary of Father Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet's voyage down the Mississippi River in 1673. 

April 16: Untold African American Stories from 1pm - 2pm at Lock 16 Cafe

• The Canal Corridor Association will host an Illinois Humanities Road Scholars Speakers Bureau presentation entitled “Untold African American Stories” by Mary Francis. Ms. Frances will give a brief story about each of the ten large images of African Americans in her presentation and encourage audience engagement.

April 16-23: I&M Canal Cleanup days

April 22 - Lemont Junior Ranger Day from 10am - 4pm at The Forge: Lemont Quarries

• Celebrate Earth Day with the whole family. Meet a National Park Service ranger and learn about America’s first National Heritage Area. You will receive a Junior Ranger badge, a certificate, and knowledge. 

April 29: The Chicago Portage - A Lasting Gift from 1pm - 3pm at Lyons Public Library

• Presented by Richard Lanyon, this is not just a story; it is still a vital vein of Midwest commerce. Local author and historian Dick Lanyon will take us on a journey through the development of a waterway route.