Welcome

WELCOME I&M Canal Towns

Chart a course for the I&M Canal, a mid1800’s architectural wonder that helped make Chicago the city it is today. The 96-mile man-made waterway connected the Great Lakes in Bridgeport, Chicago to the Illinois River at LaSalle-Peru. This proto-highway was soon lined with dozens of lively cities, rich in history and culture. Today, these Canal Towns blend this storied legacy with a modern sophistication - sure to make for a memorable and crowd-pleasing trip.

Retrace the footsteps of the people who transformed the prairie into the expansive and diverse state it is today, filled with exciting industries, delicious dining and plenty of boutique shopping opportunities. The laborers and lock tenders of nearly two centuries ago walked the very same streets that line these quaint waterfront communities. As you retrace their steps, you’ll be struck with an unmistakable sense of adventure and authenticity, a commitment to celebrating the past while paving a bold new path forward.

In this comprehensive TRAVEL guidebook, we hope to merge the past and present of the I&M Canal, inviting you to explore both historic landmarks and exciting new attractions. In the pages within this book you’ll find countless vacation and day trip ideas, pointing you towards hidden gems, local favorite restaurants and activities that are sure to keep the entire family entertained.

ENJOY YOUR TRIP ALONG THE I&M CANAL

- Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau

WELCOME Canal Towns

Come enjoy with us! A view along the Illinois and Michigan Canal State Trail in Lockport, Illinois, one of the many scenic communities you’ll discover along your voyage. This is an access point for the 12 plus mile I&M Canal Centennial Trail.

2022 OFFICIAL HERITAGE CORRIDOR TRAVEL I&M CANAL TOWNS

ADDITIONAL COPIES MAY BE OBTAINED BY WRITING TO: HERITAGE CORRIDOR CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 2701 Black Road, Ste. 201 • Joliet, IL 60435 844-94-HCCVB (844-944-2282) 800-926-CANAL (2262) marketing@hccvbil.com

PUBLISHED BY

est . 1851

110 W Jefferson St. • Ottawa, IL 61350 • mywebtimes.com

PROJECT MANAGEMENT: Laura Shaw COPYWRITING: Ryan Searl DESIGN: Allison LaPorta ADVERTISING SALES: Cheryl Brewer

SPECIAL THANKS FOR OUR GUEST PHOTOGRAPHERS Kathy Casstevens, Jill Pondel, Sandra Rust and Nick Tremmel (Venueworks)

ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY Hegeler Carus Mansion, LaSalle County Historical Society, Forest Preserve District of Will County, Joliet Area Historical Museum and The Ottawa Illinois Visitors Center

A special thank you to our members for your continued commitment to promoting tourism within the Heritage Corridor. Note: Many photos in this guide were captured prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, all efforts were taken to ensure proper social distancing during the production of this guide. All featured events and business hours are subject to change, contact all business and event hosts before planning your trip. Every attempt has been made to verify the information in this publication. Heritage Corridor and Shaw Media assume no liability for incorrect, omitted or outdated information contained herein. To ensure a safe and happy trip, call ahead to verify information.

HERITAGE CORRIDOR CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU PRESIDENT & CEO: Robert Navarro, Ph.D. EXTERNAL PARTNERSHIP MANAGER: Lauren Las TOURISM MANAGER: Kate Meehan MARKETING ASSISTANT: Mariah Scott

TOURISM COORDINATORS: Donna Nordstrom Debbie Krizel

2022-03/35K