Heritage Corridor Destinations - TRAVEL - I & M Canal Towns - 2024 by Shaw Media

I&M Canal Towns

CHICAGOLAND’S ADVENTURE PARK

Located just 22 miles southwest of Chicago, The Forge: Lemont Quarries has something to exhilarate, educate, and entertain adventurers of all ages and abilities.

Plan your day of family fun activities, including climbing, ziplining, laser tag, biking, kayaking, archery, axe throwing, scavenger hunts, and more!

*Reverse this guide to read about travel in Starved Rock Country and to find listings of Attractions, Accommodations, Food & Beverage, Antiques & Boutiques, and Services & Organizations in the Heritage Corridor region

WELCOME TO HERITAGE CORRIDOR DESTINATIONS. Formerly known as The Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau, Heritage Corridor Destinations is a non-profit dedicated to bringing you the latest information on three of Illinois' top vacation destinations –Starved Rock Country, the I&M Canal and The First Hundred Miles of Route 66. Through a trio of travel guides, a comprehensive new website and various social media accounts, you can explore all of the attractions, dining, lodging and shopping that these exciting regions have to offer.

ADDITIONAL COPIES MAY BE OBTAINED BY WRITING TO: HERITAGE CORRIDOR DESTINATIONS

2701 Black Road, Ste. 201 • Joliet, IL 60435 844-94-HCCVB (844-944-2282) 800-926-CANAL (2262) marketing@hcdestinations.com

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

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SPECIAL THANKS FOR OUR PHOTOGRAPHERS

Sandra Rust, James Miller, Cesar Cardenas, Ryan Searl and Molly Hebda Photography

A special thank you to our members for your continued commitment to promoting tourism within the Heritage Corridor.

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 Heritage Corridor and Shaw Media assume no liability for incorrect, omitted or outdated information contained herein.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 DESTINATIONS

PRESIDENT & CEO: Robert Navarro, Ph.D.

PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT MANAGER: Lauren Las

MARKETING COORDINATOR: Claire Mierzwa

TOURISM MANAGER: Kate Meehan

WELCOME CENTER MANAGER: Jennifer Lowery

MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR: Jackie Siefert

TOURISM COORDINATORS

Bridget Gervasi

Donna Nordstrom

Cathy Rosen

2024-08/50K

WELCOME to the I&M Canal

When you travel along the I&M Canal, you’re retracing the footsteps of people who transformed an unsettled 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 restaurants. In the pages within this book you’ll find countless vacation and day trip ideas, pointing you towards hidden gem attractions, local favorite restaurants and activities that are sure to keep the entire family entertained.

A TIMELESS DESTINATION on the canal

Long before major thoroughfares like Interstate 80 and Route 66 passed through Joliet, this city of industry and excitement welcomed scores of travelers along the storied Illinois and Michigan Canal. Nestled on the banks of the DuPage and Des Plaines Rivers, with half-adozen smaller waterways criss-crossing the city, Joliet quickly became a major hub for transportation and manufacturing in Illinois, earning it the nickname “The Cross-Roads of Mid-America”.

Arts and culture soon followed the arrival of industries like quarries, lumber yards and, later, steel mills. Almost overnight, Joliet

grew from a small outcropping of farms into one of the most populous towns in the Midwest. At the height of the waterway’s popularity in 1882, well over a million tons of lumber, stone and grain passed through the Joliet locks. These goods, and this pivotal canal town, would help to expand Chicago into one of the great international cities and transform Illinois from an upstart prairie community into an economic and cultural powerhouse.

While you may not arrive by mule-pulled canal boat for your visit to Joliet today, you will still be treated to the same hospitality and lively atmosphere that gained it fame

nearly 150 years ago. As you walk the streets, you’ll see Joliet is still steeped in canal history and lore. You’ll find traces of the past in the city’s scenic nature areas and public parks, the boutique shops, restaurants and entertainment venues housed in historic downtown buildings, as well as in the museums and public art dedicated to preserving the legacy of this sprawling, and authentic, canal town destination.

Join us as we explore a selection of the contemporary attractions, historic sites and delectable dining spots that make Joliet such a time-tested canal town destination.

CLASSIC CANAL TOWN

Contemporary Attraction

If you’re stopping in Joliet for the evening, what better way to experience the city’s arts and culture than attending a concert, baseball game or gallery opening? From national touring acts at a rock club to public orchestral shows in the park, there’s an event for everyone happening in downtown Joliet. Looking for some family-friendly fun? Joliet is home to escape rooms, bowling alleys, mini-golf and plenty of other all-ages activities – all just a short detour from your I&M Canal roadtrip.

RIALTO SQUARE THEATRE

102 N. Chicago St., Joliet www.RialtoSquare.com

Designed as a vaudeville movie palace with immaculate interiors based on the Versailles Hall of Mirrors, the Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet is a true architectural wonder. This Neo-Baroque landmark, built in 1926, is considered to be one of the “150 great places in Illinois” by the American Institute of Architects. The Rialto’s famous marquee, chandelier, rotunda and stage are just a few of the photo-worthy opportunities that await you at this major entertainment destination near the I&M Canal.

BILLIE LIMACHER BICENTENNIAL PARK AND THEATER

201 W. Jefferson St., Joliet www.BicentennialPark.org

The Billie Limacher Bicentennial Theater features shows by more than four community theater troupes, high school drama productions and children’s traveling troupes, bringing exciting live performances to the beautiful multi-use theater. During the summer, take in one of the free Concert on the Hill shows, performed for the public in the outdoor bandshell every Thursday night.

JOLIET SLAMMERS

1 Mayor Art Schultz Dr., Joliet www.JolietSlammers.com

As you travel along the canal, spend an evening at a professional Frontier League baseball game at the beautiful Duly Health and Care Field in downtown Joliet! An official partner of the MLB, the Slammers play thrill-a-minute professional touring baseball in a May through September season. Snag a selfie in the stands with a delicious Chicago-style hot dog, or spread out on the park’s lawn seating area to enjoy a picnic while you watch the game. If you’re lucky, you may even run into the Slammer’s mascots, Spikes and J.L. Bird!

4 THE FORGE

22 W. Cass St., Joliet www.TheForgeLive.com

The Forge, a live music venue in downtown Joliet, hosts all genres of touring live music, catering to a wide variety of tastes and age demographics. You’ll also find an expansive food menu and a wide selection of craft beer and spirits to make your concert going experience even more enjoyable. They host concerts and other live events all year round, with the concert space being available to rent for private functions on non-show nights.

HAUNTED TRAILS

1423 N. Broadway St., Joliet www.HauntedTrailsJoliet.com

Don’t miss Haunted Trails of Joliet, a unique, year-round “Halloween-themed” family entertainment center featuring minigolf, go-karts, arcade games and much more! Haunted Trails specializes in family fun, birthday parties, group celebrations, company picnics and events for all ages. The fun center’s amenities include two award-winning 18-hole mini-golf courses, two go-kart tracks, a junior go-kart track, a laser tag arena, batting cages and plenty of amusement rides. You’ll also find The Monster’s Tomb Game Room, filled with all the best arcade and skill machines that game lovers of any age are sure to enjoy.

TOWN AND COUNTRY LANES

2231 W. Jefferson St., Joliet www.JolietTownAndCountryLanes.com

Voted Best Bowling Alley in Will County by Herald-News readers for five years running, Town and Country Lanes is a Joliet institution. Since 1957, this bowling alley has entertained guests and locals alike with 44 impeccable lanes and a familyfriendly atmosphere. Town and Country offers cosmic bowling, a full arcade, a restaurant, video gaming, packages for birthday parties, corporate outings, family gatherings, beer leagues and, of course, leagues and tournaments.

JOLIET AREA HISTORICAL MUSEUM

204 Ottawa St., Joliet www.JolietMuseum.org

Return to the heyday of the I&M Canal at the Joliet Area Historical Museum. Located in a historic building that once housed the Ottawa Street Episcopal Methodist Church, this grand example of Neoclassic Revival architecture now houses amazing displays like a replica I&M Canal lock, a turn-of-thecentury streetscape, an Old Joliet Prison guard tower and a state-of-the-art Lunar Landing simulator.

Be sure to explore the Museum’s Route 66 collection, dedicated to the history and significance of the famed Mother Road – it hosts a plethora of selfie spots and nostalgic exhibits. Explore the museum’s brand new exhibit dedicated to “The Blues Brothers,” the seminal comedy that was filmed in Joliet. You’ll also find other photo-worthy exhibits, like a 3D Route 66 selfie sign near the entrance of the museum.

The museum also hosts a variety of live music events and informational lectures throughout the year, many of which discuss the significant role Joliet played in the heyday of the I&M Canal. Free parking for the museum can be found at the corner of Ottawa and Webster streets. Several free admission days are offered every year, courtesy of Heritage Corridor Destinations; to see a list of these days, visit www. jolietmuseum.org.

See more museums and parks on page 10.

MORE MUSEUMS AND PARKS

THE OLD JOLIET PRISON

1125 Collins St., Joliet www.JolietPrison.org

Looking to experience an authentic piece of the city’s history firsthand? The Joliet Area Historical Museum is now offering a series of special guided tours at the famed Old Joliet Prison. Originally constructed in 1858, this gigantic limestone penitentiary remained in operation until 2002 and famously has been featured in movies like “The Blues Brothers.”

This facility isn’t just steeped in fascinating pop-culture history; in its early years, Joliet held a mixture of regional offenders and Civil War POWs. After its closure, operation of the vacant facility was taken over by the Joliet Area Historical Museum, which now offers a series of special guided tours at the famed correctional facility. To see a full listing of tours, visit www.jolietmuseum.org.

JOLIET IRON WORKS

Columbia Street, Joliet www.ReconnectWithNature.org

When you visit the Joliet Iron Works Park, you’ll never guess that at one time this was the site of the second largest steel mill in the U.S. Opened in 1869, Joliet Iron and Steel Works employed over 2,000 laborers until its closure in 1936. Adopted by the Forest Preserve of Will County, this factory-turned-natural space now boasts almost two miles of paved trail and is an access point for the 12-plus-mile I&M Canal Centennial Trail. Interpretive signage takes the visitor through the heyday of this location’s history. Sheltered picnic areas (with electricity), fresh water and bathroom facilities can be found on site.

ROCK RUN PRESERVE

3669 Black Rd., Joliet

www.ReconnectWithNature.org

Explore Illinois as it was centuries ago at Rock Run Preserve, a wetland prairie with direct access to the I&M Canal. Located

just outside of Joliet, this park is a major destination for those looking to picnic, fish, hike and bike a rambling 320-plus acre site. You’ll find a diverse natural habitat featuring wetlands, prairie and forest landscapes, open to the public year round.

4 I&M CANAL STATE TRAIL

Access Huse Lake near Joliet Street & Route 351 www.IAndMCanal.org

Running through three counties – Will, Grundy and LaSalle – the Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail is one of the most historic natural spaces in the Heritage Corridor region. A popular biking and hiking trail, visitors can enjoy fishing and other activities along this mid-19th century waterway. Popular winter activities like snowmobiling and cross-country skiing also can be enjoyed along the canal. This 79-mile former mule trail is open to an abundance of great outdoor activities. A precursor to Route 66, the I&M Canal was once the most important transportation hub for commerce and passengers in Illinois. After the development of the railroad, this retired commodity was transformed into a spectacular outdoor recreation area.

5 JOLIET RAILROAD MUSEUM

90 E. Jefferson St., Joliet www.JolietMuseum.org/JolietRailroad-Museum

The Railroad Museum is a former interlocking signal tower (circa 1913), known locally as Union Depot Tower. The Railroad Museum features information on the railroad companies that operated lines through Joliet and the switch tower mechanisms and controls that coordinated the movement of trains through this critical intersection of national east-west and north-south rail travel. Watch trains come and go from all directions from the Railroad Museum’s third-story tower.

PLAY THEN STAY

in Joliet

It takes more than a day to explore all the delicious restaurants, boutique shops and serene natural spaces in Joliet. Luckily, Joliet’s stretch of the I&M Canal is lined with dozens of luxurious lodging options, catering to every budget and aesthetic taste. From happening casino hotels, where the fun never stops, to fan-favorite chain hotels complete with kid-friendly pools, there’s a perfect lodging option for everyone traveling along the canal.

HOLLYWOOD CASINO HOTEL

777 Hollywood Blvd., Joliet www.HollywoodCasinoJoliet.com

Set away from the Casino in a wooded location on the Des Plaines River, the Hollywood Casino Hotel brings quiet and comfort to all who stay. You’ll enjoy free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and your own private sitting area in every room. Suites offer in-room whirlpool tubs. Take advantage and enjoy all the amenities of the 50,000-square-foot Hollywood Casino, including the popular Final Cut Steakhouse and Hollywood Stadium Sports Bar. Car parking is free. Got a bigger vehicle? Call ahead for motorhome and RV park accommodations. They have room, but you must be 21 years or older to stay here. Hollywood Casino Hotel is conveniently located seven miles from Joliet’s Historic Downtown District.

HARRAH’S JOLIET

151 N. Joliet St., Joliet www.Caesars.com/Harrahs-Joliet

Located on the Des Plaines River in downtown Joliet, Harrah’s features more than 1,100 slot machines, gaming tables and a World Series of Poker Room, where guests can participate in tournaments and games with a variety of limits. Celebrate your win with a delicious meal at The Reserve, Harrah’s on-site steakhouse that serves fresh ribeye and seafood. If you’re looking for a bite to eat between games, head over to Slice Pizzeria and Pasta, home to delicious fresh-made pies and casual Italian fare. Looking for something conveniently nearby? Order a craft burger from Cross Street Grill right on the casino floor or from inside your suite at the 200-plus room, on-site Joliet Hotel.

MARRIOTT TOWNEPLACE SUITES

1515 Riverboat Center Dr., Joliet www.Marriott.com/Hotels/mdwts

Feel refreshed and relaxed when you stay at the Marriott TownePlace Suites Joliet. Located off I-80, the hotel is 10 minutes south of nightlife entertainment at Harrah’s and Hollywood Casinos and close to history tours at the Old Joliet Prison. Marriott TownePlace Suites Joliet is your weekend getaway home. Jump start your day with their “Morning Break” breakfast or relax after a long day of exploring or meetings with a dip in the pool. The spacious rooms at the Marriott TownePlace Suites Joliet allow you to unwind in comfort.

HOLIDAY INN & SUITES

JOLIET SOUTHWEST

1471 Rock Creek Blvd., Joliet

www.IGH.com/HolidayInn

Enjoy a great night’s sleep at Joliet’s newest hotel, the Holiday Inn & Suites Joliet Southwest. Located off I-80 in Joliet, you will be in the heart of the area’s best museums, restaurants and attractions. The Holiday Inn & Suites Joliet Southwest is the lodging choice for travelers experiencing the I&M Canal, Historic Route 66, Old Joliet Prison, Harrah’s Joliet or Hollywood Casino. Have a great meal at Burger Theory, conveniently located on the first floor of the hotel. Sit back and relax after a day of fun – your home away from home is the Holiday Inn & Suites Joliet Southwest.

HOLLYWOOD CASINO HOTEL

HARRAH’S JOLIET

1 2

DINING & SIPPING in Joliet

After delving into the rich history and exciting modern attractions the first few canal towns have to offer, you’ll want to rest and refuel at a delicious independent restaurant. Joliet is one of Illinois’ foremost culinary cities, offering over 100 eateries, taquerias, supper clubs and diners, making it the ideal place to pause your travels and grab a great bite to eat. Whether you’re looking for elevated experiential dining pulling from cultures across the globe or nostalgic homestyle meals with generous portions, this guide will help you find some of the best restaurants in the region. Here’s a list that is sure to please die-hard foodies and fans of local cuisine traveling along the I&M Canal.

Mousa Greek Taverna

158 N. Chicago St., Joliet www.MousaTapas.com

Mousa Greek Taverna, located in downtown Joliet, provides a dining experience that is nothing short of a globe-trotting adventure. On their menu you will find shareables and entrees that hail from Greece, Spain, Portugal, France, Algeria, Morocco and more. Popular tapas, or sharable small-plate options, include Italian Burrata (imported Burrata paired with Boretanni onion, confit cherry tomato, fig mustarda, grilled crostini) and entrees like the Paella Con Pescado (traditional Paella with squid, shrimp, clams and mussels).

Cut 158 Chophouse

158 N. Chicago St., Joliet www.Cut158Chophouse.com

This trendy steakhouse, next door to the legendary Rialto Square Theatre, is your ideal destination for a high-end meal and craft cocktail near the I&M Canal. Cut 158’s menu is packed with fresh, high-quality beef, seafood and veggie offerings, alongside an expansive selection of craft beers, house wines and whisky. You will find their menu packed with freshly sourced delicacies like Steak Tartar, Grilled Swordfish, 45-Day Aged Boneless Ribeye (16 ounce) and GarlicCrusted Roasted Rack of Lamb.

Al’s Steakhouse

1990 W. Jefferson St., Joliet www.AlsSteaks.com

This upscale American restaurant, one of the oldest in the city, is famed for their classic charbroiled steaks and variety of fresh seafood. Al’s is your top destination for mouthwatering Grecian-style cuts of steak, made exclusively with angus beef and served with a double baked potato. You’ll also find decadent Oysters Rockefeller, Escargot De Jonghe, Prime Rib on French Bread and Lamb Loin Chops. Al’s wide selection of seafood includes broiled tilapia, cold water lobster, shrimp scampi, pan-seared red snapper and many more fresh options.

Bishops Hill

310 Bridge St., Joliet www.BishopsHill.com

Once the headquarters for the Joliet Catholic Diocese, and before that the estate of a German brewmaster, this striking limestone castle is now home to an award-winning winery and tasting room. Indulge in its popular 2018 Cab Sav, which is currently on sale, or the 2020 Petite Sirah that took gold at the San Francisco International Wine Competition. During the structure’s extensive restorations, much of the original on-site brewery was discovered and painstakingly restored with reclaimed materials. This grotto-like building houses Bishops Hill’s processing equipment, tanks and barrel aging rooms. Not only is the wine spectacular, but the atmosphere will keep you returning to the castle.

Juliet’s Tavern

205 N. Chicago St., Joliet www.JulietsTavern.com

Traditional Italian cuisine is paired with a welcoming sports atmosphere at this revamped fine dining destination. The downtown building that houses this delectable and casual New American tavern was originally constructed in the 1890s and has, over the following century, housed several businesses including a grocer, shoe store, dentist and theater. Today, you’ll find an eclectic offering of menu items including a Poutine Burger, Roasted Portabello Melt, Cajun Alfredo Pasta and a fan-favorite 14-ounce grilled boneless Delmonico Ribeye.

GET A TASTE OF JOLIET RESTAURANT WEEK

To celebrate Joliet’s long-standing culinary achievements, some of the top restaurants in the city band together each year to offer limited-time discounts, plus free appetizers and desserts, during Joliet Restaurant Week.

Designed to promote the local restaurant industry and highlight the wide variety of exciting dining the city has to offer, this 10day event allows diners to try chef-curated specials for a chance to win restaurant gift cards, hotel stays and more. Heritage Corridor Destinations, The Joliet City Center Partnership, The City of Joliet and Enjoy Illinois have partnered to sponsor the event, which features more than a dozen participating restaurants.

These palatable downtown restaurants offer generous discounts, prix fixe menus, buy-one-get-one-free offers and other incentives, including free apps and desserts with select purchases. And if all those great deals aren’t enough, just by checking out these restaurants, you have a chance to win some great prizes from Heritage Corridor Destinations.

For more information on the next Joliet Restaurant Week, visit HCDestinations.com/ JolietRestaurantWeek.

Bolingbrook

Bolingbrook!

eat

• Charlie’s Restaurant

• All Blue Sushi

• Crafty Bean Cafe & Studio

• The Nest Bar & Grill

• Taco Dale

• Krazy BBQ & Hot Pot

• Ted’s Montana Grill

• Ashbury’s at Boughton Ridge

• Sauce N Toss

• Beggars Pizza

• Caravan Restaurant

• European Deli & Subs

• Tanaka Ramen

• Red Star Pizzas

• Gung Ho

Aloft Bolingbrook

500 N. Janes Ave.

Bolingbrook, IL 60440 630-410-6367

Fairﬁeld Inn & Suites

Bolingbrook 165 Fernwood Drive

Bolingbrook, IL 60440 630-378-0380

play

The Promenade Bolingbrook - 631 E. Boughton Road

• CG’s Comedy Club 630-410-8906 | cgscomedyclub.com

• Prince Arcades 630-378-1517 | princearcades.com

• Master Axe Throwing 630-541-7556 | masteraxethrowing.com

• Star Cinema Grill 630-755-3607 | starcinemagrill.com

Bolingbrook Golf Club

Designed by renowned architect Arthur Hills, in 2014-2015 Bolingbrook Golf Club was voted by the Golf Range Association of America as one of the “Top 50 Public Golf Ranges in America”.

2001 Rodeo Drive 630-771-9400 bolingbrookgolfclub.com

Clow International Airport & Illinois Aviation Museum

Come experience the history of aviation, from the invention of the ﬁrst airplane to the wonders of modern air travel.

130 Clow International Parkway bbclowairport.com illinoisaviationmuseum.org

Pelican Harbor Indoor-Outdoor Aquatic Park, Bolingbrook Park District

Enjoy family-friendly water play all year long. Lazy river, water slides, diving well with a drop slide, water slides, beach volleyball and more.

200 S. Lindsey Lane 630-739-1777 bolingbrookparks.org

Rocket Ice Arena

Your premier destination for ice skating and hockey lessons for any age and ability level. Two full-sized rinks allow for lessons, clubs, parties, and free skate year-round.

180 Canterbury Lane 630-679-1700

Wilderness Falls

Play minigolf on top of a 40-foot waterfall, tip toe through Big Foot’s cave, navigate the racing rapids, and most of all...have fun at Wilderness Falls!

145 Clow International Pkwy. 630-378-8888

Hampton Inn & Suites

Bolingbrook 165 Remington Boulevard Bolingbrook, IL 60440 630-759-7100

Hilton Garden Inn

Bolingbrook 135 Remington Boulevard Bolingbrook, IL 60440 630-771-1500

Holiday Inn & Suites

Bolingbrook 205 Remington Boulevard Bolingbrook, IL 60440 630-679-1600

Home2 Suites by Hilton Bolingbrook 1 Brookside Court Bolingbrook, IL 60440 630-914-3575

shop

The Promenade Bolingbrook

The Promenade Bolingbrook is a pedestrian-friendly gathering place for shopping, dining and entertainment anchored by Macy’s and Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World. shoppingpromenade.com

Costco

One of the largest retailers in the world, ﬁnd electronics, furniture, outdoor living, appliances, jewelry, groceries, and more!

830 E. Boughton Road

IKEA

A 300,000 square-foot facility oﬀering the best in home interiors. 750 E. Boughton Road

Quality Inn 175 Remington Boulevard Bolingbrook, IL 60440 630-378-5300

Ramada by Wyndham Bolingbrook 520 S. Bolingbrook Drive Bolingbrook, IL 60440 630-972-9797

Residence Inn by Marriott 180 Remington Boulevard Bolingbrook, IL 60440 630-332-5200

Springhill Suites by Marriott 125 Remington Boulevard Bolingbrook, IL 60440 630-759-0529

1 AN IDEA CENTURIES IN THE MAKING

The first idea of a canal connecting Lake Michigan to the rivers of Illinois was recorded by French explorers in 1673, as they needed to portage their canoes 10 miles west of the lakefront. Their suggestion was based on the ongoing construction of the Canal DuMidi in France.

n WHAT TO SEE: Isle a la Cache Museum, Romeoville

6 CANAL FACTS

2 WHAT’S IN A NAME

The Illinois & Michigan Canal got its name because it connected Lake Michigan to the Illinois River. The young country of America wanted to build a canal here before Illinois was even a state to expand the country by settling the population westward. President Madison advocated for it. One reason for moving the northern border of Illinois 40 miles north was to facilitate the building of the canal in one state, thus allowing Illinois to have Lake Michigan waterfront. Without this move, our Chicagoans would now be “cheeseheads.”

n WHAT TO SEE: Exhibit maps in I&M Canal Visitor Center, 754 First St., LaSalle

3 MULES & HORSES

The I&M Canal opened on April 10, 1848. At the time, a ticket from Chicago to LaSalle-Peru, or vice versa, was priced at $4, and the 96-mile trip took roughly 22 hours on one of the regularly scheduled line boats. Teams of horses pulled the passenger boats, often called packet boats for the packet of mail they carried, as they were faster than mules. Freight boats were heavier and had to be pulled by teams of mules, which were stronger than horses.

n WHAT TO SEE: Moe the Mule, Mule Pen, Lock 14 Access, Route 351 & I&M Canal, LaSalle

4 GAME-CHANGING TRAVEL

Before the Illinois & Michigan Canal was built, it took days of bone-jarring travel on rutted turnpike roads that baked rock-hard every summer and became a sea of mud after each winter. Pioneers had two main choices for travel: by wagon and horseback over muddy roads, or by canoe. The marshy prairie rivers were unreliable for shipping. Once the I&M Canal opened, it was 22 hours of smooth sailing to travel the 96 miles.

n WHAT TO SEE: I&M Canal Boat, Route 351 & the Canal, LaSalle

5 REMEMBERING THE BUILDERS

The I&M Canal was hand-dug primarily by Irishmen, but workers from several parts of the world were part of the labor pool. The running joke at the time was that it took four things to build the canal: a pick, a shovel, a wheelbarrow and an Irishman. The standard pay for canal diggers was $1/day and a gill of whiskey (about 4 ounces). The state of Illinois didn’t sanction the whiskey, but contractors did what they needed to do to keep their workers. The pay wasn’t bad, but the work was hard. Officially, no one died while building the canal but...

n WHAT TO SEE: St. James of the Sag Cemetery has many graves of canal workers, 10600 Archer Ave., Lemont

6 THE IMPACT OF THE WATERWAY

The I&M Canal moved both passenger and freight traffic. Passengers only rode on the canal for five years until the railroad opened parallel to the water. The real impact of the canal was its ability to move freight cheaply until the early 1900s. The I&M Canal allowed the rapid growth of Chicago and Illinois because the heavy goods needed to build a civilization were easy and cheap to transport – stone, gravel, lumber. Other common types of freight were furniture, fabric and pianos from the east; fur pelts from the west; and oranges, molasses and warm weather items from the south. In 1848, when the canal opened, the Chicago Board of Trade was created to manage the buying and selling of the corn and other grains grown in this region. Water transport was and still is the cheapest means of transportation.

n WHAT TO SEE: Ottawa’s Toll House, 1221 Columbus St., Ottawa, where all canal boats paid their tolls; and The Illinois Waterway Visitors Center, 950 N. 27th Rd. (Dee Bennett Road), Ottawa, the perfect place to see the evolution of water transport to today.

Will County’s

Will County’s “6 Stops on 66” are the heart and soul of the legendary Mother Road. They are some of the very ﬁrst experiences shared by travelers and dreamers on their quest to the west. Experience the spirit of adventure on Route 66 in Will County.

Shopping, Recreation, & Historic Sites

Bolingbrook and Romeoville

Shopping, Recreation, & Historic Sites

Bolingbrook and Romeoville

Entertainment

Joliet’s RT 66 Museum, Chicagoland Speedway, and Route 66 Raceway

Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery

Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie

Wilmington’s Gemini Giant

Historic Downtowns

Historic Downtowns Manhattan, Elwood, and Braidwood

Manhattan, Elwood, and Braidwood

Cruisin’

The Canal

App-powered tour takes you to 175+ destinations along the I&M

Created to honor the 175th anniversary of the opening of the I&M Canal, Heritage Corridor’s self-guided Cruisin’ The Canal tour directs you to 181 attractions along this legendary waterway. Download the Heritage Corridor app (available via the Apple App Store or Google Play), head to the Passports menu and select Cruisin’ The Canal. This convenient app can direct you to nearby attractions, explore curated themed trips or plan your own itinerary along the I&M Canal.

You’ll find locations from the beaches of Lake Michigan in Chicago all the way to the I&M’s confluence point with the Illinois River in LaSalle. Along the way, you’ll find a wide variety of historic, natural and cultural destinations, along with recreational spots, boutique shopping spots and unique food and drink opportunities. Completing the whole itinerary would take you through 60 quaint and distinct communities along the canal, and the app allows you to check off visited locations and add on additional stops if you’re looking for some slight detours away from the canal.

M.J.Hogan GrainElevator

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

CANAL ORIGINS PARK

2701 S. Ashland Ave., Chicago

Canal Origins Park commemorates the creation of the Illinois & Michigan Canal as it connected the Great Lakes with the Mississippi River drainage basin.

CHICAGO PORTAGE HISTORIC SITE

4800 S. Harlem Ave., Forest View

The Chicago Portage National Historic Site commemorates the place where the Kaskaskia, a tribe of the Illiniwek, showed 17th century French explorers Louis Jolliet and Father Jacques Marquette an ancient portage connecting the Great Lakes Basin and the Mississippi Valley watersheds, which overtime became the birthplace of Chicago.

JOHN HUSAR I&M CANAL TRAIL

8700 S. Willow Springs Rd., Palos Hills

The John Husar I&M Canal Trail is the northernmost trail developed on the Illinois & Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor.

ISLE A LA CACHE MUSEUM

501 E. Romeo Rd., Romeoville

The Isle a la Cache Museum offers an adventure in 18th century history, when Illinois Country was home to French voyageurs and native Potawatomi.

ILLINOIS STATE MUSEUM

201 W. 10th St., Lockport

The Illinois State Museum Lockport Gallery offers a quiet retreat just off the I&M trail to contemplate critically noted exhibitions highlighting the art and visual culture of Illinois.

JOLIET IRON WORKS HISTORIC SITE

Route 53 & N. Scott St., Joliet

Joliet Iron Works Historic Site features 0.59 mile of paved trail that provides a self-guided interpretive tour of the site’s historical and industrial significance.

DOLLINGER FAMILY FARM

7502 E. Hansel Rd., Channahon

This family-friendly Fall fun destination once served as a place to rest the mules pulling barges down the I&M Canal.

CANALPORT PARK

211 W. Illinois Ave., Morris

Canalport Park offers a walking path, canal boat display, bike rentals, sculptures, pollinator garden and an area for fishing.

M.J. HOGAN GRAIN ELEVATOR

124 William St., Seneca

Explore the earliest remaining grain elevator built along the Illinois & Michigan Canal.

TOLL HOUSE - OTTAWA

1221 Columbus St., Ottawa

The Ottawa Toll House was one of a handful of toll houses along the canal. In order to collect the toll from passing barges, the caretaker had to swivel a turning bridge for the barge to continue.

I&M CANAL BOAT TOURS

754 1st St., La Salle

Come journey back in time aboard the “Volunteer,” a 70-passenger, mulepulled 1840s replica canal boat as it coasts gently up and down the I&M Canal.

Family

Canal Fun on the

The Illinois & Michigan Canal National Heritage Area (IMCNHA) has many great familyfriendly sites and activities. The suggestions below include indoor and outdoor activities, both educational and recreational. Please check with each location for specific details. Many of these locations are free thanks to tax dollar support while others have modest fees.

l BECOME A JUNIOR RANGER

Ages 5 to 95 years

The IMCNHA offers this well-loved National Park Service activity – the Junior Ranger program. It’s easy to earn your badge –just complete the activities in a book. Stop at the I&M Canal Visitor Center (754 First St., LaSalle) or Isle a la Cache Museum (501 E. Romeo Rd., Romeoville) to pick up your Junior Ranger book and/or return your completed book for your Junior Ranger badge. In addition, there are dates throughout the year and locations throughout the IMCNHA that hold a Junior Ranger Day, so you can do both. Check www.iandmcanal. org/juniorrangerprogram for details.

l RIDE A MULE-POWERED I&M CANAL BOAT

754 First St., LaSalle

This 76-foot boat is the first on the canal in over 70 years, but the star of the show for adults and kids is Moe the Mule, who pulls the boat and passengers down the canal for a

brief glimpse of what canal travel was like in 1848 when Chicago was the western frontier. The ride is about an hour long, enough to learn the history from the guide but not too long for the kids. Walk the boat, visit the stern to see the rudder in action, sit in the cabin or explore the upper deck. Catch a view of turtles sunning themselves on the rocks with the possibility that birds, fish and other animals may make an appearance. Kids can even become Junior Captains. Tickets are required; visit www.iandmcanal.org/boattour.

l JOURNEY ALONG THE I&M CANAL STATE TRAIL

Let your kids explore! The trail is flat, with either a crushed limestone or paved surface, making it ideal for walking, running, skipping, pushing a stroller or bicycling. The trail has many access points in and near our canal towns with 18 free parking lots along its 61 miles. Kids can see a variety of birds, fish and land animals. Keep an eye out for herons, turtles, deer and even eagles. The trail is usually not too busy, and it can be easily shared by walkers and cyclists. There are interpretive signs and mile markers along the way, many of them with QR codes offering local information, including history and nearby restaurants.

l ESCAPE TO THE ISLE A LA CACHE MUSEUM

501 E. Romeo Rd., Romeoville

Escape to an island for a family adventure! Isle a la Cache Museum is situated on a scenic island in the Des Plaines River in Romeoville. Make tracks to the museum to learn about the 17th century fur trade in Illinois Country. Find out about the all-important beaver, go inside

in a wigwam, check out a voyageur camp and experience more kid-friendly exhibits and activities. Then, head outside to explore the Native American Lifeways exhibit, stroll through the pollinator gardens or look for wildlife along the Shoreline Trail. Isle a la Cache Museum is a hidden gem where you and the kids will discover rich local history and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. For more information on the services offered or programs available, visit www.reconnectwithnature.org.

l EXPLORE THE FOUR RIVERS ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER

This education center in Channahon is right off the I&M Canal State Trail. Start your hike there and head west to the McKinley Woods – Kerry Sheridan Grove Preserve, or go inside the center to explore the new exhibit hall. You can enjoy the hands-on river table, create your own watershed on the interactive sand table and view our local fish species in the 2,000-gallon aquarium. Take a stroll around the building on the All Persons Trail with its interactive sensory kiosks and paved walkways. Four Rivers is an inclusive facility welcoming people of all abilities. www.reconnectwithnature.org, 25055 W. Walnut Ln., Channahon

BE AMAZED BY THE LITTLE RED SCHOOLHOUSE NATURE CENTER

9800 Willow Springs Rd., Willow Springs

This site in Willow Springs has educated and delighted generations of families with live animals, exhibits and self-guided trails. When visiting, be sure to explore the interactive children’s room, which features hands-on natural materials for exploration. Programs can be found at www.fpdcc.com.

l DISCOVER THE LASALLE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY COMPLEX

101 E. Canal St., North Utica

Within the LaSalle County Historical Society Complex is the 1865 Aitken One Room Schoolhouse, originally established as District One in Troy Grove Township, home of “Wild Bill” Hickok. Since 1990, the society has been providing a Fourth Grade School Program for local school children to experience what life was like at a one-room schoolhouse. Families can enjoy our look back at 19th century schooling from mid-April through midOctober during open museum hours. On the right side of the school is the herb garden, containing herbs and flowers native to Illinois. Many of the exhibits within other buildings are of interest to families, including the Radium Dial Girls Exhibit. For information, viist lasallecountyhistoricalsociety.org.

EXPLORE THE HISTORIC

COMMUNITIES ALONG THE FAMOUS WATERWAY

CANAL TOWNS

n LEMONT

An oasis of small-town charm and recreational opportunities to be explored close to Chicago.

Picturesque Lemont is known for its church spires, limestone buildings and neighborhoods rising on the bluffs above its downtown. Three waterways – the narrow I&M Canal, the wide Sanitary and Ship Canal and the marshy Des Plaines River – help define the community. Native Americans traveled the river by canoe on their trading trips between the Mississippi River and Lake Michigan. The I&M Canal made this natural passageway navigable for commerce in 1848, and in 1900, the Sanitary and Ship Canal created a modern shipping channel. Today, you can enjoy a walkable downtown, boutiques, restaurants, a brewpub, a bike trail with rental bikes and nearby active recreation at the quarries. For the history buffs, the Lemont Historical Society is located in the Old Stone Church, with the St. James of the Sag Church and Cemetery nearby.

n LOCKPORT

The town that built the canal.

Lockport is a must-stop if you are exploring the I&M Canal, and it’s only 30 miles from Chicago! Lockport was selected by the Canal Commissioners to be their headquarters in 1830, and you can still see the influence of that decision today. The canal, the headquarters, a two-block-long public landing and the Gaylord and Norton buildings flanking the public landing still form the center of the community and offer visitors history, architecture and trails, all within easy walking distance of each other. Take a five-minute trail walk south of downtown to Lock 1, or rent a bike for a longer trail exploration. In addition to historical exhibits, amenities include an art museum – the Illinois State Museum –Lockport Gallery, several restaurants and bars, and unique shops.

SENECA AREA HERITAGE MUSEUM, SENECA

n JOLIET

An important transportation hub once known as the “Crossroads of Mid-America.”

Second only to Chicago as the largest I&M Canal town, Joliet attracted workers from around the world to quarry stone, manufacture steel and build the railroads that turned this tiny town into a 19th century powerhouse. Forty miles from Chicago, the Joliet segment of the I&M Canal has been submerged underneath the Illinois Waterway and is no longer visible, but there are plenty of other things to see. Like many “rust belt” industrial towns, Joliet suffered greatly during the 1970s and ’80s but has recently revitalized its downtown center by featuring entertainment, such as riverboat gaming and baseball. Downtown Joliet contains numerous businesses and institutions, including the spectacular 1926 Rialto Square Theatre. While downtown, stop and explore the Joliet Area Historical Museum. Located at the historic crossroads of Route 66 and the Lincoln Highway, this award-winning museum features exhibits about local history and serves as a Route 66 Welcome Center. Before you leave, visit the Old Joliet Prison and then head over to Bicentennial Park to view Joliet’s impressive lift bridges as well as watch boats and barges on the waterway.

n CHANNAHON

Enjoy nature and recreation right off I-55, 50 miles from Chicago.

While some of the other canal towns are focused on history, Channahon is all about nature and recreation. Recall the sounds of the forest as you walk along a favorite path: birds calling among pastel hues of

springtime, crickets chirping while hidden in the deep greens of summer, fall’s festival of colors as gold and russet leaves fall and crunch underfoot, and the still silence of winter’s soft snows glittering in sunlight. Channahon was the local Potawatomi word for “meeting of the waters,” and the town is named for the four waterways in the area –the DuPage River, the Des Plaines River, the Kankakee River and the larger-than-the-rest Illinois River. Because of the area’s historic topography, a lock and lock tender’s house –one of two remaining houses today – were built for the I&M Canal. It is one of the most scenic areas along the canal with the trail running parallel to the canal on one side and the river on the other. In addition to the canal and rivers, with boating, kayaking, fishing and associated activities, this is a great place for hiking, biking and camping. Other amenities include the Four Rivers Environmental Education Center and the Heritage Bluffs Golf Course.

n MORRIS

70 miles from downtown Chicago, but a world away. Morris is a quintessential rural Midwestern town filled with unique, small shops – some old and some new – with most historic buildings sitting right along the I&M Canal and just a stone’s throw from the Illinois River and many recreational activities. The I&M Canal made Morris an important center for agriculture, industry, trade and government. Downtown still thrives as the seat of one of Illinois’ most fertile agricultural counties. A huge grain elevator, visible over the treetops along the Illinois River, is a reminder that corn is still a vital part of Morris’ economy today.

There is a lot of pride in this community, with events happening all year long. Stroll past the historic homes and downtown buildings, rent a bike for a scenic ride along the canal or visit the Grundy County Historical Museum.

n SENECA

This small village dates back to the building of the canal, and today its biggest asset is the scenic Illinois River providing boating, fishing, eagle watching, kayaking and viewing spectacular sunsets through several marinas and a free public boat launch. Historical attractions such as the Hogan Grain Elevator on the I&M Canal, Seneca Area History Museum, LST Memorial in Crotty Park and the Veterans Memorial Wall at the Seneca library, as well as its part of I&M Canal State Trail, attracts nature lovers, historians, photographers, hikers, bicyclists, joggers and snowmobilers.

n MARSEILLES

Marseilles is known for its rapids on the Illinois River and was the site of much industry, including an early hydro-electric plant and the National Biscuit Company building in the 20th century. It is now home to Illini State Park and the Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial. The memorial wall started in 2004 and now has over 8,000 names. In 2016, Marseilles resident Seattle Sutton founded a community museum, located in the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad Depot. Its collection includes historical items from the Nabisco factory, other Marseilles businesses and archived recordings of Marseilles war veterans.

CANAL BOAT DISPLAY, CANALPORT PARK, MORRIS

You’d better bring your appetite while visiting our Canal Towns! There are plenty of restaurants serving a wide variety of good food and an abundance of drinking establishments, including wineries, brew pubs and whiskey distilleries.

n OTTAWA

Town of two rivers and site of important I&M Canal landmarks.

Situated on the Fox and Illinois rivers, Ottawa was platted by the Canal Commissioners at the same time as Chicago, 90 miles away. Ottawa prospered because the canal made it possible to transport the sand, gravel and clay that were mined in the area. Ottawa has two of the canal’s most important landmarks –the huge Fox River Aqueduct and the last remaining tollhouse, a tiny wood-frame structure on Columbus Street. By 1871, boat captains had paid enough tolls to retire the debt that the state incurred in building the canal. Other landmarks in Ottawa include the ornate Reddick Mansion, nearby Third District Appellate Court Building and the historic downtown, surrounding the impressive LaSalle County Courthouse. Ottawa’s Historical and Scouting Heritage Museum features exhibits about the history of scouting in the United States as well as a section devoted to local Ottawa history. William D. Boyce, founder of American Scouting, bought and later built a mansion in Ottawa, his adopted hometown, and was buried in Ottawa Avenue Cemetery in 1929. Some Ottawa citizens participated in the Underground Railroad, including John Hossack, who used his Greek Revival manor house on the south bluff overlooking the Illinois River as a “station” on the secret route. A prominent Ottawa businessman, Hossack became an abolitionist hero when he was prosecuted for harboring a fugitive slave.

n UTICA

The gateway to Starved Rock, situated 98 miles from Chicago.

Workers digging the I&M Canal discovered a large vein of limestone in the Utica area. This stone was ideal for making cement, which was used to construct the canal’s locks. Utica’s cement industry was its economic backbone through the 1800s. Today, its limestone and sandstone are still mined for gravel and sand. Visit the LaSalle County Historical Society Museum, housed in an 1840s canal warehouse built from area sandstone. Utica is the gateway to Starved Rock State Park, and its Main Street offers shopping and plenty of food and drink, including the August Hill Winery Tasting Room.

The I&M Canal State Trail runs through the town and a nearby I&M Canal Bike Share Station offers rentals to ride both east and west.

n LA SALLE

The western terminus of the I&M Canal, 98 miles southwest of Chicago.

Established by the Canal Commissioners as the canal’s western terminus after several dry years during the construction of the canal, LaSalle was an economic crossroads where I&M Canal boats met Illinois River steamers. From here, finished goods from the east streamed west, products from the south came north, and raw materials from the Midwest poured into Chicago and eastern markets. In the 1970s, this part of the canal was restored by volunteers and the state of Illinois jumped in and restored Lock 14, resulting in a lock with lock gates and a canal with a reliable level of water. Those improvements led to the

construction of a 76-foot replica canal boat. In 2008, it was christened The Volunteer (also known as the I&M Canal Boat, and under “mule power,” it began to ply the waters of the canal for the first time in 70 years. The I&M Canal Visitor Center was opened in a rehabilitated 1910 carriage shop two blocks away in the historic downtown and includes canal exhibits, a café and gift shop. Today downtown LaSalle offers a rich selection of shopping, dining and theater.

n PERU

River town, home of Westclox watch factory, 105 miles southwest of Chicago.

Peru was a river town at the time of the construction of the canal and lost its bid to be the western terminus of the canal. The Canal Commissioners selected LaSalle because they controlled the land there. Peru prospered, much like LaSalle, thanks to canal traffic and Peru’s abundant coal mines. Together, the twin cities attracted industry, and Peru became an industrial powerhouse in the 1800s and into the 1900s, with companies including Maze Lumber, Maze Nails and Illinois Zinc. Westclox was the largest clock factory in the world, producing over 1 million alarm clocks each year and is now being converted into an arts and entertainment venue with the Star Union Spirits Distillery in the building. Note the statue of Peru native Maud Powell on Main Street. Born in 1868, she was a worldrenowned concert violinist. Peru’s downtown first developed along the riverfront, but was eventually moved up the bluff away from flooding. See the historic waterfront buildings and dine in the eclectic restaurants.

MILL STREET PATIO (OUTDOOR DINING PLAZA), UTICA

FOX RIVER AQUEDUCT, OTTAWA

Morris is known for lively events and festivals, boutiques and specialty shops, great eateries, and year-round recreation. Nestled an hour southwest of Chicago along the Illinois River and I & M Canal, Morris is where you can connect to nature, Morris recharge Downtown, and make memories for a lifetime.

Visit www.morrisil.org/visitmorris.

SHADOWS of history

Located across all of the canal towns, you’ll spot life-sized Cor-Ten steel silhouettes of notable historical figures who shaped the waterway and the surrounding communities. These glimpses into the past provide little-known historical insight into day-to-day life and history-altering events that took place around the era of the I&M Canal. Join us as we explore some of these historical markers around Joliet.

Patrick Smith, Irish Railroad Worker

Marion and Raynor St.

Irish immigrants first came here to dig the I&M Canal. By the 1870s, when Joliet was a railroad hub, many, like Patrick Smith, did the backbreaking work of laying tracks. Workers used picks, shovels and sledgehammers to clear the ground and drive in spikes. They worked long hours in the warmer months but often had to find other jobs in the winter.

Harpo and Groucho Marx, Entertainers

Clinton and Chicago St.

Bad farmers, great entertainers – The Marx Brothers, one the most famous comedy teams of the 20th century, once owned a chicken farm near the I&M Canal. But, according to Groucho, they failed as farmers because they spent too much time watching baseball at Wrigley Field and not enough minding the chickens. In the 1930s, the Marx Brothers performed at the Rialto Theatre.

A People Palace

Across from 102 N. Chicago St.

In the 1920s, the six Rubens brothers began plans for the Rialto Theatre. It was to be a “palace for the people.” Joliet was at the peak of its industrial might when the theater opened in 1926. A few years later, during the Great Depression, entertainers here brought smiles to those seeking to escape their economic worries.

Mary Setina, Candy Store Owner, 1873-1937

Clay and Joliet St.

Mary Setina, a Slovenian immigrant, came to Joliet in 1903. She lived in the St. Joseph’s neighborhood, known as “Slovenian Row,” and owned a store there. Children on their way home from St. Joseph’s school stopped in the store, pennies in hand, to buy candy, ice cream or school supplies from her. Men going home from the mills bought tobacco at the store.

George Kiser, Iron Works Laborer

Columbia and Scott St.

George Kiser, an African-American, moved to Joliet from Missouri in the early 1900s. A laborer at the Joliet Iron Works, he usually worked 12 hours a day in noisy, hot and dangerous conditions. The mill employed workers from all over the world – migrants from the south, like Kiser, were joined by Poles, Swedes, Germans, Bohemians and others.

Francis Hoffman, Mason

Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park

In 1860, Hoffmann worked as one of Joliet’s many stone masons. Born in Holland, the 40-year-old Hoffmann first came to Wisconsin before moving to Joliet. His wife Agnes also was born in Holland, but their four children were born in the U.S. Stonemasons took the quarried limestone and transformed it into magnificent buildings, many of which are still part of Joliet’s landscape.

Lester Ward, Renaissance Man

Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park

Known as “The American Aristotle,”Lester Frank Ward (1841-1913) was born in Joliet, at Joliet and Benton streets, and was the last of 10 children. His father owned a quarry at what is now the site of the Illinois State Penitentiary, but Ward lived in Joliet only a short time. A true Renaissance Man, Ward was wounded in the Civil War and took degrees in law and medicine, but gained lasting fame as a paleontologist and sociologist.

Sophia

Demmond, Philanthropist, The Grand Old Lady of Joliet

Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park

Sophia Murray (1804-1895) married merchant Martin Demmond in New York in 1831, and they were among Joliet’s earliest residents when they arrived in 1834. The Demmonds built Joliet’s first stone building from limestone quarried from these bluffs. They lived on the third floor and operated a general store on the first floor. Fewer than 50 people lived in Joliet during the winter of 1834-1835. The Demmonds were supporters of educational efforts, and they helped fund the construction of the first school building in Joliet.

Photo Spots Interesting

The historic buildings and natural areas of the Illinois & Michigan Canal National Heritage Area offer great photo opportunities. Many of the most interesting photos we have seen of the canal are taken from bridges overlooking the waterway. Two suggestions are the Aux Sable Locktender’s House, Lock and Aqueduct, and the Route 351 bridge over the canal in LaSalle, where you can photograph the I&M Canal Boat, Lock 14 and the waterway to the Illinois River.

Photos with animals along the canal are always a hit. Moe, the mule who pulls the I&M Canal Boat, is a favorite subject and is almost always ready for a photo shoot – often because he thinks he is getting a treat! Many people also take photos of the bison at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, though they are a bit harder to find as they have a large prairie pasture to roam.

It is always fun to take your photo with people from the past, and our Canal Towns offer many statues, from Abraham Lincoln debating Stephen Douglas in Ottawa’s Washington Park to the life-sized Blues Brothers at the Joliet Area Historical Museum. Plus, you will also find 48 silhouettes of historic figures, including Abe Lincoln and his family, Wild Bill Hickok and many of the people that built and managed the canal.

I&M Canal Boat, Lock 14: The only lock that still has lock gates. Check out the view from the Route 351 bridge looking toward the Illinois River in LaSalle.

Aux Sable Locktender’s House, Lock, and Aqueduct: One of the most scenic views of the I&M Canal State Trail. Aux Sable is between Morris and Channahon. You can ride the trail or drive along Old Cemetery Road to get there.

Silhouette of Walter Olin: In the 1920s, Walter Olin rode his bicycle to his job at the Joliet Iron Works. In the winter months, he put chains on his bicycle’s wheels and bundled up in his warmest clothes for the long ride to the steel plant. See it at Wheeler and Woods streets, Joliet

Spots

Silhouette of ReneRobert Cavalier de La Salle (1643-1687): Celebrate our French heritage with a photo with this French explorer. During the winter of 1682-83, he established Fort St. Louis atop Starved Rock for protection from the Iroquois. 754 First St., LaSalle

Moe the Mule: The engine for the mule-powered I&M Canal Boat, along with his mule tender. Find them at Route 351 and the I&M Canal in LaSalle

along the I&M Canal ShopSmall

he historic communities that dot the I&M Canal are packed with cozy antique stores, artisan boutiques and many other delightfully unexpected retailers. From nostalgic vintage retailers in Lemont, to on-trend clothing retailers in downtown LaSalle, there’s a shopping stop for everyone on your trip along the canal. Join us as we explore a few of these small businesses.

MABEL’S MARKET

307 Canal St., Lemont www.MabelsMarket.com

Mabel’s Market offers treasure seekers and casual shoppers a varied collection of farmhouse, cottage and vintage wares, rustic and repurposed furniture and home goods, as well as locally handcrafted accessories.

THIMBLES

940 S. State St., Lockport www.ThimblesQuilts.com

Located a block away from the I&M Canal in Lockport’s historic shopping district, Thimbles is a must-stop for quilting or sewing enthusiasts traveling through the Corridor. Over 3,000 bolts of fabric are in stock, along with a full stock of books, patterns and other sewing supplies. You’ll also find a variety of fun classes being offered in-store, geared toward all experience levels.

TRUE NORTH

539 Bedford Rd., Morris www.ShopTrueNorth.com

True North knows that shopping

should be an adventure. The over 10,000-square-foot facility houses more than 70 vendors and has been voted the best antique shop in Grundy Country for six consecutive years. With an accolade like that, you would expect a well-curated selection of antiques, but the vendors at True North continue to outdo themselves. Inside you’ll find eclectic affordable items, handpicked vintage clothing, salvaged furniture and supplies for your next restoration project.

LADY DI’S

717 La Salle St., Ottawa www.LadyDisNow.com

Since 1982, Lady Di’s has been scouring the fashion market to find the latest top-of-line brands to stock in this chic downtown Ottawa storefront. You’ll be treated to a keenly curated selection of apparel, denim, shoes and accessories from over 30 brands across the globe. Let Lady Di’s staff of experienced stylists help find you an outfit that exudes quality, uniqueness and high fashion.

PRAIRIE FOX BOOKS

719 La Salle St., Ottawa www.PrairieFoxBooks.com

Prairie Fox Books is home to Starved Rock Country’s best selection of reading material, boasting an impressive selection of books spanning nearly any genre you can think of. Thrillers, mysteries, general fiction, historical fiction and graphic novels all have sizable sections. You’ll find the latest bestseller and shelves of must-read classics. The store also sports a great selection of middle grade and young adult literature, along with gift items sure to appeal to the avid readers in your life.

B DOMINIQUE BOUTIQUE

542 W. Norris Dr., Ottawa www.ShopBDominique.com

Ottawa’s B Dominique Boutique on U.S. 6 is all about body positivity and great fashion. Carrying all items in sizes small to 3XL, this inclusive and fashion-forward store is serving up curated seasonal collections of comfortable and stylish jumpsuits, tops, jeans, hats and accessories. Be sure to follow B Dominique Boutique on Facebook to see their new arrivals.

A MESS OF THINGS

726 La Salle St., Ottawa www.Facebook.com/MessOfThings

Ottawa’s A Mess of Things is a carefully curated home and garden market offering local and regionally made goods, fair trade items, vintage apparel and much more. Located behind the iconic

Peltier marble mural, this treasure trove of artisan items has been a staple of Ottawa’s downtown boutique shopping district since 2012. Drop in to explore their ever-changing selection of vintage decor, jewelry, home goods, clothing, fair trade foods, bath and body products and local art.

RPS TOYS

820 La Salle St., Ottawa www.RPS.toys

If you’re shopping with kids in mind, be sure to visit RPS Toys, the area’s premier familyfriendly shopping destination. This fun downtown Ottawa shop specializes in toys, early reader books, games and puzzles from some of the best brand names in the industry. Housed in a former one-screen movie theater, the shop features aisles of items that prove learning and fun don’t have to be mutually exclusive.

HEARTLAND BY HAND

231 W. Main St., Ottawa www.heartlandbyhand.com

Heartland by Hand is offering great gifts, handmade art and custom framing – all in a historic building on Ottawa’s Antiques Row. Housed inside a century-old flour and feed store, Heartland By Hand is home to a curated collection of gift items, jewelry, candles, lotions and accessories for men, women and babies, the majority of which are handmade in the USA. The boutique also offers custom picture framing services and shadow boxes, the perfect way to preserve the artwork you buy along your canal road trip.

CREST HILL CITY HALL

JOBST MONUMENT AND GIFTS

402 W. Main St., Ottawa Jobst Monument & Gifts on Facebook

Housed in a historic 1800s building on Ottawa’s Main Street, Jobst Monument and Gifts hosts two stores under one roof. You’ll find a hand-picked selection of unique gifts for the home and garden, as well as a selection of tasteful monuments for families and civic memorials. While you’re there, be sure to check out Jobst’s fairy garden corner, perfect for gaining inspiration or picking up a few pieces for building your own whimsical miniature garden.

CLARKS RUN ANTIQUES

215 N. Division St., North Utica www.clarksruncreek.com/ antiques

Utica’s Clarks Run Antiques is home to a full wine bar, outdoor patio and the village’s largest

selection of quality antiques and vintage pieces. Located a short walk from bustling Mill Street, you’ll find over 70 experienced and professional vendor spaces selling exceptionally well-curated collections of antiques. With the addition of their on-site wine bar, Clarks Run has cemented themselves as not only one of Starved Rock Country’s best multi-dealer antique shops, but also a top notch destination for enjoying libations near Starved Rock State Park.

CANAL CARGO

737 First St., LaSalle www.canal-cargo-market. business.site

The Canal Cargo Market, located in historic downtown La Salle, features more than 6,500 square feet of vintage, antique and shabby chic decor. If you’re looking for that perfect piece of upcycled vintage furniture or just love the rustic and industrial elements of salvaged materials, Canal Cargo Market is a

Jobst Mnumenr & Gifts

must-stop location for you! Now that vintage architectural elements and reclaimed furnishings are more popular than ever, let Canal

Cargo’s staff help you plan your perfect space, finding you the tools and products you need to unleash your own creativity.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

To hear episodes of “Secrets and Surprises in Illinois,” visit hcdestinations.com/secrets-podcast

SECRETS & SURPRISES

New Audio Show Explores Lesser-Known Moments and Figures in Illinois History

To celebrate its 40th anniversary, Heritage Corridor Destinations premiered a brand-new audio series in January 2024 – this fun and informative short-form podcast explores some of the state’s lesser-known historical and cultural milestones. Dubbed

“Secrets and Surprises in Illinois,” the series of two-minute, bite-sized stories narrated by Kevin Kollins delves into the interesting people, places and things that populate Illinois’ past.

“Chicagoland radio personality Kevin Kollins narrates the story to reveal either an Illinois secret or surprise or both,” announced Robert Navarro, president and CEO of Heritage Corridor Destinations. “I’m thrilled to share these audio stories about the amazing people, places and things that we’ve found all over 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 feature 40 episodes when all have been released, one for each year the Heritage Corridor has served the region. Episodes highlight unique topics from every corner and era of Illinois. New episodes will be released on all major podcast platforms most Mondays and

will run throughout 2024. The spots also will be broadcast on radio stations throughout Illinois and can be listened to via popular sites like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and many more.

The first episode highlights the contributions of Illinois entrepreneur J.F. McCullough – a name you might not know – a man whose contributions dot America’s roadways and reinvented how we dine and snack in America.

The topics on “Secrets and Surprises in Illinois” are wide-ranging, featuring off-the-wall and unexpected lesser-known trivia about the state’s legendary residents, innovations and unique locations. Upcoming episode topics remain tightly under wraps, but among the 20 episodes already released, you can expect to hear features on beloved treats with local connections, the story of world-record-breaking sculptures, the forgotten Illinois link to a common household fixture and much, much more.

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

Heritage Corridor Destinations ignites, influences and impacts the visitor experience through tourism partnerships within the communities and counties along the historic I&M Canal National Heritage Corridor, which starts 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 boost economic development.

It markets the region to potential visitors, both domestically and internationally. The focus is on overnight and group travel to maximize the economic impact of tourism for communities. The organization works with municipalities, hotels, restaurants and other entities to highlight the region’s unique cultural, historical and natural attractions.

To learn more about Heritage Corridor Destinations and explore what you can 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.

Illinois & Michigan Canal National Heritage Area

The 1848 opening of the canal heralded a new era in trade and travel for the entire nation. This remarkable water passageway transformed Chicago from a small frontier town to the fastest growing city on earth. The canal thrust the Midwest economy forward into the future.

In 1984 the I&M Canal continued its progress when it became America’s first national heritage area. Our “new kind of national park” was a collaboration of preservation, conservation, recreation, and economic development.

Today the I&M Canal National Heritage Area is an 862 square mile region encompassing five counties and 60 communities. The Canal Corridor Association, is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit designated by the US Congress, responsible for ensuring that the IMCNHA realizes its potential by maintaining, enhancing and promoting the historic, cultural, and natural resources of this significant heritage area.

Enjoy all the many ways to experience the simple pleasures and natural treasures of the I&M Canal National Heritage Area! www.iandmcanal.org

Canal

Lockport – 2nd Street Romeoville – 135th Street

Centennial Trail Romeoville – 135th Street Willow Springs

Lemont Heritage Quarries Trails

John Husar I&M Canal Trail

Lemont Woods Trails

Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve Trails

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center