LA SALLE – DINING AND RECREATION DESTINATIONS

CANAL TOWN DESTINATION: LA SALLE

The trail ends near the Illinois River. Before the end, trailgoers will reach Lock 14 in La Salle where The Volunteer is docked. The Volunteer is a 76-foot-long, mule-drawn replica canal boat. Book an hour-long canal tour on the boat Fridays through Sundays and some Wednesdays in the summer at the I&M Canal Visitor Center and Lock 16 Cafe. Lock 14 is a popular fishing destination, particularly for largemouth bass. If you’re in town in mid to late July, catch a performance of “The Wizard of Oz” at Stage 212 Want to unwind in the fresh air with beer, cocktails and entertainment? Stop at Nick’s on 6 and kick back on the patio.

Uptown Grill is a local go-to for American food in an atmosphere that can be either casual or date-night. Rawfully Yours Juice Bar & Cafe specializes in organic and whole food ingredients in burgers, sandwiches and salads, plus offers a menu of cold pressed juices and smoothies. A light lunch option is The Dog House, a cozy spot where diners can order Chicago-style hot dogs at the counter. For a quick Mexican meal, try Mickey’s Massive Burritos. A favorite stop for barbecue is Haze Smokehouse. With a small menu of sandwiches and quiche plus a bakery, Lil’ Mad Cafe doubles as a light lunch spot and dessert destination. Customers at Millstone Bakery can watch fresh breads and pastries pulled out of the stone oven. Specialty coffee and desserts are available at the Lock 16 Cafe. A classy dinner destination is The Study Supper Club, where meals are served among book-lined walls.

Those who want to venture beyond downtown can travel 1.3 miles (about 6 minutes by bicycle) to the historic Westclox Building in Peru, which is home to multiple businesses and attractions such as the Westclox Museum; the NCI ARTworks gallery; Star Union Spirits, which offers distillery tours and a tasting room Thursday through Saturday evenings; Fire on Fifth, which serves brick oven pizza; and more.