MAILING ADDRESS
Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor;
30 North Bluff Street;
Joliet, IL 60435

DIRECTIONS
The Corridor is located along the Illinois and Michigan Canal from Chicago to the Mississippi River.

WHEN TO VISIT
Open year round.

POINTS OF INTEREST
Completed in 1848, this canal and the railroads that paralleled it were instrumental in opening up the west and in the growth of Chicago. The canal allowed farmers in the Mississippi and Illinois river valleys to ship grain and other products to eastern markets by way of the Great Lakes. In the 1850's, railroads were built to carry farm products to market. The railroads also linked such cities as Chicago, Cairo, and Quincy. The Illinois Waterway includes the Chicago, Des Plaines, and Illinois rivers, plus a few canals. Today it is the core of a system of Parks and recreational activities.

ACTIVITIES
Picnic areas; self-guiding tours/trails; hiking; swimming; boating; fishing.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Food, supplies, overnight accommodations, and camping facilities are located along the Corridor in nearby communities.