Illinois and Michigan Canal (I&M Canal), IL

History buffs, nature lovers and sportsmen will thrill to the sights and sounds of the 96-mile route of the Illinois and Michigan Canal (I&M Canal). Along its banks are numerous state parks, restored historical sites, an abundance of wildlife and distinctive landscapes, ranging from bluffs to rolling hills. This trail is part of the Grand Illinois Trail.

Visitors can follow the I & M Canal State Trail beginning at Rockdale along the old towpath to LaSalle and experience 61.5 miles of scenic views of the canal and the Des Plaines and Illinois rivers. At every turn, trail users will find something of interest. One can spend an afternoon or several days exploring the wonders along this picturesque and unique area.

This canal provided the first complete water route from the east coast to the Gulf of Mexico by connecting Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River by way of the Illinois River. French explorers Joliet and Marquette recognized the value of this water route for navigation in the 1600s. It was used heavily by Native Americans and traders from this time until 1823 when Illinois created a Canal Commission to oversee design and construction of the I & M Canal. The canal was not completed until 1848, at a cost of $6.5 million.

It begins at the south branch of the Chicago River at Bridgeport and extends 96 miles to the Illinois River at LaSalle. It was originally 60 feet wide and 6 feet deep. Along the canal, 15 locks were built to accommodate differences in elevation. Commercial traffic began immediately, with barges pulled by mules or horses walking on the towpaths. In 1933, the Illinois Waterway was completed and the I & M Canal was closed to navigation. Since this time the canal has been developed for recreation. Shelters and picnic areas were added and the towpath was renovated for hiking and bicycling. Interpretive programs and information centers are located at various locations along the trail.

We started this hike at the Channahon State Park and headed south to McKinley Woods and back. The Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail is an 80 mile trail starting in Lemont, IL and ending in LaSalle, IL just west of Starved Rock State Park. We camped at Illini State Park and drove back East toward highway 55. The Joliet Area has been very good to us for hiking this fall. The Lock Tender’s house is along side the Channahon State Park parking lot.

On the Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail, we cross over the DuPage River with a great 360° view of the river and canal.

We get a great view of the original locks, this is Lock 7. The Lock Tender’s House from our first video is Lock 6 (https://youtu.be/skeLMrRmq-0​). Lock 6 is north of the DuPage River and Lock 7 on the other side of the DuPage River. Our last video has us crossing the bridge over the DuPage River (https://youtu.be/P4PJTwLh7HE​). This is an honest hike and also has a ton of history. So came for the hike and stay for the education.

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The Will County Forest Preserve posted an excellent sign with photos of all the animal wildlife in the area. We appreciated the information and took our own photos of the sign for later. Then dad walks upstream to demonstrate how boats were pulled by rope along the canal. Our hiking path is the working path for the teenage boys hired to guide boats up and down the 80 miles of canal. On one side of the path are older growth trees that did not interfere with the rope escort. On the canal side of the path, there are no older trees and the entire 80 miles would need to be cleared of vegitation.

We are near the power lines, which is right at the beginning of McKinley Woods. The views along the rivers are pretty special. On one side is the I&M Canal and on the other is the Des Plaines River. The mouth of the DuPage River was diverted north after the canal shut down, so as to keep the DuPage runoff from clogging the new transportation requirements along the Des Plaines River. Looking at a map, that description becomes more evident. At the end of the video Ryan sees an Opossum, which almost everyone calls a Possum. We learned during our hikes to Illinois Beach State Park (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7AFj…​), that Opossums live in the US and Possums live in Australia. Possums from Australia are closely related to Kangaroos.

Dad reminisces about his early childhood in the 1800’s : ) As we enter the McKinley Woods, the level of the canal is higher than the Des Plaines River. Walking in the winter time allows us to see all the landscape and appreciate the water fowl: Ducks, Geese, etc.

We’ve entered the McKinley Woods recreation area. We talk about how nature and hiking absorbs your subconscious energy and helps to relax and calm. Comment below about why you hike and the emotional impact hiking provides to you.

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This is a video showing a barge moving up the Des Plaines River while looking across the I&M Canal. The size difference of the canal vs modern barges is significant. Use your 360° controls for a full view.

Camping is allowed in McKinley Woods and this video shows most of the Frederick’s Grove Campground. There are 4 sites available on a first come bases. Camping is available during the Summer months, for more information: https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/A…​

We are on the upper level of McKinley Woods and eventually we get lost. For more information about McKinley Woods: https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/P…​

The hike from Channahon State Park to McKinley Woods and back is about 10 miles. The hike follows the I&M Canal, along the DuPage River and then the Des Plaines River. We see Locks 6 and 7 and the Lock Tender’s house. There is a lot of wildlife. We saw water fowl, wood peckers, opossums, and beavers. Will County Forest Preserve has done a great job keeping the trail open and providing resources for a natural experience. https://www.reconnectwithnature.org​

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We stopped and took a non-360° video of a beaver sitting on a log in the I&M Canal.

After camping at Illini State Park, we drove across the Illinois River and through the town of Marseilles. The I&M Canal passes through town and this is a quick look at the canal farther down river.

The I&M Canal, looking south, from the town of Marseilles, IL. The I&M Canal looks well built and preserved.

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