Illinois & Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor

This canal was built in the 1830s and 1840s along the portage between Lake Michigan and the Illinois River, which had long been used as an American Indian trade route. The canal rapidly transformed Chicago from an isolated crossroads into a critical transportation hub between the East and the developing Midwest. A 61-mile recreational trail follows the canal towpath.

Authorized Aug. 24, 1984.

For information on the corridor, contact:

Canal Corridor Association
200 West 8th Street
Lockport, IL 60441
815.588.1100 voice
815.588.1101 fax
akoval@canalcor.org
http://www.canalcor.org

A Profile of Illinois and Michigan National Heritage Corridor