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America’s First National Heritage Area Discover Book Your Experience >

The Illinois & Michigan Canal National Heritage Area is the first of its kind: a national park of communities, not federal land. Based around the I&M Canal, which connected the Illinois River to Lake Michigan creating an all-water, inland route from the East Coast to the Gulf of Mexico, our National Heritage Area is made up of 60 cities and towns, from Chicago to LaSalle-Peru, who owe their growth to the canal.

Come Enjoy This Unique National Park

We need your support. You choose how! Pick from NINE GIVING OPTIONS. Select based on your interests and the amount you're able to give >

Get out of the classroom and introduce students to the canal that built Chicago. Click for more details about FIELD TRIPS.

THE LOCK 16 CAFÉ is back along with delicious breakfasts, tasty lunches, refreshing beverages, coffee drinks, baked goods and more. Come for a bite or sip⁠ >

Become an I&M Canal JUNIOR RANGER. Have fun and learn about our National Heritage Area.