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

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

Get info on our Bike Share Program and find where bike stations are located >

Welcome, MANAGING DIRECTOR WAYNE DUERKES! We're excited for him to work with President / CEO Ana B. Koval and the team to continue to grow the programs for our National Heritage Area.

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