The baton will soon be here! Below you’ll find the schedule for the American Discovery 250 Relay as it travels along the I&M Canal State Trail on Friday, October 9. If you’ve signed up to carry the baton, find your stop below for check-in times, meeting locations and participation details.
Didn’t sign up previously? Everyone is invited to come cheer on the participants or accompany the baton from one location to the next—we want as many people as possible to be a part of this once-in-250-years experience!This relay is a celebration of America’s 250th anniversary and the American Discovery Trail (ADT). A baton containing a copy of the Declaration of Independence is being passed from person to person along a 6,800-mile route that follows the ADT from California to Delaware, crossing 15 states along the way. We’re thrilled to be organizing its travels along the I&M Canal Trail!
All times are tentative and subject to change as the relay progresses.
Starting Point: Spring Valley
8:30 a.m. | Departure
The baton begins its journey for the day in Spring Valley and heads toward La Salle.
Stop 1: La Salle
10–10:30 a.m. | Baton carrier check-in
Arrive at the I&M Canal Visitor Center (754 First Street, La Salle), sign in and receive your commemorative backpack.
The visitor center will open at 8 a.m., so you’re welcome to arrive early for coffee and breakfast at the Lock 16 Café. Restrooms will also be available inside.
Baton carriers will form a line from the visitor center, across the IL-351 Bridge to the I&M Canal Boat.
11 a.m. | Expected baton arrival
The baton will be passed from person to person along the line.
11:30 a.m. | Departure for Utica
Anyone who would like to accompany the baton is welcome to hike or bike the 4.7 miles to the next stop.
Stop 2: Utica
12:30–1 p.m. | Baton carrier check-in
Arrive at Carey Memorial Park, sign in and receive your commemorative backpack. Meet at the I&M Canal Trail Access at the southeast corner of the park, near the parking lot at Division and Canal Streets. Restrooms are available at the park.
Baton carriers will form a line from Carey Memorial Park to the IL-178 Bridge.
1:30 p.m. | Expected baton arrival
The baton will be passed from person to person along the line.
1:50 p.m. | Departure for Buffalo Rock Access
A designated volunteer will guide participants back onto the trail heading east toward Buffalo Rock Access, 5.4 miles away. Anyone is welcome to hike or bike along.
Stop 3: Buffalo Rock
3–3:30 p.m. | Baton carrier check-in
Arrive at Buffalo Rock Access (1300 N. 27th Road, Ottawa), sign in and receive your commemorative backpack. Restrooms are available inside Buffalo Rock State Park. Note: 27th Road is also known as Dee Bennett Road.
Participants staying at this stop will line up along the trail to pass the baton.
4 p.m. | Expected baton arrival
The baton will be passed from person to person among those waiting.
4:15 p.m. | Departure for the Ottawa Toll House
For the next leg, the Shepherd and Central girls’ cross-country teams will lead the way, running the baton 4.5 miles to the Ottawa Toll House. Anyone is welcome to run or bike alongside them.
Stop 4: Ottawa
4:15–4:45 p.m. | Baton carrier check-in
Arrive at the Ottawa Toll House (1221 Columbus St., Ottawa), sign in and receive your commemorative backpack.
Participants staying at this stop will form a line to pass the baton.
5:15 p.m. | Expected baton arrival
The baton will be passed from person to person along the line.
5:30 p.m. | Departure for Fox River Park
Anyone who would like to continue with the baton is welcome to hike or bike the remaining 0.6 miles to Fox River Park.
Ending Point: Fox River Park
5:45 p.m. | Expected arrival
The relay will conclude for the day at Fox River Park.
Questions? Contact us at (815) 220-1848 or admin@iandmcanal.org.
Want to support this and other I&M Canal National Heritage Area events? Donate here >
