Explore The I&M Canal Boat
To celebrate the 250th Birthday of America and as part of IL250, we’re offering a limited-time, unique opportunity to step aboard our 1840s-replica I&M Canal Boat. Discover how boats like these changed the face of our region, state and country!
Picture it: 1848 Illinois. Prairie covers the state. Overland transportation is slow and treacherous. And only a few small communities exist, including a small port town on Lake Michigan called Chicago. Then the I&M Canal opens, and everything changes.
Relive the fateful turning point in our history that led to a new era of transportation and the growth of our region by climbing aboard our 1840s-replica I&M Canal Boat, The Volunteer.
Tour the boat as it remains at the dock and see the interior and exterior spaces where passengers congregated. Learn how the boat was powered: by mules! Then make your way to the top deck for a beautiful view of the canal–perfect for taking photos, videos and selfies.
NEW: Walk through our 18-panel exhibit: The History of the I&M Canal, featuring illustrations by celebrated artist and author, Tom Wilcockson. Set up inside the boat, these displays detail how a vessel made its way up the I&M Canal to the burgeoning city of Chicago.
The boat is docked at I&M Canal State Trail – Lock 14 Access, LaSalle IL. It’s near our I&M Canal Visitor Center and Lock 16 Gift Shop and Café, which is located at 754 First Street, so pop in if you have questions or are looking for a breakfast, lunch, snack or beverage.
Coming Soon: Register Your Visit In Advance
The boat will open the week of July 8th. Days and times for this summer are to be determined–we need to sign up docents to help us with this (see below).
Admission is free. We ask that you register in advance so that we can make sure to have a team member or docent available and on the boat for when you plan to visit.
Anytime the boat is open (whether or not you’ve registered), you’re free to come in and explore.
Volunteer To Be A Docent
The Volunteer gives guests a chance to step aboard an 1840s-replica canal boat and explore a fascinating piece of Illinois history—but we can’t offer the experience without volunteer docents.
Docents help open and close the boat, welcome visitors and oversee the experience while guests explore the exhibits and interior spaces. You don’t need to be a historian—just someone who enjoys meeting people and supporting a great local experience.
Interested? Fill out the form below to let us know your availability.
Important Info
Admission: Free, Suggested Donation $5
Opens week of July 8th; Days & Times TBD