Group Tours
Relive the dramatic turning point in our history that led to a new era of transportation and the growth of our region by taking a trip with your group on our I&M Canal Boat, The Volunteer. This vessel is not only a replica of those from the 1840s—it also runs on the same energy source: Mule Power!
Perfect For...
CAPTAIN’S I&M CANAL TOUR
Step back into 1848 with our period-clothed, “salty” boat crew and friendly mule guiding you along the historic Illinois & Michigan Canal for an hour-long ride from Lock 14 to the Little Vermillion Aqueduct and back. Then, enjoy a hearty Boat Captain’s Lunch in the I&M Canal Visitor Center Vintage Room, housed in a historic building and featuring additional information and exhibits about the I&M Canal. Even more, historic downtown LaSalle is right outside the door.
$45 Per Person, 2.5 hours
To book your group, call us at (815) 220-1848, Ext. 2 or email us at lasalle@iandmcanal.org!
NOW & THEN TOUR
Compare water travel in 1848 with that of today. First, you’ll take a trip on the I&M Canal Boat. Then, enjoy a hearty Boat Captain’s Lunch in the I&M Canal Visitor Center’s Vintage Room. Next, your group, with the assistance of a guide, will head to the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center and discover how 20th and 21st century water travel works. The Center is also a great place to view Starved Rock without all the traffic.
$48 Per Person, 4 hours
To book your group, call us at (815) 220-1848, Ext. 2 or email us at lasalle@iandmcanal.org!
MULES, MANSIONS, & MIMOSAS TOUR
Pair the I&M Canal Boat Tour with a visit to another local treasure, the beautifully restored Reddick Mansion! Experience a relaxing and educational ride on the I&M Canal, then kick back with mimosas while enjoying the Boat Captain’s Lunch in the I&M Canal Visitor Center’s Vintage Room. Next, venture to the Reddick Mansion, and explore the 22- room Italianate mansion along with the estate’s specialty gardens. A guided tour of Washington Park may be added at no cost.
$65 Per Person, 4 hours
To book your group, call us at (815) 220-1848, Ext. 2 or email us at lasalle@iandmcanal.org!
BOATS, BUBBLY & BLOSSOMS TOUR
Pair the I&M Canal Boat Tour with a visit to the gorgeous Weber Gardens! Experience a relaxing and educational ride on the I&M Canal, then sip mimosas in the I&M Canal Visitor Center’s Vintage Room while enjoying the Boat Captain’s Lunch. Next, venture to the Weber Gardens and explore Ted Weber’s storybook-style house along with over two acres of stunning English gardens.
$65 Per Person, 4.5 hours
To book your group, call us at (815) 220-1848, Ext. 2 or email us at lasalle@iandmcanal.org!
REMEMBER THE LADIES TOUR
Engaging, informative and inside, this tour is a great outing any time of year and especially during colder weather months when the boat is not running. Enjoy a Reddick Mansion Tour along with a catered lunch of house-made quiches, salads, soups and sweets at the I&M Canal Visitor Center Vintage Room followed by a presentation by Tricia Kelly, first-person interpreter and famed storyteller. Choose from three presentations: “Prairie Iron: The Remarkable Life of Pioneer Elsie Armstrong,” “Interview With a Victorian,” or “Nellie Bly: Adventures of a ‘Mad’ Woman.” Click here for more details on Tricia’s story options.
$49 Per Person, 3.5 hours
To book your group, call us at (815) 220-1848, Ext. 2 or email us at lasalle@iandmcanal.org!
OPTIONAL Tour Add-on
August Hill Wine Tasting – Add as an extra stop to any I&M Canal Boat Tour Group Outing.
$18 Per Person (Plus, add 20% gratuity)
Customize Your Tour
Our Group Tour Specialist can work with you to plan the perfect outing for your group, such as including historical figure re-enactors or pairing the boat ride with visits to other local attractions.
To book your group, call us at (815) 220-1848, Ext. 2 or email us at lasalle@iandmcanal.org!
Additional Details
- Tours are available Mid-May through October and are suitable for up to 64 guests for lunch, 70 for the boat.
- The I&M Canal Boat and our facilities are accessible to those using manually powered mobility aids.
- For catered tours, vegetarian and gluten-free options are available upon request.
- Inclement weather? An enclosed boat cabin allows for the boat tour to operate in most weather conditions.
The I&M Canal Boat and Visitor Center is at 754 First Street, LaSalle, conveniently located at the junction of I-80 and I-39, just off U.S. Route 6 and only 10 minutes west of Starved Rock State Park.
For more booking information, including scheduling options, contact us at (815) 220-1848, Ext. 2 or lasalle@iandmcanal.org