Check out the latest I&M CANAL MERCHANDISE, including the illustrated Tom Willcockson book "Passage to Chicago," tote bags and t-shirts, like our new Illinois 250 shirts >
Participate in the AMERICAN DISCOVERY 250 RELAY. We need baton carriers, volunteers, partners and sponsors along with people cheering relayers on. Sign up to stay up to date >
**NEW Exhibit** Explore THE HISTORY OF THE I&M CANAL, a new 18-panel exhibit featuring original illustrations by acclaimed artist and author Tom Willcockson. See it now at the I&M Canal Visitor Center >
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
