One-hour rides on a replica canal boat give glimpses of travel in the era when the Illinois & Michigan Canal connected the Illinois River to Lake Michigan and ultimately to the East Coast. When the canal opened in 1848, these boats, pulled by mules that plodded alongside the canal, were hailed as a fast, easy alternative to land travel. Today, costumed interpreters add to the experience with tales of the immigrants who dug the canal by hand. Purchase tickets along LaSalle's First Street at the new Lock 16 Visitors Center. (815) 223-1851; lasallecanalboat.org
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