ILLINOIS MICHIGAN CANAL

Adventure in Illinois & Michigan Canal
National Heritage Corridor

You can find some well-deserved relaxation and adventure exploring the I&M Canal National Heritage Corridor.

The Corridor is an affiliated National Park — the first of its kind in the United States. "You cannot fail to feel connected in some way to this unique park with its mix of historical, cultural, natural, and industrial treasures," guarantees Char Giardina (UIC Alumni). Giardina is a historical interpreter for the Illinois Department of Conservation. Meet her at the I&M Canal Visitor Center in Lockport, and she will help you get acquainted with the 100 mile Corridor. The old Illinois Michigan Canal once linked Lake Michigan and the Illinois River as a water route for commercial barges. Although abandon as a usable waterway for many years, US Congress in 1984 enacted legislation specifying a corridor surrounding this old canal a National Park. The park area is rich in both natural beauty and Illinois history and can be explored in a weekend (driving in from the UIC area). After it was abandon as a canal about 75 years ago it was known to a few naturalists and hunters but was for the most isolated from the influence of the outside, and still remains in a natural state.

Lockport is the best preserved canal town in the Corridor. At the heart of historical district is the Gaylord Building, a restored warehouse/general store shared by the Visitor Center, Museum and Art Gallery. Just paces away is the restored Pioneer Settlement, with over a dozen structures from the 1800s. These sites border the 2.5 mile canal towpath trail for biking and hiking. Trails connect the small Canal Towns. The scenery is terrific but of course no Motor Bikes allowed. For lunch you can stop at the famous canal diggers tavern restaurant, now called Duffy's in Utica and sample some old Irish American food (at reasonable prices) in an nostalgic atmosphere of the 1800s pub you would not expect to find 75 miles from UIC.

By crossing the Illinois River bridge at Utica you enter Starved Rock State Park which provides additional adventure and sightseeing. Starved Rock State Park has in addition to picnic areas, landscape views you would associate with the western mountain states. And for something really different continue on along the Canal and visit the old river front in Peru, Illinois. If you happen to come on the 4th of July, see a fireworks display over the river. The old ghost town-like buildings are contrasted by a restored restaurant, "The Red Door", an old Swiss-German establishment loaded with historical artifacts. Sign the guest register. UIC alumni and students have been watching the fireworks and visiting for years on the fourth of July. These can be seen from the balcony of the Red Door (no charge).

But the best part of the adventure is the people you meet in the old river and canal towns like Utica and Peru. The trip can be done for about twenty-five dollars, if you are in a group and share gas cost. Don't forget your camera and camcorder.

Bill Bates, retired from EECS in 1993. He has taken students on many trips and tours during his time at UIC. The above area was visited by Engineering students in the years 1989, 90, 91, and 92. It has always been an area many have enjoyed, and returned to again.

May 1994 / Illinois Municipal Review / Page 17