I&M Canal National Heritage Area - La Salle, Illinois

I&M Canal National Heritage Area

The I&M Canal National Heritage Area, located at 754 1st St, La Salle, IL 61301, is a must-visit national reserve and tourist attraction that offers a unique and enriching experience for visitors of all ages. With a phone number of 52201848 and a website at iandmcanal.org, this heritage area is easily accessible and provides a wealth of information for those interested in learning about its history and significance.

Specialties and Points of Interest

• National reserve: The I&M Canal National Heritage Area is a beautifully preserved piece of American history, offering visitors a chance to explore the canal's unique role in shaping the nation's development.
• Tourist attraction: With its stunning landscapes, historic sites, and engaging exhibits, the heritage area is a popular destination for tourists seeking a memorable and educational experience.
• Wheelchair accessible entrance and parking lot: The area is designed to accommodate all visitors, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the attractions and facilities without difficulty.
• Public restroom and good for kids: Families with children will appreciate the availability of public restrooms and the numerous kid-friendly activities and exhibits throughout the heritage area.
• Dogs allowed: Furry companions can join in on the fun, as dogs are welcome throughout the area on a leash.

Opinions and Reviews

The I&M Canal National Heritage Area has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from visitors, with an impressive average rating of 4.7/5 based on 26 reviews on Google My Business. Many guests have praised the area for its well-preserved history, beautiful scenery, and engaging exhibits. One particularly notable review highlighted the delicious homemade soups and baked goods available at the Visitor Center cafe, which are made in-house and perfect for refueling after exploring the attractions.

Recommendation

For those interested in learning about the I&M Canal's role in shaping American history and experiencing a unique and engaging tourist attraction, the I&M Canal National Heritage Area is an excellent choice. With its wheelchair accessibility, family-friendly activities, and dog-friendly policies, this heritage area offers something for everyone. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the area's stunning landscapes, historic sites, and captivating exhibits. To learn more or plan your visit, visit their website at iandmcanal.org or contact them directly at 52201848.

👍 Reviews of I&M Canal National Heritage Area

Donna T.

5/5

I absolutely love the cafe inside of the Visitor Center. I got the half sandwich and the cup of white chili. I had a turkey with some cranberry chutney sandwich on marble rye. Both the chili and the sandwich were delicious!!! I purchased a quart of white chili and a quart of the minestrone soup to bring home. The soups and baked goods are made in house. This is a fantastic place to refuel. Adorable gift items in their gift store.

Agnieszka ?. B.

5/5

I've lived around here my whole life, walked the towpath plenty of times, but I finally decided to visit the heritage center to get some breakfast. It was delicious! The English muffin had a good crunch, the eggs were cooked perfectly, and my hibiscus tea was so nice. The gentleman who served us was very kind. My girlfriend got the four cheese quiche and an iced white mocha. The espresso is roasty/robust. The prices are comparable to other local cafés.

Charles P. L.

5/5

This welcome center for the Illinois and Lake Michigan canal is wonderful. There are graphics all around the store to tell the stories. They have lots of gift items for sale. I bought one that shows Lincoln and says I walked the IM canal. It was one of his major infrastructure goals to have it built. The canal and other waterways would connect the east coast and New Orleans. I also bought a children's book telling many interesting stories about life on the canal.
Jeri and I had the corned beef sliders and a homemade cookie each. They were very good.
While Jeri was learning how to operate her new Bernina sewing machine, I went across the street to the Mexican supermarket. Boy, some of the food items I had never heard of or seen before.
Afterwards, I walked down First street to the end of the business section. There are several vacant stores. Many are closed on Monday and Tuesday.
I went into the LaSalle State Bank building. It is neoclassical on the exterior but very modern on the inside. A Hungarian immigrant painter painted about a dozen scenes of LaSalle which are wonderful. I asked if I could take pictures of them, but the CEO said no. I hope to find pictures of them somewhere and post them.

Marg C.

5/5

The trail offers excellent bicycling and hiking opportunities beside the old tow path and canal. Each mile is marked along with information at points of interest. Along the way are benches, picnic areas, and parking lots.

rena P.

3/5

Nice trail which needs a little TLC. The trail head is at one end of the bridge over the only cleared part of the canal. There’s a parking lot with a garbage can and I think u saw a poets potty. The trail itself needs some bushes cut back and the canal looks strangled by some type of invasive plant (water hyacinths?).

jackie H.

5/5

Beautiful area lots of bike riding on the canal trail -- so much history!

Jesse S.

5/5

This is a lovely place to go for privacy fishing taking a hike a bike ride bringing the kids somewhere I give this place a ten star rating

Brandon M.

3/5

Can ride a donkey pulled boat. Also biking and walking on the canal path