Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail in Illinois State

Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail

The 80-mile journey along the Illinois River is like a trip back in time.

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Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail Details

The 80-mile journey along the Illinois River is like a trip back in time. Native tribes once used these waters for fishing and hunting, while early pioneers and settlers used the connection to navigate between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River. Nowadays, you can cycle along this same 80-mile route to see a diverse mix of historical sites and awe-inspiring natural wonders. There is a lot to see here, so it is best to plan out a route ahead of time. A couple of must-see spots include the replica canal boat in LaSalle, the bustling Ottawa Riverwalk, and the 473-acre McKinley Woods Forest Preserve in Channahon.

Difficulty

Low

Distance

N/A

Estimated time

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Region

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Nearby Parks Around Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail

Compare nearby parks around Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.

49.0 mi away

Indiana Dunes

National Park · IN

240.2 mi away

Gateway Arch

National Park · MO

326.2 mi away

Mammoth Cave

National Park · KY

334.8 mi away

Cuyahoga

National Park · OH

447.7 mi away

Isle Royale

National Park · MI

478.7 mi away

Great Smoky

National Park · NC

Nearby Points of Interest Around Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail

Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail while the map context is still fresh.

3.7 mi away

Waterfall Glen Trail

Situated in the heart of DuPage County is this 2,492-acre forest preserve.

3.8 mi away

Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve

This stunning 2,492-acre forest is a beautiful area known for its lush foliage, cascading waterfalls, and extensive trail system.

5.9 mi away

Palos Orange Trail

A one-hour drive from Chicago drops you off in this rugged wonderland of hilly terrain.

13.7 mi away

Chicago Portage National Historic Site

Chicago Portage National Historic Site is located where French explorers Father Marquette and Louis Joliet, advised by local Native American tribes, made an important portage between the Illinois and Des Plaines Rivers and Lake Michigan.

18.2 mi away

Unity Temple

Designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright, this church is considered to be one of his most influential works.