April 25, 2024
Shaw Local
NewsSubscribePrep SportsElectionNewsletterObituarieseNewspaperThe SceneEvent Calendar

35 ways to enjoy the I&M Canal Corridor through October

Will County Inside/Outside Guide offers suggestions for enjoying your weekend and beyond

By Denise M. Baran-Unland

The I&M Canal Passports were made to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the I&M Canal National Heritage Area’s creation on Aug. 23, 1984. The contest started on the anniversary in 2019 and was scheduled to end in 2020. With the interruptions of the past year, the contest has been extended to October 31, 2021 with the grand prize to be drawn Nov. 12. The contest is administered by the Canal Corridor Association, the nonprofit local coordinating entity for the IMCNHA. (Photo provided)

Welcome to The Herald-News’ Will County Inside/Outside Guide. Each week, Features Editor Denise M. Baran-Unland (@Denise_Unland61) highlights a few ideas for you to enjoy your weekend in Will County.

The I&M Canal National Heritage Area is hosting a 35th Anniversary Passport contest.

It’s really easy to participate, too. Simply pick up a free passport at any of the 35 participating locations listed below or contact the Canal Corridor Association to have one mailed to you.

Then visit these 35 “historic, natural, and cultural sites” according to a news release from the organizers. Make sure you get your passport stamped for prizes and a drawing. The program is free to participate.

When your passport is full, returm them to the Canal Corridor Association at 754 First Street, LaSalle to claim the prizes, which will be processed after the close of the contest.

For more information about the passports, sites and contest rules, visit iandmcanal.org/passport.

The 35 participating sites are:

1. McCormick Bridgehouse and Chicago River Museum • 376 N Michigan Ave., Chicago

2. Canal Origins Park • 2701 S. Ashland Ave., Chicago

3. Chicago Maritime Museum • 1200 W. 35th St., Chicago

4. National Museum of Mexican Art • 1852 W. 19th St., Chicago

5. DuSable Museum of African American History • 740 E. 56th Pl., Chicago

6. Pullman National Monument • 11141 S. Cottage Grove Ave., Chicago

7. Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • 9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs

8. St. James at Sag Bridge • 10600 S. Archer Ave., Lemont

9. Old Stone Church & Lemont Area Historical Society • 306 Lemont St., Lemont

10. Historic Downtown Lemont • 112 Stephen St., Lemont

11. Isle la a Cache Museum • 501 E. Romeo Road, Romeoville

12. Will County Historical Museum & Research Center • 803 S. State St., Lockport

13. The Gaylord Building • 200 W. 8th St., Lockport

14. Illinois State Museum, Lockport Gallery • 201 W. 10th St., Lockport

15. Historic Downtown Lockport • 201 West 10th St., Lockport

16. Joliet Area Historical Museum • 204 N. Ottawa St., Joliet

17. Joliet Architecture & Art Walking Tour Self-Guided Tour • Joliet

18. Intersection of Rt 66 & Lincoln Hwy • Cass Street and Chicago Street, Joliet

19. Old Joliet Prison • 1125 Collins St., Joliet

20. Four Rivers Environmental Education Center • 25055 W. Walnut Lane, Channahon

21. USDA Forest Service-Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie • 30239 S. State Route 53, Wilmington

22. Carbon Hill School Museum • 875 N. Second St., Carbon Hill

23. Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area • 15010 N. Jugtown Road, Morris

24. Historic Downtown Morris • Liberty St. & Illinois Ave., Morris

25. Grundy County Historical Museum • 510 W. Illinois Ave., Morris

26. Seneca Area Heritage Museum/Hogan Grain Elevator • 431 N. Main St., Seneca

27. Reddick Mansion • 100 W. Lafayette St., Ottawa

28. First Lincoln Douglas Debate Site • 1028 LaSalle St., Ottawa

29. LaSalle County Historical Society • 101 E. Canal St., North Utica

30. Illinois Waterway Visitor Center • 950 N. 27th Road, Ottawa

31. I & M Canal Boat • Route 351 & I&M Canal, LaSalle

32. Hegeler Carus Mansion • 1307 7th St., LaSalle

33. Historic Downtown LaSalle • 754 1st St., LaSalle

34. I & M Canal Visitor Center • 754 1st St., LaSalle

35. Westclox Museum • 350 5th St., Peru

Thoughts? Drop me a line at dunland@shawmedia.com.