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Lock and Dams
Arrive in historic Lockport where the Illinois
and Michigan Canal (I&M) became a center
of shipping and passenger activity. The I&M
runs from Chicago to LaSalle-Peru. With the
opening in 1848, one could go from the east
coast to the Gulf of Mexico via this historical
waterway. Designated in 1984 as the Nation’s
First National Heritage Corridor, this area
has been preserved for all to learn of its
historical significance to the Midwest. The
first lock is still intact today and the area
known as the Old Public Landing consists of
a hands-on exhibit, interpretive park featuring
a statue of Lincoln (opening February 2009)
and tow-path trails. A plated lunch is available
at the Gaylord Building in the Public Landing
Restaurant. Return through Lemont, the canal
town which was settled in 1863 for a look and
feel of the past combined with a progressive
eye to the future. Stop in downtown Lemont
to browse in several specialty shops which
include antiques and crafts.
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