LaSalle, IL. Your one-hour, round trip journey on a full sized replica canal boat will take you on the same hand-dug waterway that 19th century pioneers traveled.  Your guides, dressed as Canal Era crew and passangers, will take you back in time to life on the American frontier and the Illinois prairie. 

OPEN YEAR ROUND – 7 days a week

Please call for reservations. 

A few short blocks from the LaSalle Canal Boat is the Lock 16 Visitor Center in Downtown Lasalle, IL. The restored vintage building that was once home to a horse buggy maker now celebrates another historic form of transportation: the canal boat.
A hub for LaSalle Canal Boat rides and activities, with ticket sales and bus drop-off for group tours, the visitor center is also a place to linger and learn, dine and shop.
Buy gifts and souvenirs at the canal-themed heritage gift shop. Enjoy special I&M Canal exhibits, talks and cultural programs.

You may want to begin your historical adventure with a cup of freshly ground coffee, one of our flavored lattes, or a cold drink. Add a warm bakery item to join us for breakfast.

Or enjoy one of our lunch specials after your boat ride, whether it is a bowl of soup and homemade bread or a sandwich platter. For the lighter side we have a daily salad special.

It doesn’t matter what time of day…there is always room for a piece of pie or an ice cream treat.

We accommodate large groups and parties and have buffets available, even hors d’oeuvres aboard the canal boat. It would be our privilege to help you create your perfect day with good food!



Free Wi-Fi.

Fun. Interesting. Relaxing. Educational. The Visitor Center is all that and more.