I&M Canal and Trail

4.0 mi east

Downtown Marseilles. Quaint river town with multiple casual restaurants.

4.6 mi east

Illini State Park. Scenic park along the Illinois River. Ride south at Marseilles on the pedestrian/bike section of the Route 178 bridge.

1.5 mi west

Quest Watersports — Ottawa’s local outfitter for kayaks, eBikes, and boats, with full-service marine repairs on site. The trail runs directly past the Quest facility

2.2 mi west

Historic Canal footbridge (old stone bases only, not crossable). Popular site among locals for special-occasion photos.

2.3 mi west

Historic Fox River aqueduct. Structure that originally carried Canal barges over the Fox River. Pedestrians and riders on the trail now use a wooden footbridge built over the original steel structure, which today is visible from above.

2.4 mi west

Ottawa River Walk (northeast end). We recommend this scenic, paved trail along the Fox River as the best route into the heart of downtown Ottawa. Immediately west of the aqueduct, turn south onto the concrete ramp and descend toward the stone building (public restrooms), then cross the street at the walkway to pick up the trail. Please ride carefully and watch for pedestrians in this area.

2.8–3.3 mi west

Re-watered section of the Canal. This recently-completed City of Ottawa project refilled a half-mile section of the historic Canal with water, and now serves as a scenic amenity for kayaking, canoeing & ice-skating. The Canal and path cross twice under Route 23-71 along the northern edge of downtown Ottawa.

2.9 mi west

Jeremiah Joe Coffee (Canal location). Coffee & snack spot located on the Canal path. Exit path at Paul St. and travel a short block west on Canal Ave. Also located downtown on LaSalle St.

3.0 mi west

Historic Canal tollhouse and replica barge. Believed to have been built in 1849, the tollhouse was once one of four located along the Canal. It is the only original structure that remains, and can be toured by appointment. The “Railsplitter” is parked on the Canal bank near the tollhouse — this replica of the many wooden barges that once traveled the Canal was originally built as a movie prop.

3.2 mi west

Cheese Shop & Deli. Selection of sandwiches, lunches & desserts, located on the Canal path.

3.25 mi west

Downtown Ottawa. This historic river and canal town features a selection of casual to upscale restaurants and bars, antique and gift shops, festivals, seasonal outdoor entertainment, Washington Park (site of the very first Lincoln-Douglas debate), the historic Reddick Mansion, the River Walk, and many other interesting diversions. NOTE: Route 23-71 (Columbus and LaSalle Streets) are prohibited while biking, due to busy traffic. The River Walk (see above) is the best route for biking between the I&M path and downtown Ottawa. Alternately, ride south from the path on Paul St. (one block east of Route 23-71), then west on Lafayette St. or Jackson St.

3.25 mi west

Ottawa Visitors Center. Stop in to learn more about what to see and do in Ottawa (south of path at the corner of Washington & LaSalle Streets).

4.75 & 6.25 mi west

Historic Canal locks #11 & #12. Original cement basin structures that allowed for periodic elevation changes along the Canal. Barges waited here to be raised (going upriver) or lowered (going downriver) to adjust to the changing elevations of the Illinois River valley.

7.3 mi west

Buffalo Rock State Park. Scenic park featuring a bluff overlook of the Illinois River and a small herd of buffalo. Entrance is across the street from the Canal path trailhead.

12.4 mi west

Downtown Utica. Small, tourism-oriented canal town located just north of Starved Rock State Park. Utica is home to a variety of restaurants, shops, wine tasting rooms and beer gardens — many of them located on Mill St. just north of the path.