Illinois and Michigan Canal State Trail
- Status
- Status not posted
- Entrance fee
- Statewide rule — see below
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Not stated — check with park
- Camping
- Yes
- Official site
- dnr.illinois.gov
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Overview
In Grundy County, about 3 miles west of Morris, Illinois and Michigan Canal State Trail covers about 1,080 acres.
Fees and passes
Free: 'The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) does not charge an Entrance Fee to any state owned or operated land.' Camping, cabins and shelters are fee-based.
Statewide fee rule from Illinois's park system; this park’s page doesn’t list its own fees.
Reservations
- Day use
- No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
- Booking system
- ExploreMoreIL (IDNR camping, cabins, group camps and shelters)
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Camping
Camping
Backpack carry-in is allowed at designated sites along the trail. Tent and youth group camping are also available at Channahon and Gebhard Woods. Open fires are permitted in camp stoves and fire pits provided at the sites. Permits must be obtained from the park offices prior to camping.
From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.
Things to do
Trails
Trail
The trail on the old canal towpath is easy walking and gives access to unparalleled scenic and historic sights. Bicyclists also can take advantage of the groomed towpath to enjoy the natural and manmade wonders. The trail is marked and has wayside exhibits describing features of the canal. Due to the trail’s composition, horseback riding is not allowed.
Boating and paddling
Boating
Canoeists can travel 15 miles of open water in the canal between Channahon and Gebhard Woods State Parks and 5 miles between Utica and LaSalle. Canoe access also is available at the Aux Sable Aqueduct and at Lock 14 in LaSalle.
Boating enthusiasts have easy access to the Illinois River at William G. Stratton State Park. Any one of the four boat launching ramps will provide your start to an afternoon of boating, fishing, or water-skiing.
A full-size replica canal boat located in LaSalle offers cruises, with guides dressed as canal-era crew and passengers. Enjoy learning about life on the American frontier and the Illinois prairie as you take a relaxing, scenic ride on the waterway that changed the face of the nation—the historic Illinois & Michigan Canal. Cruises are operated by the Lock 16 Visitor Center of the Canal Corridor Association, located at 754 First St. in LaSalle. Information about cruises is available by calling 815-220-1848 or visiting the I & M Canal State Trail. Directions: Exit Route 80 West at mile marker #77 (Rt. 351) and go South on Rt. 351 to First Street. The building is located at 754 First St. (southwest corner of Rt. 351 and First St.).
Fishing
Fishing
Bring your fishing gear to the canal and test your skill at catching bass, crappie, bluegill, carp, catfish, and bullhead. Pond fishing also is available at Gebhard Woods. River fishing is popular at William G. Stratton State Park on the Illinois River.
A state fishing license is usually required.
Amenities
Facilities
- Picnic areas
- Park or camp store
✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.
Accessibility
Accessibility at I & M Canal:
•
Parking - The parking lots are asphalt with accessible parking spaces. There is approximately 20' to the concrete sidewalk.
•
Restrooms - There are accessible vault toilets available at Aux Sable and Bridge Street lots.
•
Service animals are welcome in the park, but there are no outdoor water fountains available.
Official accessibility information
Conditions change. Contact the park to confirm specific accessible features before your visit.
Getting there
- Nearest town
- Morris — about 3 mi west (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 41.3900, -88.4800
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- Illinois State Parks (IDNR state parks and recreation areas) — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026
- IDNR All Parks list (AEM content-fragment list JSON) + each unit's landing page for official title, coordinates, address, phone
- USGS PAD-US 4.1 (boundary and acreage)
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. No change has been detected since this page was first published. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology