I&M Canal Trail by eBike

Opened in 1848 and dug by hand, the Illinois and Michigan Canal originally stretched 96 miles from Chicago to the Illinois River at LaSalle, linking the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River and ultimately the Gulf of Mexico. Mules walked the adjacent trail, pulling barges along the still-visible Canal. Before the railways, the Canal connected Ottawa to Chicago and made Ottawa a prominent Illinois commercial hub. Learn more about the Canal.

Much of the original Canal and path is now restored as a 63-mile linear park between Lockport and LaSalle, owned and maintained by the Illinois DNR. The trail is relatively flat and uncrowded, with a crushed limestone surface. Rent an electric bike and explore.

The trail is accessible directly from Heritage Harbor Ottawa and is an ideal east-west biking route to many points of interest in Starved Rock Country.

I&M Canal Trail near Ottawa, Illinois

Destinations along the trail

All distances are measured from Heritage Harbor Ottawa, where eBike rentals begin and end.

Your starting point: Heritage Harbor Ottawa

Heritage Harbor Ottawa is a world-class resort and marina where your eBike rental adventure begins. After your ride, visit Harbor House by Valentino's, the harborside restaurant overlooking the marina.

Heading East

  • 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.

Heading West

  • 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). A popular spot among locals for special-occasion photos.
  • 2.3 mi west: Historic Fox River aqueduct. Originally carried Canal barges over the Fox River. Trail users now cross on a wooden footbridge built over the original steel structure, which 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 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. Ride carefully and watch for pedestrians.
  • 2.8 to 3.3 mi west: Re-watered section of the Canal. This City of Ottawa project refilled a half-mile section of the historic Canal, now a scenic spot for kayaking, canoeing and ice-skating. The Canal and path cross twice under Route 23-71 along the northern edge of downtown.
  • 2.9 mi west: Jeremiah Joe Coffee (Canal location). Coffee and snacks on the Canal path. Exit 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 one of four along the Canal and is the only original structure that remains. It can be toured by appointment. The "Railsplitter," a replica of the wooden barges that once traveled the Canal, was originally built as a movie prop and is parked on the Canal bank nearby.
  • 3.2 mi west: Cheese Shop & Deli. Sandwiches, lunches and desserts, located on the Canal path.
  • 3.25 mi west: Downtown Ottawa. A historic river and canal town with casual to upscale restaurants and bars, antique and gift shops, festivals, seasonal outdoor entertainment, Washington Park (site of the first Lincoln-Douglas debate), the historic Reddick Mansion, the River Walk and more. Note: Route 23-71 (Columbus and LaSalle Streets) is prohibited while biking due to heavy traffic. The River Walk is the best route between the I&M path and downtown. 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. Learn what to see and do in Ottawa (south of the path at the corner of Washington and LaSalle Streets).
  • 4.75 and 6.25 mi west: Historic Canal locks #11 and #12. Original cement basin structures that allowed for elevation changes along the Canal. Barges waited here to be raised (going upriver) or lowered (going downriver).
  • 7.3 mi west: Buffalo Rock State Park. Scenic park with a bluff overlook of the Illinois River and a small herd of buffalo. The entrance is across the street from the Canal path trailhead.
  • 12.4 mi west: Downtown Utica. A small, tourism-oriented canal town just north of Starved Rock State Park, with restaurants, shops, wine tasting rooms and beer gardens, many on Mill St. just north of the path.
Riding the I&M Canal Trail I&M Canal scenery in Ottawa, Illinois

Ready to explore?

Grab an eBike and hit the trail. See eBike rentals, eBikes for sale, the eBike Charging Network and Illinois eBike regulations.