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Attractions
The Illinois
& Michigan Canal was completed in 1848 and provided the first
water route from the East Coast to the Gulf of Mexico by connecting Lake
Michigan to the Illinois River. The canal was constructed to measure 60
feet wide and 6 feet deep and stretched nearly 100 miles. Fifteen locks
were built on the canal to accommodate the differences in elevation. The
monumental project cost more than six million dollars. Barges moved through
the canal by way of mules and horses pulling them on tow paths located on
each side of the canal. In 1933 the Illinois & Michigan Canal was closed
when the Illinois Waterway was completed. Since the closing, the Illinois
& Michigan Canal has been developed for recreational activities. The
I & M State Trail has modified 60 miles of tow paths to serve as hiking,
biking and snowmobile trails. For more information call (815) 433-2220.
Matthiessen
State Park, nearly 2,000 acres of breathtaking nature, is located
just three miles south of Utica. The park was originally a 176-acre private
park named Deer Park that was owned by Frederick Matthiessen. This park
offers spectacular views of rock formations, bluffs and canyons which can
be seen from the park's seven miles of marked hiking trails. The park also
offers nine miles of equestrian trails and equestrian campgrounds. In the
winter months, trails are converted to accommodate winter guests for cross
country skiing.
Buffalo
Rock State Park is located a mile east of Starved Rock State Park.
This park is located on a bluff that was originally an island in the Illinois
River. This area served the French as a common place where trading and missionary
activities occurred. In 1928 Buffalo Rock was donated to the State of Illinois
and became a state park. Visitors can enjoy the incredible scenery while
hiking, camping and picnicking. Adjacent to the park visitors will find
Effigy Tumuli, a tribute to native American Indians. More than 2,000
years ago native Indians created earthen sculptures with their burial mounds.
Five figures, a snake, turtle, catfish, frog and water strider were created
by modern-day artist, Michael Heizer. The sculptures cover a mile and a
half with the snake alone measuring more than 2,000 feet. For more information
call (815) 433-2220.
Named for France's King Louis XIV, Fort St. Louis was built by French
explorers under the direction of Henri de Tonti in 1682. The fort was constructed
on top of Starved Rock to protect the French explorers from the local Iroquois
Indians. For nearly 20 years the fort was the center of French influence
and power in the Illinois Country. The fort contained four buildings and
was surrounded by a wall of 1,800 pickets. It was abandoned in 1702 and
later, in 1720, completely destroyed by a fire.
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