Self-guided driving tour connects visitors with region’s agricultural heritage

LA SALLE, Ill. — Come see the workings of agricultural sites in the I&M Canal National Heritage Area while discovering the rich history of the region.

On June 28, hop in the car for this self-guided driving tour to explore the area’s farms, barns and museums through this unique, family-friendly event.

On this one-day tour of agricultural and historic sites around northern Illinois, you will have rare, behind-the-scenes access to a pumpkin farm, a centennial barn, historical museums and local food and flower producers.

You will also have opportunities to view historical farm implements, see live demonstrations and browse ag-related craft products for sale.

All along, discover the area’s agricultural history, architectural elements of the properties and what it means to be a farmer in the 21st century.

Tickets are $25 for adults and free for kids 17 and younger, and tickets may be purchased in advance at https://bit.ly/AgTour2025. Tickets include exclusive access to nine locations open throughout the day.

“The barns and farms on this tour offer something for everyone, so it will be a great way to spend the day learning about the region’s rich agricultural history at sites only open for this tour,” said Donna Theimer, the tour’s lead organizer and volunteer with Canal Corridor Association.

“This will also be a unique opportunity to meet your local farmers, learn more about how they care for their facilities, as well as the beautiful farm architecture, and hear about how these family farms have endured through booms and obstacles for decades. I promise you won’t be disappointed.”

Ticketed visitors should begin the tour by checking in at either the Dollinger Family Farm, the most southeastern stop at 7420 E. Hansel Road in Channahon, or The Farmacy Farmstand LLC, the most northwestern stop at 7260 Oakbrook Road in Newark, where they will receive entry wristbands and a tour map.

Tour sites will be open between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will occur rain or shine.

The CCA, the official coordinating entity for the I&M Canal National Heritage Area, is sponsoring this tour, which is designed to highlight the important connection between agriculture and the waterway that changed the course of history for Chicago, the Midwest and the country.

“The opening of the canal in 1848 had a profound impact on agriculture in northeastern Illinois and propelled corn to its preeminent status as the major cash crop in this part of the state, a position it has held ever since,” said Ana Koval, president of the CCA.

“This tour is a great way to relive that history with exclusive access to some of the region’s most picturesque farms — plus, you can enjoy the stores, shops and cafés in canal towns across the tour.”

The I&M Canal National Heritage Area promotes the economic development, culture, heritage and stories of the region and communities that owe their growth to the canal.

Designated by Congress in 1984 as the first National Heritage Area in America, the I&M Canal follows its historic route from Chicago through 60 communities across north-central Illinois to La Salle-Peru, connecting Lake Michigan to the Illinois River.

Can’t make this tour? Not to worry — there are canal stories to discover all season long. Visitors are also encouraged to enjoy the I&M Canal this year with the CCA.

• I&M Canal Visitor Center & Boat Tour: The visitor center is open year-round in La Salle telling the canal story and enhancing the visitor experience with a café and gift shop. The Volunteer is a replica boat like those used in 1848 when the canal opened between Chicago and LaSalle, conducts over 300 tours annually, May through October, and uses the same energy source — a mule.

• I&M Canal Bike Rentals: Rent bikes at seven locations along the I&M Canal trails and explore gorgeous scenery, canal structures, historic sites and picturesque canal towns.

• I&M Canal Silhouette Program: 48 life-size Cor-Ten steel silhouettes of historical figures throughout the area — telling their stories and the lasting impact they have had in building a strong and vibrant Illinois.

• Junior Ranger Program: Part of the National Park system, children of all ages can earn a Junior Ranger badge and learn about the history of the canal region.

• Trails: Over 75 miles rich in history and scenic views, interpretive signs and mile markers.

Those interested in exploring the I&M Canal may also visit iandmcanal.org to explore suggested day trips to the National Heritage Area, curating opportunities to engage with the region’s history, culture and recreational resources.