Channahon State Park
If you’re planning a trip to Will County in Illinois, you may want to visit Channahon State Park. The park was named after a Native American word meaning “meeting of the waters.” The park is adjacent to the confluence of the Dupage, Des Plaines, and Kankakee Rivers.
This small, upcoming destination has a lot to offer visitors. Not only will you be able to enjoy nature in a picturesque setting, but you’ll also find things to do in the area. Whether you’re looking for a day trip from Chicago or planning a weekend getaway, Channahon has something to offer everyone.
The first thing to know about Channahon State Park is that it’s the trailhead for the Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail. The park’s name comes from a Native American word meaning “meeting of the waters.” This area is surrounded by three rivers: the Kankakee, Des Plaines, and DuPage. These three rivers are all major tributaries of the Illinois River.
If you’re looking for a spring getaway, Channahon State Park is a great place to spend the day. Located just an hour and a half south of Chicago, this state park has plenty to offer. Its scenic views and a variety of wildlife make it a popular spring destination.
For families, Channahon is an excellent place to take children. It’s a family-friendly community, with excellent schools and public services. In addition to the park, the Village of Channahon also has a library district with a wide range of recreational activities. Among the many resources it offers are computer access and special programs for children.
Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail
The Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail is a great way to explore the state’s natural beauty. The trail follows the route of the canal from Chicago to Milwaukee. Channahon is a state park that is located in Will County, Illinois. The park is named for a Native American word that means “meeting of the waters.” It lies adjacent to the confluence of the Dupage, Des Plaines, and Kankakee Rivers.
Visitors to Channahon can enjoy the riverfront and waterfront. There are a number of boating, fishing, and water skiing opportunities. Biking and hiking trails are also plentiful. You can also enjoy the wooded areas of the Forest Preserves.
In addition to the Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail, visitors can explore Marseilles, a former industrial powerhouse that once contained a cardboard box plant for the National Biscuit Company. Another great destination is the Illini State Park, which features a campsite, boating, and fishing. You can also stop by the John C. Knudson Park for restrooms, water, and a beautiful view of the town’s historic railroad depot.
Visitors to Channahon can also enjoy a scenic walk along the canal towpath trail, which is 61 miles long. The walk provides unparalleled scenic views and historic sights. The trail also boasts a variety of wildlife, and you’ll likely see waterfowl feeding near the park. For those interested in learning about the history of the canal, the original locktender’s house is located near lock 6.
The Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail runs between Channahon and Morris, and is a beautiful, scenic way to enjoy nature and peaceful recreation. The trail features dappled light from the canopy of trees, a giant lily pad on the canal, and rabbits running through the trail.
The Illinois and Michigan Canal was completed in 1848, connecting Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River. Its route was so important that Illinois’s north border was shaped by the canal. The Illinois and Michigan Canal State Trail preserves the towpath along the canal, which is now a multi-use trail.
The Illinois and Michigan Canal was once the only transportation link between Chicago and the Mississippi River. Today, you can walk the trail and experience the canal’s history firsthand. Historically, it was used for shipping cargo and passengers from Chicago to other parts of the country. Today, the towpath is open to the public year-round. The 15-mile stretch between Channahon and Morris has restored locks, and remnants of the town of Dresden are visible.
