Illinois and Michigan Canal Locks And Towpath - View this location on map Begun in 1836 and completed in 1848, this canal linked Chicago to the Mississippi River, thus completing a continuous waterway to New York City and making Chicago a leading grain market and meat-packing center. Commericial use of the canal ended in 1933. It is now in Channahon State Park, and is also recognized through the establishment of the Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor. This NHL offers public access., Channahon State Park 7 miles southwest of Joliet Historical

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