Will County: Canals, Prairie, and Nature Experiences

Will County combines the history of the Illinois and Michigan Canal with expansive preserves, prairie, waterways, and distinctive cultural sites. The former canal crosses large parts of the county as a park; a 62.5-mile hiking and biking trail runs along the former towpaths. This makes it possible to plan a trip around different interests: historic sites, active days on the water, or wildlife observation in special habitats.

Canal History and Trails for Active Days

The sections of the Illinois and Michigan Canal between Lockport and LaSalle-Peru were designated the first National Heritage Corridor in 1984. This corridor includes museums and restored canal buildings. Channahon State Park contains two locks from the canal, including Locks 6 and 7, as well as the original lock tender's house at Lock 6. The park is also the official starting point of the Illinois and Michigan Canal State Trail.

Those who want to experience the canal from the water can canoe 15 miles of the canal between Channahon and Morris. For a combination of industrial history and exercise, the Joliet Iron Works Historic Site is also an option; it is connected to the 7.57-mile Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail. This creates different travel ideas without every activity having to share the same character.

Prairie, Lakes, and Preserves

The Will County Forest Preserve District owns or manages more than 21,000 acres of land. Among the impressive natural areas is Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. It is home to species and natural processes typical of tallgrass prairie, including the reintroduction of bison. Exhibits at the Welcome Center provide information about the dolomite prairie found there.

At Monee Reservoir, a 46-acre lake meets the surrounding wetland. Visitors can enjoy outdoor recreation and observe wildlife there. A canoe and kayak launch can be used without a usage fee; canoes and kayaks are rented seasonally from May 1 through September 30. A 1.66-mile natural-surface trail is used for hiking, running, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.

The 224-acre Rock Run Rookery Preserve encompasses open water as well as wetland and forest habitats around two former quarry lakes. Protected nesting areas are home to herons and other waterfowl. The large eastern lake has a boat launch and trailer parking for small fishing boats; no launch fee or District permit is required. Additional water access is available at Isle a la Cache Preserve on the Des Plaines River, with a public canoe and kayak launch that does not require a launch pass, as well as at Des Plaines State Fish and Wildlife Area, with a public boat launch on the Kankakee River and three paved launches.

Combining Nature and Cultural Activities

Des Plaines State Fish and Wildlife Area covers more than 5,000 acres, including about 200 acres of water, as well as farmland, forest, prairie, and marshland. A 12-mile trail there is open daily from mid-April through October from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., weather permitting. The Isle a la Cache Museum explores the cultural heritage and natural history of the Illinois Country in the 18th century, including French voyageurs, Potawatomi traditions, and the fur-trade era.

In Joliet, historic and cultural experiences complement the landscapes. The Rialto Square Theatre opened on May 24, 1926, as a vaudeville movie palace and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Old Joliet Prison offers a 90-minute guided walking tour of the prison grounds, covering its history from its opening in 1858 to its closure in 2002. The main exhibition gallery at the Joliet Area Historical Museum introduces the stories of the Joliet region and its people. Route 66 in Will County also includes numerous attractions, historic sites, and distinctive stops.

Choosing the Right Location for Your Trip

When looking for a vacation rental in Will County, it is worthwhile to decide early what you want to focus on during your planned days. For a trip centered on canal history, museums, and guided historic experiences, it may make sense to consider these destinations when choosing a location. Will County is crossed by six Class I railroads and four interstate highways and has major intermodal freight facilities; this transportation infrastructure is also part of the character of the region.

For further guidance on choosing a location, you can view the pages on Joliet, Bolingbrook, Romeoville, Monee, Mokena, Crete, and Channahon. The page on Hancock County is also available for further orientation.

For the broader travel overview: Illinois.