A few years back when I was searching for a stretch break between St. Louis and home, I found the I&M Canal Boat Tour in LaSalle. I was telling the hubby about this and he just rolled his eyes. When we started planning girls weekend, I told Stacy I wanted to do this. Since she was up for anything, she readily agreed.
The I&M Canal Boat Tour runs from late May through October on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and most Wednesdays. Tour times are 10, 11:30 and 1. It is $24/adult and $10/kids. It is a mule pulled boat ride like they did back in the 1840s.
We bought our tickets at I&M Canal Visitor Center and Lock 16 gift shop. We also grabbed some ice cream bars to tide us over until we could get lunch as we didn't have much time. They told us to park down I & M Canal State Trail a couple blocks up the road on the other side of the bridge. They didn't give us any tickets which we thought was odd. When we asked about this they said they would know we were coming. She did print out a souvenir ticket that we could get stamped.
While we waited, I also got my I & R Canal National Park Heritage Site Stamp.
When we got down to the parking lot, they were brining the mule out. We took the chance to meet the mule and feed it some carrots. This mule came from the Amish in Kentucky and is going to be retiring after this season.
Before boarding the boat, we learned a brief history of the canal boat and mule tendering. It was actually quite fascinating.
Upon boarding, they suggested we started inside to listen to the history lesson while they got underway. The mule walked the state trail along side the Illinois River.
They took us about an mile down the river before turning around. Turning around was a quite an adventure using a mule and pole.
It was an enjoyable boat trip but a bit short in my opinion. I wish would could have heard more of the history lesson but keeping a 6 year old entertained was more important.
I was telling the hubby about the boat ride and he wants to do it now. Go figure. I would highly suggest the boat ride if you ever find yourself in Central Illinois. It s quite an unusual way to travel.
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