Old Towpath

A century ago, this quiet trail was part of the bustling 96-mile I&M Canal that connected the Illinois River with Lake Michigan. Teams of mules and horses pulled passenger and freight barges along the towpath on the north side of the canal. Water levels were maintained at six-foot depths. In those days, the north side of the canal was kept clear of buildings and obstructing vegetation within 10 feet of the towpath. Agents reported trespassers and other factors likely to frighten horses on the towpath. Around 1880, boats were converted to steam power, and both canal banks were lined with docks, warehouses, and industry. Today the bicycle trail follows 8.9 miles of the old canal and runs parallel to the Illinois Waterway that replaced it.

Willow Springs, Illinois · United States