Canal

I&M Canal Boat Tours

Cruise the Canal on The Volunteer

Climb aboard a vessel with some real horsepower — or rather, mule power — and ride the historic I&M Canal just as the 19th-century pioneers did. The Volunteer is a replica 1840s canal boat carrying visitors on 60- and 90-minute trips up and down the historic Illinois & Michigan Canal. Forget steam or coal — the Volunteer is powered by Moe the Mule, who pulls the ship from the shore just the same as the 19th-century vessels that traversed this canal.

Ferris Wheel

Boat tours run from May through October. The Volunteer is handicap accessible. Each trip aboard The Volunteer includes:

  • Mule Tending 101, during which guests learn how much work goes into caring for the boat’s living, breathing power source and may get up close and personal with Moe himself.
  • Historic tales about La Salle and the I&M Canal as told by the boat’s guide, deck hand, mule tender, and captain — all in period-appropriate clothing.
  • A 60- to 90-minute ride roughly 1 mile up the canal and back.

Browse keepsakes from the gift shop, then fuel up for your journey at the Lock 16 Café, featuring a menu of delicious, handcrafted dishes.

Book your trip on the I&M Canal — tickets are on sale year-round! Buy your tickets today.