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Channahon State Park |
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P.O. Box 54
Channahon, IL 60410
815.467.4271
Channahon State Park is the official trailhead for the Illinois & Michigan Canal
State Trail. Channahon is an Indian word meaning "the meeting of the waters" and
signifies the joining of the DuPage, Des Plaines and Kankakee Rivers.
The Channahon Access first became a state park in 1932, known as the Channahon
State Parkway. The canal officially closed in 1933 with the opening of the
Illinois Waterway. The canal and its environs had been extremely neglected and
were in desperate need of clean up and repairs. The Civilian Conservation Corps
who were employed by the Department of the Interior were assigned clean-up and
repair duty all along the canal. The C.C.C. restored Locks 6 & 7 in Channahon
along with the locktender's house at Lock #6. In the park, they built a large
shelter of handhewn beams and flagstone flooring that still stands as a
testimony of the young men who constructed it.
 An Interpreter
is on site four days a week to provide information and answer questions. Public
programs and tours are available as well as organized group and school group
programs. For more information about Interpretive programs contact the
Interpretive office at (815)467-4271.
locktenders houseToday, the Channahon State Park which is under the management
of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources provides park visitors a look
back at a historic waterway that transformed a State. Locks 6 & 7 and the
original locktenders house at Lock 6 located at the Channahon State Park enable
visitors to daydream of a time when one of the loudest noises heard came from a
blacksmith pounding out a new set of horse shoes.
Picnicking
Mature oak, walnut, ash and cottonwood trees provide a cool shaded setting for a
special gathering of friends and family. Grills and picnic tables are scattered
throughout the park and along the waters edge. Ample room is available for
volleyball, soccer, frisbee or a friendly game of baseball. A horshoe pit and
playground equipment are located near the picnic area providing recreational
opportunities for the younger children or just the young at heart. A large
shelter with tables and grills is available on a first come first serve basis.
shadded picnic areaCamping
Primitive tent camping only: gear must be walked to campsite, no vehicular
access. Fire rings, picnic tables, and grills are located in the camping area. A
drinking fountain and pit toilets are located within a short distance from the
camping area. A camping permit must be obtained from the information center.
Fishing
Anglers of all ages will enjoy fishing in either the Illinois & Michigan Canal
or the DuPage River. Bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish and bullhead are waiting
patiently to test the skills of even the best angler. Grab a pole, your favorite
bait, a sack lunch and relax along the waters edge for an afternoon of enjoyable
fishing.
Trail Access
The Channahon State park is a great starting point for a day on the trail.
Sixty-one miles of trail along the old canal towpath gives access to
unparalleled scenic and historic sights. In the spring, wildlife and wildflowers
are abundant along the trail. Great blue herons can be observed as they feed or
nest near the park and along the canal banks.
Canoeing
Canoeists can paddle 15 miles of the canal between Channahon and Morris. The
beautiful scenery between these two points may only be outshadowed by the
abundance of wildlife viewing opportunities. Due to the fragility of the canal
embankments, only electric trolling motors are allowed.
Directions
From I-55: take the Rte. #6 Channahon exit. Turn west on Rte. #6 and continue
into Channahon to Canal St. Take a left on Canal and proceed to Story St. Turn
right on Story into the park. If the parking area is full, continue on Canal St.
one more block to the Jessup St. parking area.
* While groups of 25 or more are welcome and encouraged to use the park's
facilities, they are required to register in advance with the site office to
avoid crowding or scheduling conflicts.
* At least one responsible adult must accompany each group of 15 minors.
* Pets must be kept on leashes at all times.
* Actions by nature can result in closed roads and other facilities. Please call
ahead to the park office before you make your trip.
* We hope you enjoy your stay. Remember, take only memories, leave only
footprints.
* For more information on state parks write to the Illinois Department of
Natural Resources, Office of Public Services, One Natural Resources Way,
Springfield, IL 62702-1271, or call (217) 782-7454.
* For more information on tourism in Illinois, call the Illinois Department of
Commerce and Community Affairs' Bureau of Tourism at 1-800-2Connect.
* Telecommunication Device for Deaf and Hearing Impaired Natural Resources
Information (217) 782-9175 for TDD only Relay Number 800-526-0844.
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