I&M Canal..... Hennepin Canal

Last month, we took a trip on a REAL canal boat along the Illinois & Michigan Canal. We also made a side stop to Starved Rock to learn about French fur traders of early American history.

This month, we re-visited the Hennepin Canal near Wyanet, Il. Of special interest were the locks. The technology used, including the first use of concrete, and massive steel pulleys, weights, bridges, and gears was just fascinating. Steampunk has nothing on this stuff!