What was the inspiration for the LaSalle Canal Boat?
More than 35 years ago, the LaSalle Rotary Club adopted the I&M Canal as a long-term civic project. They cleaned up the canal, re-watered it and aimed to build a replica canal boat to give rides on the canal. Their massive volunteer effort attracted millions of dollars in state investment and involvement by Canal Corridor Association. The Rotary members formed the Illinois & Michigan Canal Volunteers, which remains involved in the project today.
