The Lock 16 Visitor Center has a wonderful little cafe. They serve really good breakfasts and lunches and are reasonable priced. The Canal Boat is an interesting trip back to 1848. The storytellers on the boat are very informative and make history fun. You can read more about the canal boat and other nearby attractions in this blog http://kklobucher.blogspot.com/2012/05/true-sign-of-summer-canal-boat-is-open.html

What a great place to absorb local culture! The canal boat ride is so very informative. I have been to the cafe several times and it just keeps getting better! Friendly staff and great food! On a previous visit, I ordered the 3 Cheese Panini and it was fantastic! On my most recent visit, I had the Classic burger. Served... More

Historical and fun. Great fall colors when we visited in October.

Good place to view Bald eagles. Interesting to view ships going through the locks

Cute little diversion. Not worth going more than once. Not worth traveling long to get there. If you happen to be in the area, it is a scenic little canal boat tour (that you can walk for free)

Watch the barges as they come in and out and connect to others. The water is raised and lowered in the canal. A special bonus is to see the Eagles on the adjacent island in the winter.

This was a very nice & informative ride on a replica of a late 1800s canal boat. It was pulled by just one mule (which was fascinating in itself). The crew dressed in period costumes and our hostess (Mary Todd Lincoln) was a wealth of information about the canal and how a typical ride from LaSalle to Chicago would have... More

Having done the boat ride a year or so ago, we keep returning now with friends or family to enjoy a very good light breakfast or lunch outing. Have tried several of the sandwiches and never one that was not good. During this hot weather, the speciality teas hit just the right chord for refreshing drinks. Recommend this high on... More

The "visitor center" is really just a cafe and gift shop with a few brochures. I must have looked bewildered because the woman behind the cash register asked if I was looking for something. I said "I thought this was supposed to be a visitor center?" She said, "we have some brochures over there." Hmmm...I imagined there would be displays,... More