History, Park

Art, Culture, History

The Lockport Gallery features changing exhibitions of art created by past and contemporary Illinois artists and artisans. Paintings, drawings, sculptures, quilts, and other decorative and ethnographic arts are showcased in rotating, theme-based exhibitions augmented by interpretive materials. The exhibitions are given an added dimension through educational events, group tours, and outreach activities for both children and adults.

General, History, Historic House, Historical Society

The Will County Historical Museum and Research Center allows public access to information and research on the history of Will County and the Illinois & Michigan Canal. We welcome anyone to visit and explore our museum, exhibits, and archives.

History

Park

Park

Culture, History, Historic House, Historical Society

In 1837, the town of Lockport was laid out by the Illinois and Michigan Canal commissioners, and an office was constructed and became headquarters for administrative of the waterway. The office played a central role in the design, financing, and construction of the I & M Canal, which connected the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River and Gulf of Mexico. The canal extended ninety-six miles from the south branch of the Chicago River near Lake Michigan to the Illinois River at LaSalle-Peru, and was in operation from 1848 to 1914.