Locks 14 & 15 are the final locks on the Illinois & Michigan Canal. It is at LaSalle, where the Illinois & Michgan Canal terminates. The canal merges with the Illinois River which allowed boats full of valuable cargo to continue their journey.
Lock #14 has been refurbished and provides visitors with a first hand look at how the locks appeared during the canals heyday. Complete with lock gates, Lock #14 is a well perserved piece of history to be enjoyed and learned from by all. Like the other locks on the canal, Lock #14 was originally constructed of solid limestone and hydraulic cement found in the area.
Fishing
An earthen dam, constructed at Lock #14 provides five miles of enjoyable fishing between LaSalle and Utica. Bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish are both a challenge and reward to anglers of all ages.
Boating
Five miles of calm water is perfect for a day of canoeing along the Illinois & Michigan Canal. Bring family, friends and a sack lunch and travel back in time on this historic waterway.
Due to the shallow depth and fragility of the embankments, no gas powered motors are allowed in the canal.
Trail Access
Lock #14 is a perfect starting point for any recreational endevor along the trail. Sixty-one miles of limestone screened trail can be enjoyed by hikers, bicyclists, snowmobilers and nature lovers. Ample parking and restrooms are available at this site.
Directions
From I-80: take 351 south through LaSalle. 351 will cross a small bridge (over the canal) at the edge of town. The entrance to the Lock #14 Access area will be a block past the bridge on the right.
For More Information:
Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail
P.O. Box 272
Morris, IL 60450
(815)942-0796
Little Vermilion Aqueduct
The Little Vermilion Aqueduct built to carry the canal over the Vermilion River is the final aqueduct along the Illinois & Michigan Canal. This reconstructed aqueduct now serves to carry canoes and trail users across the Vermilion River.
