Take a Ride through Region’s Ag History
Come see the workings of agricultural sites in the I&M Canal National Heritage Area while discovering the rich history of our region!
On Saturday, June 28, hop in the car for this self-guided driving tour to explore the area’s farms, barns and museums through this unique, family-friendly event.
On this one-day tour of agricultural and historic sites around Northern Illinois, you will have rare, behind-the-scenes access to a pumpkin farm, a centennial barn, historical museums, and local food and flower producers.
You will also have opportunities to view historical farm implements, see live demonstrations, and browse ag-related craft products for sale. All along, discover the area’s agricultural history, architectural elements of the properties, and what it means to be a farmer in the 21st century!
Tickets are $25 for adults and free for kids (17 and younger), and tickets may be purchased in advance at https://bit.ly/AgTour2025.
Tickets include exclusive access to nine locations open throughout the day.
“The barns and farms on this tour offer something for everyone, so it will be a great way to spend the day learning about the region’s rich agricultural history at sites only open for this tour,” said Donna Theimer, the tour’s lead organizer and volunteer with Canal Corridor Association.
“This will also be a unique opportunity to meet your local farmers, learn more about how they care for their facilities as well as the beautiful farm architecture, and hear about how these family farms have endured through booms and obstacles for decades. I promise you won’t be disappointed!”
Ticketed visitors should begin the tour by checking in at either the Dollinger Family Farm (the most southeastern stop: 7420 E. Hansel Road, Channahon) or The Farmacy Farmstand, LLC (the most
northwestern stop: 7260 Oakbrook Rd., Newark, IL) where they will receive entry wristbands and a tour map. Tour sites will be open between 9 a.m. — 4 p.m. The event will occur rain or shine.
The Canal Corridor Association (CCA), the official coordinating entity for the I&M Canal National Heritage Area, is sponsoring this tour, which is designed to highlight the important connection between agriculture and the waterway that changed the course of history for Chicago, the Midwest, and the country.
“The opening of the canal in 1848 had a profound impact on agriculture in northeastern Illinois and propelled corn to its preeminent status as the major cash crop in this part of the state, a position it has held ever since,” said Ana B. Koval, President of the Canal Corridor Association.
“This tour is a great way to relive that history with exclusive access to some of the region’s most picturesque farms; plus, you can enjoy the stores, shops, and cafes in canal towns across the tour.”
The I&M Canal National Heritage Area promotes the economic development, culture, heritage and stories of the region and communities that owe their growth to the canal.
Designated by Congress in 1984 as the first National Heritage Area in America, the I&M Canal follows its historic route from Chicago through 60 communities across north-central Illinois to LaSalle-Peru, connecting Lake Michigan to the Illinois River.