Our Story
The I&M Canal Visitor Center has exhibits and visitor information for the I&M Canal National Heritage Area, the nation’s first national heritage area. Located inside the visitor center is the Lock 16 Cafe and Gift Shop. Currently the cafe has limited hours and a limited menu of drinks and snacks. The drinks include espresso drinks both hot and iced, locally roasted coffee, house brewed ice teas, sodas, ice cream sodas, wine and beer. The snacks include ice cream and baked goods.
The Lock 16 Center and the I&M Canal Boat are perfect venues for weddings/rehearsals, bridal and baby showers, birthdays, retirement parties, reunions, afternoon teas, after-hour parties, workshops, meetings and more when Illinois again allows gatherings.