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La Salle County Historical Museum: A Journey Through Time

Discover La Salle County's past: Native American heritage, canal history, and pioneer life in a historic museum complex.

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Explore La Salle County's rich heritage at this museum complex in North Utica, featuring exhibits from Native American artifacts to the Radium Girls, housed in a historic 1848 canal warehouse and surrounding buildings.

A brief summary to La Salle County Historical Museum

Local tips

  • Check the museum's website for information on special events and rotating exhibits.
  • Allow ample time to explore all the buildings in the museum complex.
  • Consider visiting during the Canal Market for a unique shopping experience.
  • The museum is free to enter, but donations are appreciated to support its operation.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From anywhere in downtown North Utica, the La Salle County Historical Museum is easily accessible on foot. Head east on E Canal Street, and you'll find the museum at 101 E Canal St. The walk is short and offers a pleasant view of the village.

  • Public Transport

    The closest bus station to North Utica is in Peru, IL. From there, you can take a local bus to North Utica. Once in North Utica, walk to E Canal St and head east until you reach the La Salle County Historical Museum at 101 E Canal St. Bus fare from Chicago to La Salle/Peru is $30-$60.

  • Driving

    From Interstate 80, take exit 75 for IL-251 N toward North Utica. Follow IL-251 N for about 4 miles until you reach the intersection with E Canal St. Turn left onto E Canal St, and the La Salle County Historical Museum will be on your right at 101 E Canal St. Parking is available on-site.

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Discover more about La Salle County Historical Museum

The La Salle County Historical Museum, located in the heart of North Utica, Illinois, offers a captivating glimpse into the region's vibrant past. Situated on the banks of the historic Illinois & Michigan Canal, the museum complex comprises several buildings, each brimming with artifacts and stories that bring local history to life. The main building, a beautifully restored sandstone warehouse dating back to 1848, originally served as a general store for pioneers and canal traffic. Today, it houses a diverse collection of exhibits, including Native American artifacts unearthed at the Zimmerman site, displays on Wild Bill Hickok, and artifacts related to the Illinois & Michigan Canal. Visitors can also explore exhibits on the Radium Girls, a poignant reminder of the area's industrial history. Beyond the main warehouse, the museum complex includes an 1865 one-room schoolhouse, an 1874 post-beam barn, and a working blacksmith shop from 1896, offering a unique glimpse into 19th-century pioneer life. The Heritage Center, the newest addition to the campus, hosts special exhibits, such as those dedicated to the Civil War and the La Salle County Sheriff's office. The museum also features a research library. The La Salle County Historical Society, which operates the museum, is dedicated to preserving and sharing local history. The society hosts various events throughout the year, including the Canal Market, an artisan market held on weekends, and the Burgoo Festival, a long-running fall festival.

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