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 29, hop in the car for this self-guided driving tour to explore our area’s barns, livestock, silos, and curiosities through this unique, family-friendly event. 

On this one-day tour of agricultural and historic sites around LaSalle, Utica, Ottawa, and Seneca, you will have rare, behind-the-scenes access to an alpaca farm, a centennial barn, a working grain elevator, historical museums, and more. 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!



“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!”