Illinois River

American lotus blooms on the waters along the Illinois River

The Illinois River is a principal tributary of the Mississippi River and flows approximately 273 miles (439 km) long, through the state of Illinois. The river drains a large section of central Illinois, with a drainage basin of 40,000 square miles (104,000 km²). Because it serves as the principal water route between the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes, the Illinois River was important among Native Americans and early European traders. After the construction of the Illinois and Michigan Canal and the Hennepin Canal in the 19th century, the river’s role as link between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi was extended into the era of modern industrial shipping. Today, the Illinois River still serves as an important route for barge navigation, water recreation and provides for domestic and industrial uses for neighboring communities. {Continue Reading »}