Chicago Portage NHS

In the early 1800s, the site of the present-day Chicago Portage National Historic Site was a bustling center of trade and transportation. The portage around the short, but treacherous, rapids of the Chicago River was essential for connecting the Great Lakes with the Mississippi River system. Today, the Chicago Portage National Historic Site commemorates the importance of this historic waterway. The site includes an interpretive center that tells the story of the portage and its role in the development of Chicago. Visitors can also explore the remains of an old canal lock and take a stroll along the scenic trails that wind through the park. While the Chicago Portage is no longer an active waterway, it remains an important part of Chicago's history and is well worth a visit.