This is an actual size replica of the barges that were used to ship goods along the I&M canal- although this one was modified to carry passengers instead of freight. 

Normally there is a mule pulling the barge from the trail beside the canal with a tow rope, but by the time we arrived, he was taking a break and they were using a motor.  

 

turning into the dock

 

Being shored up

here’s a link to the history of the Illinois & Michigan shipping canals: