Lock 17 bridge west of Wyanet decorated for the 50-mile race finishers during the Hennepin 100 race.
What is the Hennepin Canal?
The Hennepin Canal State Trail is an ideal destination for a relaxing day of picnicking, hiking, biking, fishing and old fashioned family fun. There are plenty of picnic tables along the 104.5-mile linear park spanning five Illinois counties (Rock Island, Bureau, Henry, Lee and Whiteside).
and day use areas are located all along the canal. Vehicular (RV, pop-up) camping is allowed and is the same rate as tent camping, $8.00 per family unit. There are no dumping/pump-out stations located at the park. Fishing along the Hennepin is well worth the trip whether you’re angling for bluegill, crappie, walleye or bass. The Canal is open from April 15 to October 31 annually for horseback riding. Bring your own horse and prepare to enjoy 48 miles along the main canal and over 25 miles along the Feeder.
Constructed from 1892 to 1907, the Hennepin Canal played an important role in U.S. history and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Hennepin was the first American canal built of concrete without stone cut facings. Although the Hennepin enjoyed limited success as a commercial and industrial waterway, its construction involved a number of engineering innovations, and its waterway, locks, aqueducts and adjoining towpath continue to provide a beautiful recreational resource.
Before exploring the wonders of the Hennepin Canal, stop in at the Visitor Center near Sheffield. Several displays help illustrate the canal’s past, including tools used to build and operate it, as well as the natural features of the canal corridor.
The towpath provides 155 miles of hiking/ biking fun from the Illinois River to the Rock River, with the feeder canal path to Rock Falls. Segments of the trails are open to horseback riding and snowmobiling in season. The canal is open to boating and canoeing (locks are no longer operational and must be portaged). Campgrounds Simple Pleasures, Hidden Treasures
The Hennepin Canal Parkway will be the home of the 7th annual Hennepin 100 Ultra Marathon on Oct. 2 & 3, 2021. Runners can choose different length events including the 100-mile run, 50-mile, 50k, a or 100mile relay from Sterling/Rock Falls, Illinois to Colona, Illinois on the Hennepin Canal State Trail. Running the Hennepin Hundred 36
www.bureaucounty-il.com
