HENNEPIN CANAL? What is the

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).

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. It was the first American canal built of concrete without stone-cut facings. Although the Hennepin Canal 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.

The towpath provides 155 miles of hiking, biking, and E-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 and day-use areas are located all along the canal, with the overnight camping rate set at $8 per family. An officer will come around to collect – no reservations are needed or accepted. Vehicular (RV, pop-up) camping is allowed and is the same rate as tent camping. There are no dumping/pump-out stations located at the park.

The Hennepin Canal Parkway will be the home of the annual Hennepin 100 Ultra Marathon on October 7, 2023. Runners can choose different length events, including the 100-mile run, 50-mile, 50k, or a 100-mile relay from Sterling/Rock Falls, Illinois to Colona, Illinois on the Hennepin Canal State Trail. Running the Hennepin Hundred benefits Trails for Illinois, the tiny non-profit that works to improve the Hennepin Canal State Trail and other nonmotorized trails statewide.

The Hennepin Canal is part of the American Discovery Trail. The trail stretches across more than 6,800 miles and 15 states. It is the only coast-to-coast, non-motorized recreational trail. Linking communities, cities, parks, and wilderness, the ADT allows people to hike, bike, or ride horses for an afternoon or a crosscountry adventure.

The multi-use ADT trail stretches from Cape Henlopen State Park, Delaware, to Pt. Reyes National Seashore, California. The ADT provides trail users the opportunity to journey into the heart of all that is uniquely American –its culture, heritage, landscape, and spirit. The Quad Cities Convention & Visitor’s Bureau is the new ADT headquarters for trail promotion, maps, and information. In Northern Illinois, the trail follows the I&M Canal Trail from Park Forest to the Hennepin Canal Parkway near DePue and Tiskilwa in Bureau County and continues on to Rock Island on the Great River Trail.

One of the popular special activities offered at the Hennepin Canal is the Hike the Canal with the Friends of the Canal walk. These monthly walks along the Hennepin Canal are every third Sunday, starting at 1:30 p.m. You don’t need to be a member to join the walks, and there is no fee for walking. For more information, call Ed Herrmann at 815-664-2403.

Directions To The Visitor Center

The Hennepin Canal Parkway basically parallels I-80 in Bureau and Henry counties in west central Illinois. The Parkway’s Visitor Center, which can be reached by calling 815-454-2328, is one mile south of I-80, just west of Route 40.

East or westbound travelers on I-80 should take Exit 45, and turn right (south) on Route 40. They almost immediately cross the canal, and in about one mile, they’ll see a brown sign directing them to the Parkway Visitors Center. Turn right (west) and proceed to the center at 16006 875 E. Street, Sheffield. The center is located right along the towpath, so you can stop in along your hike to use the restroom facilities and view the museum displays. At the time the canal was built, workers often made their own tools by hand, some of which are on display. There is also a model of a lock system and of an aqueduct, as well as many preserved Illinois wildlife species. Just outside the Visitor Center is a beautiful half-acre patch of wildflower prairie. Among the plantings are little bluestem and big bluestem – the official state prairie grass.

The Visitor Center is open from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. While groups of 25 or more are welcome and encouraged to use the park’s facilities, they are required to register in advance with the site office to avoid crowding or scheduling conflicts.

At least one responsible adult must accompany each group of 15 minors. Pets must be kept on leashes at all times.

Actions by nature can result in closed roads and other facilities. Please call ahead to the park office before you make your trip. We hope you enjoy your stay. Remember, take only memories, leave only footprints.

Picnicking

Picnic tables are sprinkled throughout the day-use areas and main complex for your relaxation and enjoyment. Three shelters in the park’s main complex near Sheffield provide areas for group gatherings, the largest one can be reserved. Call the site office to make a reservation. The largest shelter is handicapped accessible. Playground equipment, located at the largest shelter, will keep the kids busy while the grownups have a chance to chat.

Drinking water is currently unavailable at Locks 21 and 22, however, there is a hydrant on the south side of the Visitor Center for use when the center is closed. Outdoor toilets are located at Locks 3, 6, 11, 17, 21, and 22 in Bureau County; Bridges 14, 15 and 23, as well as the Visitor Center on the Main Canal.

Hiking

An old tow path, originally intended but never used by animals for towing boats along the canal’s main line and feeder routes, provides 105 miles of one-foot-after-the-other fun. Because you’re right next to the canal, you’ll get a great view of its locks and aqueducts, not to mention the animal life. The walking is level and easy at the Hennepin — but be sure to make several stops along the way if you’re hiking the canal’s entire length.

If you’re up to something more challenging, try the 4.5-mile trek in the main complex which is moderately difficult and gives you a broad taste of landscape from tall timber to grasslands to marsh. This trail begins directly across from the Visitor Center parking lot. Hiking the Hennepin is particularly satisfying in the fall, when Mother Nature works her wonders on the leaves.

Bicycling

East to west, the trail is surfaced from Bureau Junction, near the Illinois River, to Colona on the Rock River. A feeder canal to Rock Falls, 29.2 miles long, also is surfaced. Bring your own refreshments as only the Visitor Center has drinking water available. Be sure to yield the right-of-way to horses.

Fishing

It’s a well-kept secret, but fishing along the Hennepin is well worth the trip. Whether you’re angling for bluegill, crappie, walleye, or bass, 70 bridge or 32 lock locations are available and the pools are regularly stocked.

Canoeing

If canoeing is your sport, come ready for a workout, as the waters are calm and back and arm power are required. The locks are no longer operational and must be portaged (from Lock 21 east is particularly tough). For a great one-or two-day trip, begin at Rock Falls and continue to the Visitor Center. Check out the Hennepin Canal Recreational Guide on the park’s main page for additional details about portaging.

Camping

Class “C” and Youth Group camping are allowed along the Hennepin Canal Parkway at many locations that you can find on their website. Equestrian camping is restricted to the south side of the Lock 21 area. Clean up after your horses. 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.

Horseback Riding

The canal’s horse trails are open from April 15 to October 31. Bring your own horse and prepare to enjoy 48 miles along the main canal and more than 25 miles along the feeder. Gallop to your heart’s delight along the corridor. The equestrian trail on the mainline begins at Lock 2 and ends at Lock 24. Stay out of the picnic areas and off the tow path unless going around an aqueduct where you will be sharing surfaces with bicyclists and pedestrians. An equestrian campground is located at Lock 21.

Explore The Hennepin Canal

A map of the canal through Bureau County

For availabilty and to book your retreat, visit us at:

For availabilty and to book your retreat, visit us at:

sew | craft | stay

PrincetonQuiltersCottage.com

PrincetonQuiltersCottage.com

Princeton, Illinois

sew | craft | stay

Princeton, Illinois

Sleeps up to 10 people in 5 bedrooms (6 twin beds, 2 queens) | First floor sewing/crafting room includes tables with lamps, outlets, and comfy work chairs | Workroom including two cutting tables and two ironing boards | Full kitchen | Living room for relaxing | Outdoor deck Dining out and delivery food options | Quaint Historic town with two shopping districts

Sleeps up to 10 people in 5 bedrooms (6 twin beds, 2 queens) | First floor sewing/ crafting room includes tables with lamps, outlets, and comfy work chairs | Workroom including two cutting tables and two ironing boards | Full kitchen | Living room for relaxing | Outdoor deck | Dining out and delivery food options | Quaint Historic town with two shopping districts