The Grand Illinois Trail - Recommended Trip 7 - Hennepin Canal Parkway Trail

The Hennepin Canal was built to connect the Illinois and Mississippi River, reducing the water distance from Chicago to Rock Island by 419 miles. The canal opened in 1908 to commercial traffic. Originally, the canal was used primarily by the coal industry to transport goods; however, with the introduction of the railroad, industry moved to the train as the main means of transport. By the 1930s, the canal was used primarily for recreational traffic, closing completely in 1951.

Today, the GIT portion of the Hennepin Canal Parkway is 50.3 miles long. The paved trail passes by 20 locks and 8 aqueducts. Seven primitive campsites are available for stays along the trail. The canal follows the route of the glacial Mississippi valley when it drained today's Illinois River valley. Along the trail you may see woodpeckers, great blue heron, as well as bald eagles during the winter season. You may also catch a glimpse of: muskrat, deer, beaver, mallards, pheasant, fox, coyote and skunk. The small river communities of Geneseo, Atkinson, Annawan, Mineral, Wyanet and Tiskilwa all lie within a mile or so of the Hennepin Canal offering food and services along the way.

At the west end of the trail, park at 5th Street and 5th Avenue in Colona. At the east end, park in the trail access parking lot on Route 29, a 1/4 mile sound of Bureau.

Contact the Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park (815-454-2328) and ask for a free copy of the "Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park Trail Map" for detailed information about the route.

For more detailed information and access to a printed map see Section 12, Section 13 & Section 14.

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