Hennepin Canal Parkway - Recreational Trail - Annawan, Illinois

Want a peaceful, relaxing day of picnicking, hiking, fishing and good old fashioned family fun? Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park is just the place you’re looking for. Spend the day and bring a picnic lunch along. There are plenty of picnic tables at the 104.5-mile linear park which spans five counties (Rock Island, Bureau, Henry, Lee and Whiteside).

The Hennepin Canal is listed in the National Register of Historic Places joins the Mississippi and Illinois rivers. Communities in Henry County include Annawan, Atkinson, Colona and Geneseo. The engineering innovations used in its construction were also used to build the Panama Canal. There are 32 of the original 33 locks still visible on the canal. Current activities including hiking, biking, canoeing and kayaking. Fully watered it is habitat for bass, walleye, crappie and catfish.

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 is one mile south of I-80, just west of Route 40. East or westbound travelers on I-80 should take Exit 45, turn right (south) on Route 40. They almost immediately cross the Canal and in about 1 mile is the brown sign directing them to the Parkway Visitors Center. Turn right (west) and proceed to the Center.

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.

Phone: 815-454-2328