Map of the Hennepin Canal State Trail
Hennepin Canal State Trail
Hennepin Canal State Trail
LENGTH:
155 miles
SURFACE:
uppaved
COMMUNITIES:
Moline, Colona, Geneseo, Annawan, Rock Falls, Wyanet, Tiskilwa, Bureau Junction
HIGHLIGHTS:
canal, boats, bridges, fishing, picnic areas, historic locks and aqueducts, local communities
NEARBY TRAILS:
Great River Trail
Illinois & Michigan Canal Trail
RELATED LINKS:
The Hennepin Canal State Trail is a 155 mile long unpaved pathway that extends between Moline and Rock Falls with a branch extending to Bureau Junction in Northwestern Illinois. The trail is located along the old towpath for the canal and is rich in history. The canal is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There are historic locks and aqueducts along the route for learning more about the history of this area.
The canal crosses the Northwestern Illinois countryside, going through forested areas and wide open farmland. There are a number of communities along the route, and there are numerous trailheads at many of the road crossings with parking. Some of the trailheads have restrooms and picnic tables, but not all. The route is away from traffic and urban congestion. Traveling along the canal makes for a beautiful bike ride or a pleasant stroll.
Conditions
The Hennepin Canal State Trail has a wide graded unpaved surface. The trail is open for non-motorized uses such as bike riding and hiking, except in winterr when some portions allow snowmobiling. Horses are also allowed in some stretches of the trail. Fishing and boating are allowed along the canal.
Communities
The Hennepin Canal State Trail goes past the following communities: Moline, Colona, Geneseo, Annawan, Rock Falls, Wyanet, Tiskilwa and Bureau Junction.
Points of interest
The Hennepin Canal State Trail goes past the following points of interest:
| Timbrook Field |
| Rock River |
| Ty Massey Memorial Ball Diamond |
| Colona Grade School |
| Bridge over the Green River |
| Geneseo Prairie Park |
| Feeder Basin |
| Centennial Park |
| Bridge over the Rock River |
| Dillon Home Museum |
End Points
The west end of the Hennepin Canal Trail is located at Timbrook Field on Rock River to the east of the City of Moline. This location is 1.75 miles west of 1st Street in Colona.
The Hennepin Canal State Trail branches into two at a point along 350 E. Street, 1.3 miles north of Interstate 80 to the northeast of the community of Mineral.
The northeast end of the trail is located at Broadway Avenue and E. 2nd Street, on the north side of the Rock River in the City of Rock Falls. This point is at the north end of a bridge for the trail that crosses the river from E. 2nd Street.
The south east end of the trail is located at City of Bureau Junction. There is a large trailhead with a restroom off of Route 26 on the canal and another trailhead on West Street on the canal with a bridge over the canal to get to the trail.
Resources
Following are links to official off-site resources to find out more details about the Hennepin Canal State Trail in Northwestern Illinois.
Tweet