Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park

Hennepin Canal State Trail

Hennepin Canal State Trail is a 104-mile linear park that spans across five counties in Illinois. The canal was completed in 1907 and built with the purpose of connecting the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers for commercial shipping routes. Today, the Hennepin Canal is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as a recreational outlet.

The canal’s visitor center includes historic displays and a wealth of canal information. A hiking path was created from the canal’s old tow path and picnic facilities are located along the trail. Fishing is good in the canal and includes healthy populations of bass, bluegill, crappie, and walleye. Other activities along the canal include biking, boating, camping, canoeing, horseback riding, and hunting.

For more information about the Hennepin Canal State Trail, call or write:

Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park
16006 875 East Street
Sheffield, IL 61361
(815) 454-2328

Directions:
From Peoria, take Highway 40 north 50 miles and follow the signs to Hennepin Canal State Trail.

From Sterling, take Highway 40 south for 28 miles and follow the signs to Hennepin Canal State Trail.

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