State Parks and National Parks

Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park

This 96-mile waterway, connecting the Illinois and Mississippi rivers, provides wonderful opportunities for boating, fishing, biking, hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.

The canal system is shaped like an inverted T. The canal flows south from Rock Falls and then splits, flowing east to the Illinois River at Bureau and west to the Mississippi River at Milan.

The canal opened in 1907, closed in 1951 and was taken over by the state in 1970. The recreational corridor that straddles the 80-foot canal averages a quarter-mile in width.

Canoes, kayaks and motorboats (motors are limited to 10 hp) must be carried about 300 feet around each of the canal's 33 locks. There are 21 locks within one 18-mile section of the canal. Call ahead about your route if you want to avoid that section.

Ninety-three miles of the former towpath is paved and is wheelchair-accessible.

A museum and visitor center in Sheffield details the history of the canal.

Primitive camping is permitted along the canal's towpath at various locations.

Photo credits in order: Courtesy of Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Courtesy of Illinois Department of Natural Resources.