Hennepin Canal Parkway in Illinois State

Hennepin Canal Parkway

This canal-turned-bike path was built in 1907 to connect the Illinois River with the Mississippi.

Plan Around Hennepin Canal Parkway

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Hennepin Canal Parkway Details

This canal-turned-bike path was built in 1907 to connect the Illinois River with the Mississippi. However, the project was soon abandoned in favor of railroads, which were just more efficient in terms of transporting goods. Now, it boasts over 104-miles of a paved trail that crosses through five different counties of northwestern Illinois. The entire canal is part of the National Register of Historic Places, as the locks and aqueducts are still very well-maintained. As you travel along the canal, you will see how the scenery changes from farmland and forest to grasslands and marsh, keeping you on your toes the entire length of the ride.

Difficulty

Low

Distance

N/A

Estimated time

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Region

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Nearby Parks Around Hennepin Canal Parkway

Compare nearby parks around Hennepin Canal Parkway when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.

122.1 mi away

Indiana Dunes

National Park · IN

188.9 mi away

Gateway Arch

National Park · MO

332.6 mi away

Mammoth Cave

National Park · KY

405.3 mi away

Cuyahoga

National Park · OH

476.0 mi away

Isle Royale

National Park · MI

498.8 mi away

Great Smoky

National Park · NC

Nearby Points of Interest Around Hennepin Canal Parkway

Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Hennepin Canal Parkway while the map context is still fresh.

0.4 mi away

Illinois River Road

Catering to both nature lovers and history buffs, this 150-mile scenic byway has plenty of sights and attractions for all types of visitors.

5.2 mi away

Dixon Waterfowl Refuge

This natural area was recently restored in 2001 after the lakes and floodplains spent several decades completely drained.

17.4 mi away

Matthiessen State Park

Located a few miles south of Starved Rock State Park, Matthiessen State Park, in Deer Park, Illinois, is situated on 1,700 acres and was established in 1943.

17.6 mi away

Cascade Falls

Out of all the waterfalls in Matthiessen State Park, this one has to be the most stunning.

17.6 mi away

Bluff Trail

This 2-mile loop through the heart of Matthiessen State Park is a moderate but fun trek with tons of exciting natural sights along the way.