Be sure to stop by the Mississippi River Visitor Center at Lock and Dam 15. This unique greenway follows the historic Hennepin Canal and passes through five western Illinois counties. The eastern, western and Milan sections run 75 miles and connect the Illinois River at Bureau Junction with the Mississippi River at Milan. The feeder canal joins the main canal west of Sheffield and runs 29 miles north to the south, ending in Rock Falls. The Hennepin Canal originally was built to connect the Illinois and Mississippi rivers.
Bicyclists now use a dirt path along the canal, but there are plans to pave the entire path.
Mountain bikes are recommended for the dirt path. The Hennepin Canal Parkway, the Great River Trail and many other existing bike routes in northern Illinois are becoming part of the 475-mile Grand Illinois Trail expected to be completed this year. It will open the first Saturday in June on National Trails Day. The Grand Illinois Trail will encompass much of northern Illinois and will include 28 recreational trails and connect Lake Michigan with the Mississippi River. More information Two guides are available.