The Illinois and Mississippi Canal

The Head Dam -

Rock Falls, Illinois

Construction on the “Hennepin Canal” as it was commonly called, began in 1892. The Canal was completed in 1907 at a cost of more than seven million dollars. The main canal runs along 75 miles of the State of Illinois from the Illinois River near the town of Hennepin, Illinois to the Rock River near the city of Colona, Illinois. The waterway joins the Rock River flowing toward the Steel Dam at Milan, Illinois. There, the Canal continues from Milan, Illinois along the length of Big Island before emptying into the Mississippi River at Lock 32.

A Feeder canal travels 29 miles from the Rock River Head Dam in Rock Falls, Illinois to Lake Sinnissippi near the town of Mineral, Illinois. The feeder canal controls the flow speed of the entire Hennepin Canal. Utilization of the Hennepin Canal never reached anticipated levels of success due in large part to technological advances in rival modes of transportation. The Hennepin Canal was closed to Commercial Traffic. in 1951. However, because the Hennepin Canal was the first such structure to be built with concrete, the technology and the Chief Engineer became vital to the building of the more well known and commercially successful Panama Canal.

Today, the Hennepin Canal is the Longest State Park in Illinois. The park offers hiking, biking, paddling activities as well as trails for Equestrian riding and snow machine usage. Fishing, camping, and photography are also popular activities along the Hennepin Canal Parkway

A canal lock with a green and rust-colored metal gate, an old hogshead wheel mechanism, concrete walls, stairs, and steps leading into the water, with a house and leafless trees in the background on a clear day.
A dam structure on a river with a concrete wall and metal railings, closed off and submerged in ice and water, under a clear blue sky with leafless trees in the background.
Sunset over a partially frozen river with leafless trees on both sides, a small bridge in the distance, and colorful sky with clouds reflecting on the water.

Sunset

A vibrant sunset over a river with colorful clouds in shades of purple, pink, orange, and red, silhouetted trees along the riverbank, and fields in the foreground.
Autumn scene of colorful fall foliage reflected in a river.

Winter on the Hennepin Canal

A snow-covered path lined with bare trees extending into the distance on a winter day.
A person walking along a snow-covered trail beside a frozen river with leafless trees on either side on a cloudy winter day.

Wild Life I have encountered along the Hennepin Canal

A male Hooded Merganser duck swimming in a calm body of water, with green reeds and vegetation in the background.
Close-up of a yellow and black patterned toad on dry grass and leaves.
Small bird with yellow and brown streaked plumage perched on a thin branch amidst green grass and plants.
Two yellow and black turtles on a fallen tree branch in a pond, surrounded by green foliage.
A group of white pelicans standing on a fallen tree branch in a body of water with a rocky and green shrubbery bank in the background.
A bald eagle perched on a tree branch with one wing partially extended against a blue sky.
A butterfly with black, blue, orange, and white markings on its wings perched on the ground amidst dry grass and twigs.
A bird of prey, possibly a hawk or falcon, perched on a leafless tree branch against a clear blue sky.
Two signs on a pole against a backdrop of leafless trees and blue sky. The upper sign is green and white, cartoon character with a trash can, saying, "Don't Be A Litter Bug. Help Keep Your Community Clean!" The lower sign is red and white, with a camera icon, stating, "NOTICE: THIS PROPERTY IS PROTECTED BY VIDEO SURVEILLANCE."
Empty accessible ramp and viewing platform at a park with trees and blue sky in the background.

Lock 30 - The Steel Dam

Locally, the most well known Lock, especially in the so-called Milan Section of the Canal, is The Steel Dam. The Steel Dam is a device used to control Rock River water into the Hennepin Canal just above Milan, Illinois. From there, the Canal flows the length of Bid Island before emptying into the Mississippi river as previously stated at Lock 32.

Lock 30 has a variety of artifacts including the aforementioned Steel Dam device which is on display on dry land. Mooring Posts, Wooden Piers and lock doo hardwar are also visible.

There are picknic facilities on site, but the principle reason visit this area is to fish. Walleye and other species are available here.

Old rusty industrial waterwheel structure outdoors among leafless trees and dry grass in early spring.
A calm river flows through a lush green landscape with trees on both sides. Dark storm clouds are overhead, reflecting in the water.
A gray heron standing in shallow water near green foliage, with its reflection visible in the water.
A small canal or creek with a concrete bank on the right and a grassy area on the left, lined with leafless trees and a body of water stretching into the distance on a clear day.
Wooden sign with white lettering that says: Hennepin Canal Parkway, Lock 31 Access Area, This is your park, Help keep it clean, in a park with grass, trees, and a river in the background.
A river with a stone dam on the left, bare trees along the bank, and a log in the water near the shore in a peaceful outdoor setting.
Wooden signboard with white painted text indicating directions and rules at Hennpin Canal Parkway, mentioning lock 30 & steel dam, access area, and reminding visitors to help keep it clean, outdoors with trees and clear sky in background.
Old, rusted industrial equipment outdoors with leafless trees in background and a river on the left side
A walkway beside a canal with leafless trees and a blue sky in the background.
A wooden sign near water in a park reads: 'Hennepin Canal Parkway Lock 29. This is your park. Help keep it clean.' in front of trees with bare branches during daytime.
People fishing off a concrete canal on a clear day, trees in the background, utility poles and water.

Lock 28 - Warren & Water Street Colona, Illinois

Lock 28 is located near the corner of Warren and Water Streets in the city of Colona, Illinois. This is a section of town that once was known as the Village of Green Rock. The hiking/biking trail runs along the lock. There is a playground area nearby. Railroad enthusiasts will enjoy sitting on benches waiting for the various freight trains that move across a bridge above the canal waterway and the hiking/biking path. This lock’s setup gives if the feel and the vibe of being a city park.

Brown informational sign with white painted text indicating the Hennepin Canal Parkway Lock 28 access area, asking visitors to help keep it clean.
Scene of a small waterway with a concrete wall, a metal footbridge, leafless trees, and houses in the background during overcast weather.
A rusty train bridge spans over a narrow river, with leafless trees along the riverbank and a paved walkway beside the water on a sunny day with a partly cloudy sky.

Lock 27 - Intersects with The Green River

Lock 27 is located half way between Lock 28 in Colona, Illinois and Lock 26 which is near the intersection of 900E and Canal Road. Access to this lock is limited to hikers and bicycle traffic as no motor vehicle traffic is allowed on the Recreational Trail. The lock itself is all but abandoned. The subject of interest here is a bridge built off site and trucked into place in two sections at the time the Recreational Trail was being constructed.

A snowy landscape with a brown metal footbridge crossing a river, bare trees in the background under an overcast sky.
Old red metal bridge over a narrow canal with leafless trees in the background, a grassy area, a park bench, and a partly cloudy sky.
Old red metal arch bridge over a gravel path, surrounded by leafless trees in a natural setting.
Calm waterway with reflections, trees on the banks, clear sky, bare trees indicating early spring or late fall, with a dirt pathway running alongside the canal.

Lock 25 - Located on Canal Road on 900E

Lock 25 is easily missed by car. The lock is above grade compared to the road surface of Canal Road. Bikers and Hikers pass alongside easily. There are a pair of benches and a walking bridge spans the lock. Otherwise there are no facilities or artifacts. This can be a popular fishing area.

A close-up of a waterfall over a curved concrete structure, with water flowing down and trees reflected in the water surface above.
A calm river with bare trees on both sides during early spring or late winter, under a clear blue sky.
A small wooden footbridge with rusted metal railings spanning over a narrow canal or waterway, with grassy land and trees in the background under a clear sky.
A park with a narrow waterway on the left, lined by leafless trees. There's a grassy area with a bench facing the water on the right. The sky is overcast with dark clouds.

Lock 24 - Geneseo Illinois

Lock 24 is another popular destination along the Hennepin Canal. Hikers, bikers and equestrians all enjoy this area. Fishing is also popular. The Locks have doors and hardware attached though none of the canal’s locks are operational at present. There is a picnic shelter, fresh water and a bike ramp. A boat ramp is available on site for those who wish to travel up stream.

A peaceful river lined with trees in autumn colors, with reflections on the water and an old wooden post in the center.
Old rusty mechanical equipment on a concrete dock beside a body of water, with background trees and pebbles.
Wooden park sign with white lettering informing about Hennepin Canal Parkway Lock 23 and snowmobile trail closure, urging visitors to keep the park clean.
A wooden park sign with white lettering indicating directions and rules for a park, including Hennepin Canal Parkway Lock 22 Access area, and a separate green and white sign below requiring pets to be on a leash and owners to clean up after them.

Lock 19 & Lock Tender Home Wyanet, Illinois

Lock 19 contains one of the last homes used by local Lock Tenders who managed and operated the Hennepin Canal’s locks for boats to pass up and down stream. There are also some scant remains of a foundation for an out building. The home and the grounds are in disrepair. I had hoped the home could have been restored for visitors. Sadly the roof appears ready to collapse.

When I was writing the Newsletter for The Friends of the Hennepin Canal, the State of Illinois was refurbishing the Canal's tow path into the present day Recreational Trail. The bridge was trucked to its position on two semi-tractor trailer flatbeds. The driver had to back each load over a mile. Waiting were three huge cranes, one of which was positioned in the Green River. It was quite an operation but it allows hikers, cyclists, and horse-back riders the freedom to traverse the meandering Green River.

A canal with a small waterfall in a park setting, surrounded by leafless trees and benches on each side, under a cloudy sky.

Lock 20 - Located ½ east of Lock 21

There is no signage or markings to locate Lock 20. The lock can be found by driving ½ mile east of the Lock 21 Lift Bridge. A short half mile walk beyond the gate reveals the lock which is in pretty decent shape. However, there are no service or artifacts other than the concrete structure of the Lock itself.

Lock 26 - Located near 900 E and Canal Road between Colona and Geneseo Illinois

This is another very popular lock for recreation. Hikers, bikers, dog walkers, and fishermen come to this lock often. There is a vault toilet facility on site and several memorial benches are available. There appears to be ample parking. The most prominent feature is the iconic Lift Bridge.

Close-up of a roadside signpost with a black and yellow striped warning sign on top and a green informational sign below, indicating mile markers for Lake (LK.) 26 and 54.7 miles.
A small dam on a river, with water flowing over a concrete ledge, surrounded by leafless trees and a park bench on the right side.
A small urban waterfall and dam with a rusted metal footbridge across it, surrounded by leafless trees and a park bench on a cloudy day.
Brown informational signboard with white text about Hennepin Canal Parkway Lock 24 access area and snowmobile trail closure, outdoors with leafless trees and cloudy sky in the background.
Old wooden water gate with a raised door in a concrete dam, surrounded by water and leafless trees.
A park pavilion with a wooden roof and metal picnic tables underneath, surrounded by grassy area and leafless trees, on a cloudy day.

Lock 23 -Day Use Area near Atkinson, Illinois

Lock 23 is another popular Day Use meaning no camping, but there are picnic tables, a couple of fire rings as well as a vault toilet on site. This area is popular with fishermen However there is no boat launch on site. As far as Hennepin Canal Artifacts are concerned, in my opinion, this lock sports the best looking Lock Doors. Other locks in the area including 24 and 22 have doors in place, but the doors at Lock 23 with their hardware in tact are in wonderful shape considering the age of the canal and the fact the doors have sat in water all this time. So, if you want to see first hand what lock doors from this age looked like, this is the place to visit.

A small dam with water flowing over it, adjacent to a concrete walkway, with trees and grassy areas on both sides and a cloudy sky overhead.

Lock 22 - Mineral, Illinois South of U.S. Route 6

Looking for an out of the way, quiet place for a family picknic? Lock 22 is such a place. Plenty of parking, Vault toilets, picnic tables and fire rings. There is lots of space to toss a ball or set up a badmitten net perhaps. There is also a boat ramp below the lock.

A grassy park with a wooden picnic table and benches, a small brick bathroom, a fire pit with a metal bench around it, leafless trees, a distant old red-brick bridge, and an overcast sky.

Hennepin Canal Visitor’s Center - Sheffield, Illinois

The Hennepin Canal Visitor’s Center is both the Headquarters and the hub of the Hennepin Canal State Park and Waterway. Located near the town of Sheffield, Illinois, The Visitor’s Center is home to the office of the Site Superintendent and the parkway’s maintenance Facilities. Facilities include picnic and playground areas, wildlife viewing and fishing areas, hiking, biking and paddling as well as a boat ramp for launching watercraft for up and down stream travel.

Lock 21 - Wyanet, Illinois

Lock 21 has a variety of attractions to choose from on a visit to this part of the parkway. Camping, picnics, equestrian trails, and fishing are just some of the activities available to visitors. Lock 21 also has one of the few lift bridges still in use for vehicular traffic.

Sunrise

Sunset over a partially frozen river with leafless trees along the banks and a dirt road to the right.
A peaceful river at sunset with trees on both sides reflecting in the water and a colorful sky.

Autumn on the Canal

Sunset over a calm river with bare trees on the bank, reflected in the water, and a partly cloudy sky with warm colors.
A large, leafless tree fallen across a snow-covered landscape in winter, with other trees in the background amid falling snow.
A wood duck and a mallard sitting on a fallen log near a tree in a grassy area.
A heron standing in shallow water among green grass and plants, with its long neck curved and beak pointed forward.
A squirrel on a dirt path holding a nut in its paws, with a bushy tail extended behind it.

The Lock System

Lock 32 - Mississippi River Confluence

As I live in the western portion of the Hennepin Canal Main Channel, I’ll review the 32 locks that make up the Canal in reverse order. Lock 32, located at the confluence of the Mississippi River represents the final destination for travelers and commercial users for the Hennepin Canal. From this point, goods could travel either up river or down river to any number of Mississippi River towns and ports.

Today, Lock 32 is simply the end of the road. In fact, the road leading to this lock is in terrible shape making it difficult to get to the lock even in good weather. The lock itself, like most of the concrete structures that make up the Lock System, is detieriorating and in poor shape.

While there is a fairly large parking lot, there are no other services or facilities on site. Artifacts too are limited. There are only a few wooden mooring piers up canal from the lock structure.

Black and white photo of a partially frozen river with old wooden and concrete bridge supports along the bank, surrounded by leafless bushes and trees.

Lock 31 - Big Island Road

While Lock 32’s access and condition have deteriorated considerably, Lock 31 has received the benefit of some much needed TLC from the Department of Natural Resources.

Located on Big Island road a short distance from Milan’s Twin Bridges, Lock 31 sports handicapped accessible facilities such as a paved ramp and walkway and portable toilet. As the lock is immediately adjacient to the hiking/biking trail there is also a convenient bike rack, benches and a covered picnic shelter. A Pollinator’s garden is a very nice addition as well.

There are no Lock Doors, but wooden mooring piers, and hardware related to the operation of the lock doors is present. Bring you fishing rod and possibly a camera to complete a nice visit to this Lock.

Brown trail sign indicating Primitive Trail with two listed distances: 2 miles to Lock 31 and 4.8 miles to Lock 30, and noting Horicon Marsh, WI is 320 miles away.
A calm river runs alongside an old stone and concrete dam with leafless trees and green grass in the background, under a clear blue sky.
Two people sitting on rocks near a body of water, with a fishing pole propped against a street lamp, and trees in the background during daytime.
Empty playground with swings, climbing rock wall, and slides, fenced in with leafless trees in the background on a partly cloudy day.
A small dam or weir in a river with water flowing over it, surrounded by a rusty metal railing and a wooden walkway.
A park scene with a red bench, a single park bench, and a swing on a sunny day with a clear blue sky, leafless tree branch at the top, grassy field in the background, and shadows on the ground.

Lock 29 - Colona, Illinois at the Rock River

At Lock 29, in Colona, Illinois, the Hennepin Canal meets the Rock River for its short trip down river toward the Milan Section. It is here, in Colona, where the Main Canal for all intents and purposes ends. While the Hennepin Canal may be ending, the fun does not. Here a variety of activities can take place all at once.

Among the services and facilities are a boat ramp leading to the Rock River, Ample fishing from the Lock 29 walls as well as the river bank are available as well. Hiking and biking are popular along the paved pathway which is part of the Hennepin Canal Recreational Path. Nearby too, is the Timbrook Field baseball diamond. At the park’s opening are tennis courts and basketball hoops as well as a very popular playground.

A small dam with water flowing over it, surrounded by a metal fence and walkways, in a park with grassy fields and trees in the background.
A wood duck swimming in a body of water with ripples.
A wooden sign with white painted text that reads: "HENNEPIN CANAL PARKWAY LOCK 32 DAY USE AREA THIS IS YOUR PARK HELP KEEP IT CLEAN." The sign is placed outdoors with a blue sky and a canal in the background.
A bald eagle soaring in a clear blue sky with wings spread wide.