Monthly Hennepin Canal hike set for Jan. 19

DIXON – The Friends of the Hennepin Canal invite the public to join the next monthly hike along the canal Jan. 19.

Hikers will meet at 1:30 p.m. at Bridge 37 at the Geneseo Campground, 22978 Illinois Highway 82, where they will be shuttled to Bridge 34 to begin. The hike will cover the 3.5-mile stretch from Bridge 34 to Bridge 37, known as the “Woodcock.” Participants should park in the lot west of the campground that runs parallel to Route 82.

The hike is free, and individuals do not need to be an FHC member to participate. Hikers should dress appropriately for the cold temperatures, and if the trek is canceled due to inclement weather, a notice will be posted on the FHC Facebook page.

The FHC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to maintaining and developing recreational and educational opportunities and assisting in the preservation of the historical features of the Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park, which spans 104.5 miles across five Illinois counties, including Bureau, Henry, Lee, Rock Island and Whiteside.

Construction on the Hennepin Canal began in 1892, with the first boat to make passage across its waters in 1907. It was the first American canal built from concrete without stone-cut facings. Boat traffic along the canal was closed in 1951.

The Hennepin Canal offers several recreational activities, including boating, canoeing, fishing, bicycling, snowmobiling, horseback riding, hiking and picnicking.

For information, contact the FHC at hikes@friends-hennepin-canal.org.