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Seasonal Walk Along the Hennepin Canal Geneseo

EVENT# MA08/Y1899 - 11K (6.8 miles) and 5K option Download PDF Brochure

START/FINISH POINT:
Participants are to register at the Geneseo Campground office 22978 Illinois Highway 82, Geneseo, IL 61254. This is 4 miles north of Interstate 80 at Exit 19, next to the Hennepin Canal. The campground hosts are Craig and Shari Weber (309)944-6465. Water and rest rooms are available at the start point. Directions.

HOURS:
Daily from 8am to dusk, April 12th through October 29th. The campground office hours are 8am to 10pm.

ELIGIBILITY:
This event is open to the public and family participation is encouraged. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

REGISTRATION:
There is no pre-registration. The fee for IVV credit only is $3.00. Those who desire neither award nor credit may walk for free. However, every person must register and begin with a walk card. The event will be open regardless of the weather and there will be no refunds in case of bad weather.

IVV Event Credit may be earned once per calendar year for a seasonal event.

You may participate for Distance Credit without limit. $3.00 must be paid each time you walk if you want credit. You may walk twice on one card, one fee, same day.

AWARD:
This is a credit-only event. No awards will be available for purchase. A Boy Scout Hennepin Canal Patch is available for purchase at the campground office.

SPECIAL EVENT CLASSIFICATIONS:

American Authors and Literary Landmarks, Walking USA State Parks

TRAIL DESCRIPTION:
The trail, rated a 1, is 11KM (6.8 miles) and is entirely along the Hennepin Canal. Strollers may be acceptable depending on the weather conditions. A 5KM route is also available.

There is a limited food menu and water available at the campground office; it is always a good idea to carry your own water, particularly in the warmer weather.

STIPULATIONS:
With registration for this event the participants accept the guidelines for AVA Volkssports events and agree to observe the principles of good sportsmanship.

DISCLAIMER:
Although every effort is being made to make this a safe, enjoyable and memorable event, the sponsors of the event (American Volkssport Association, Inc., Mississippi River Ramblers, Geneseo Campground) are not liable for accidents, thefts and/or material damage to personal property, which might occur as a result of participation in this Volkswalk.

Hennepin Canal:
The Hennepin Canal, listed in the National Register of Historic places, joins the Mississippi and Illinois rivers. The engineering innovations used in its construction were also used to build the Panama Canal. There are 32 of the original 33 locks still visible on the canal. Located within walking distance of the campground is one of the 5 locks restored to working condition and one of the 6 remaining aqueducts that carry the Hennepin across larger rivers and streams. Currently preserved as a parkway, it offers a variety of recreational activities including hiking, biking, and canoeing or kayaking. Fully-watered, it is habitat for bass, walleye, crappie,and catfish offering good fishing.

Minutes Away:
Bishop Hill: This peaceful village, steeled by Swedish Immigrants, was once a prosperous 19th century society. Restored buildings, museums and village park attest to those early settlers. Bring the family and enjoy the day. Bishop Hill is approximately 30 minutes from the Geneseo Campground.

Quad Cities: Rock Island and Moline, Illinois and Davenport and Bettendorf, Iowa make up the "Quad Cities" which are on each side of the Mississippi River. The Quad Cities is approximately 20 minutes from Geneseo. Sights include the John Deere Commons and Pavilion and the Rock Island Arsenal and Visitors Center.