Hennepin Canal State Trail

Campground Maps

The Hennepin Canal State Park is not enrolled in the camping reservation system and DOES NOT take camping reservations. Camping at the Canal is on a first-come, first-serve basis. There are no set check-in or check-out times. The canal's site security officer makes rounds to each campsite to collect camping fees in person. Campers can pay by cash or check.

Camping along the Hennepin Canal towpath is PROHIBITED – camping is only allowed in the designated campsites. Fires are only allowed in the state-designated fire pits at the campgrounds. Camping is not permitted in the main complex area (the area around the visitor center).

Currently, the ONLY DRINKING WATER available on the ENTIRE canal is located at the main parking lot in front of the visitor center at the large shelter. There is also a faucet on the side of the visitor center, just to the left of the main entrance. There are no operable drinking water fountains along the rest of the canal, so bring your own water for your hike or camping trip.

Download the Hennepin Canal Recreational Guide​ for more detailed information on all of the activities on the Hennepin Canal and for FAQs. View our interactive Google map of the entire trail, featuring its locks, aquaducts, and campground locations.

Hiking

An old tow path, originally intended but never used by animals for towing boats along the canal's main line and feeder routes, provides 105 miles of one-foot-after-the-other fun. Because you're right next to the canal, you'll get a great view of its locks and aqueducts, not to mention the animal life. The going is level and easy at the Hennepin—but be sure to make several stops along the way if you're hiking the canal's entire length.

If you're up to something more challenging, try the 4.5-mile trek in the main complex, which is moderately difficult and gives you a broad taste of landscape from tall timber to grasslands to marsh. This trail begins directly across from the Visitor Center parking lot.

Hiking the Hennepin is particularly satisfying in the fall, when Mother Nature works her wonders on the leaves.

Boating

There's unlimited horsepower for boats between Bridge 37 and Lock 24 at the Hennepin; elsewhere it's 10 horsepower. Take off on the launching ramps at the Visitor Center complex, Locks 21, 22, or 24, Route 82 north of Geneseo, Route 92, Route 78 north of Annawan, or bridges 39, 28, or 45.

Canoeing

If canoeing is your sport, come ready for a workout, as the waters are calm and back and arm power are required. The locks are no longer operational and must be portaged (from Lock 21 east is particularly tough). For a great one-or two-day trip, begin at Rock Falls and continue to the Visitor Center. Check out the Hennepin Canal Recreational Guide on the park's main page for additional details about portaging.

Fishing

It's a well-kept secret, but fishing along the Hennepin is well worth the trip. Whether you're angling for bluegill, crappie, walleye, or bass, 70 bridge or 32 lock locations are available, and the pools are regularly stocked.

​Accessibility at Hennepin Canal:

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Parking - Paved parking lots are located at the visitor center, at each of the thirty-three locks on the canal, and at bridges 15, 17, 28, 31, 34, 45, 46, 47, 48, and 56. There is a 200' concrete sidewalk from the parking lot to the visitor center that has a slight incline.

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Restrooms - Accessible vault toilets are available throughout the canal. The visitor center has accessible flush toilets available.

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Picnicking - A large shelter is available with access from the main parking lot with ADA picnic tables.

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Trails - The Hennepin Canal trail is a concrete, wheelchair-accessible trail that can be accessed from the visitor center via the 300' long oil-and-chip path from the parking lot.

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Service animals are welcome on the canal, and water is available near the large shelter by the visitor center parking lot.

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Visitor Center - The exhibits in the center are tactile with informational displays. There are no Braille or audio equipment displays. Accessible restrooms are available, as are chairs for sitting.