LMQC’s outdoor blogger, Teri Stickler, and her faithful companion, Kaia, head out to the historical Hennepin Canal to look for Bald Eagles before they head back home for the warmer months of the year. It turns out there’s a lot to see and do at the canal.

By Teri Stickler and her Samoyed, Kaia

Teri and Kaia take a break while spotting Eagles along the Hennepin Canal.

This month Kaia and I went looking for places to walk and enjoy our area’s visiting bald eagles. One amazing area we found was on Milan Illinois’ stretch of the Hennepin Canal along the Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park.

We were not disappointed with some great eagle sitings!

Walking along the canal

We entered the trail next to the Subway Restaurant at 313 W. 1st Avenue W., Milan. The paved trail will take you east or west for miles.

Our first trek followed eastward and then we veered off the pavement and enjoyed the primitive path bisecting the Hennepin Canal on one side and the Rock River on the other.

This 1.6-mile loop led us westward and under the U.S. 67-bridge.

As we walked, we were pleased to see and hear eagles as they looked for their next fish catch and talked amongst themselves. There was also a large eagle’s nest located in the trees aligning the shoreline. The nest was such fun to watch as the pair of eagles would exchange duties, one to take off and seek food as the partner would settle in to feed the eaglets and keep the nest warm and protected.

This outing will easily meet anyone’s outdoor plans, be that a short walk on a smooth paved surface with benches and picnic tables spaced and available along the way, or should a longer and more strenuous outing be desired, The Hennepin Canal Parkway extends from Rock Island to Chicago.

It is an amazing trail with quite a history.

The history of the Hennepin Canal

Click on this image to open a larger image of the Hennepin Canal Map

With continuous setbacks such as the need for railroad and highway bridges and unforeseen challenges including several miles of peat bog plus debate as to the use of concrete versus cut stone for the locks, the canal eventually connected the Illinois and Mississippi River and lessened transportation distances from Rock Island to Chicago by 419 miles.

Finally, in October 1907, the S.S. Marion was the first boat to travel the entire length of the canal. Unfortunately, the need for the Canal had lessened, primarily due to railroad completion and as usage declined and maintenance halted the original intent was no longer pertinent.

The canal becomes a park

However, in 1970 ownership of the Canal was given to the state of Illinois to use as a place of recreation.

Now listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, a completed paved trail provides a great place for walking, jogging, and biking while the Canal is still a prime place for good fishing.

Check out these photos of Teri and Kaia’s latest adventure …

Teri and Kaia take a break while spotting Eagles along the Hennepin Canal.

Walking along the canal

The history of the Hennepin Canal

Click on this image to open a larger image of the Hennepin Canal Map

The canal becomes a park

However, in 1970 ownership of the Canal was given to the state of Illinois to use as a place of recreation.

Now listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, a completed paved trail provides a great place for walking, jogging, and biking while the Canal is still a prime place for good fishing.

Check out these photos of Teri and Kaia’s latest adventure …