Henry County Between Canals, Hills, and History

The Hennepin Canal State Trail, a glacier-formed landscape of rolling hills, and the history of Bishop Hill reveal different sides of Henry County. Along the canal, activities include hiking and biking as well as boating and canoeing. In Bishop Hill, the history of a 19th-century religious community and its historic buildings take center stage. You can plan your trip around the things that interest you most: nature, culture, or a mix of both.

Trails, Water, and Landscape

The Hennepin Canal State Trail is a 104.5-mile linear park that stretches across five Illinois counties, including Henry County. Its towpath offers 155 miles of hiking and biking opportunities, from the Illinois River to the Rock River. There is also a feeder canal path to Rock Falls. The Green Rock Memorial Bike Path also runs along the Hennepin Canal.

There are also opportunities on the water: the Hennepin Canal is open to boating and canoeing. Its locks are no longer operational and must be bypassed overland. Since operating conditions may change seasonally, check current notices before heading out.

Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area lies on a glacial moraine that forms Henry County’s gently rolling landscape. The recreation area covers 1,365 acres and offers cross-country skiing. Alongside the expansive canal landscape, it provides a specific park destination and a winter sports option.

Bishop Hill: History and Preserved Buildings

Bishop Hill was founded in 1846 by Swedish Pietist Eric Janson (1808–1850) and his followers as a utopian religious community. Four historically significant buildings in Bishop Hill are owned by the State of Illinois and managed as part of Bishop Hill State Historic Site. The site includes the Colony Church, a two-story wood-frame building constructed in 1848.

The Bishop Hill Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1984. Another prominent building is the three-story Steeple Building, owned by the Bishop Hill Heritage Association. It has 24 rooms, is designed in the Greek Revival style, and houses the organization’s main museum, offices, and archives. The style draws on forms from ancient Greece.

The Colony Store sells Swedish foods and provides local artisans with a place to sell their work. The Henry County Museum in Bishop Hill also offers insights into the county’s history. Exhibits include a steam engine, tools, clothing and quilts, as well as a recreated general store and saddlery.

Bishop Hill State Historic Site hosts Jordbruksdagarna, a traditional harvest festival modeled on the 19th century. The program includes demonstrations of harvesting and processing crops. Dates and programming may change; check the details if attending the festival is important to your trip plans.

Kewanee and Galva: Museums, Parks, and Events

At the Robert and Marcella Richards Museum in Kewanee, an exhibit on the Kewanee Boiler Company features several hundred photographs of the factory and its employees. There are also artifacts and memorabilia, including miniature boilers and numerous scrapbooks. The collection tells the story of the company and its employees through to the objects that recall the factory.

Windmont Park in Kewanee combines a walking path around the pond with additional walking and exercise stations. Fishing is possible in the pond and from a pier. For a different park activity, Chatauqua Park has a 12-hole disc golf course.

In Galva’s Veterans Park, walking paths pass History Walk information panels. The Galva Historical Society operates a museum in the original Wiley family home and preserves historical publications such as GalvaLand magazine. Galva’s summer and fall events include the Levitt AMP Music Series and the Backroads Music Festival. Since event dates may change, check the schedule before your trip.

Getting Here and More Things to Do

Geneseo is right off Interstate 80 and only a few minutes from Interstates 74 and 88. If you’re also interested in wine, Lavender Crest Winery offers wine tours and tastings. Check schedules and reservation options in advance.

Valley View Club is an 18-hole golf course south of Cambridge, Illinois, in a rural setting. Five sets of tees cover distances from 3,163 to 6,393 yards. You can compare the available course lengths when planning; course details and tee times may change, so it’s a good idea to check in advance.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Geneseo, Annawan, Kewanee, Galva, Edgar, Lake, Shelby County, Jefferson.

For the main travel overview: Illinois.