For a leisurely drive in Northwestern Illinois, you have choices among the small farming communities. They feed our livestock and provide vegetables that give us the energy we need to wander the aisles of Big Dream Stores. One engineering marvel entrenched in roughly a 100′ rise in 75+ mile distance is the Hennepin Canal. This 15 year long transportation system was delivered to the public in 1907 and followed a route dug out by the ancient Mississippi River back in the days when it transported oceans of glacier melt waters. Either a natural dam was formed, or a small earthen upthrust occurred and forced that old river to seek a new path to the west. The current Illinois and the Mississippi Rivers now meet at Grafton and created a long, human influenced, navigable path from Chicago to the Quad Cites. Looking to shave time and money from these trips, smart people with strong backs decided to build a shortcut. By climbing this rise, the builders needed to feed the high point with water so that locks could climb over from both sides, just like the Panama Canal that used tricks from this project. Stealing water from behind an old dam on the Rock River, a level canal supplied the lubricant (water) to make it all work. Wide enough for the times, the canal starts in Beau Junction, near Hennepin, and terminates into the Rock River just upstream from the Quad Cities. In 1951, it closed; and since 1970, it has been modified to maintain water in its entire length for recreational use. You can walk, bike, or paddle the length without operational locks. Its fishing potential and penetration into rural scenic sections are legendary. If your life is stagnant, merely jump into a motor vehicle and explore its combined 100+ miles of solitude and serenity to soothe your troubles. Some of the adjoining cemeteries have residents that built you this impressive gift. Cherish their efforts and enjoy.
Torked Truth 