Recreation in Annawan
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Recreation in Annawan
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Annawan is conveniently located within miles of many different family recreation areas, from fishing on the Hennepin Canal, to camping at LaChateau 40 & 8 to hiking at Johnson-Sauk Trail State Park, we have something for everyone. Below you will find information on some of the relaxing and quality outings that we have to offer. -Howe's Park- Howe's Park is located on the north edge of Annawan. This lovely park was created over 25 years ago. Today Howe's Park houses 3 baseball/softball diamonds, youth soccer fields, a shelter for family reunions, rolle bolle courts, horse shoe pits and NEW, colorful, modern playground equipment. The playground equipment offers swings, several different slides, and a variety of different equipment for your children to enjoy. We were able to purchase the equipment with the assistance of the FRED Ethyl Grant. There are even benches for mom and dad to relax on while the kids are playing. It is accessible off North State Street and is the home of the Annawan Little League baseball and softball program, men's softball and has even hosted the high school softball team. Howe's Park is the host spot for the annual World Rolle Bolle tournament as well. During the summer, you will find the children's park program in full swing. Preschool through 6th grade children can enjoy this program for only $5.00 per child. Come and visit Howe's Park, we promise you will enjoy your time spent there.
-Route 6 Town Park- Just off U.S. Route 6 in the downtown is the Town's Route 6 Park. This park is used annually as the heart of the town's Fun Day celebration. It houses a community center that is used almost daily by several different organizations for meetings or by families for reunions, as well as other activities. There is a shelter attached to the exterior of the community center. A small playground is available for anyone to use. The Route 6 town park also houses a war memorial which is currently in the planning stages of being updated.
-Johnson-Sauk Trail State Park- The Johnson-Sauk Trail State Park
is located along a trail that led Native Americans from Lake Michigan to the
confluence of the Mississippi and Rock Rivers. We are very fortunate
to have the Johnson-Sauk Trail State Park on Route 78, just a six
miles south of Annawan. The 1,361 acre state park attracts large
numbers of both market and sport hunters. The area is believed to have
contained one of the most concentrated and varied wildlife populations in
central North America. The park features a 58-acre lake, maximum depth
of 21 feet, and features largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, channel
catfish, and bullhead. In addition, muskie and northern pike have been
added to the lake. The park also features about 15 miles of hiking
trails. Camping at 68 electrical hook-up sites plus tent sites, as well
as two youth group camping areas are also available. There are 10
spacious and picturesque picnic areas, and you can even rent a boat or canoe on the
lake. There is a boat launch available, but only electric trolling
motors are allowed. One of the most unique features of the park is
Ryan's Round Barn. It is a 1910 barn that stands 80 feet high and is 85
feet in diameter. The barn was built to house Dr. Laurence P. Ryan's
50-head herd of Black Angus show cattle. A farm museum is on the main
floor. Tours are available, please contact (309) 852-4262. Please contact the park
for information at (309) 853-5589. Visit the State of Illinois DNR
website for more information at
www.dnr.state.il.us and click on Parks on the left hand side of your
screen.
-Hennepin Canal Parkway
State Park- Just north of Annawan (not even a mile) lies the Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park. It is the longest park in the entire nation, stretching across northern Illinois for over 104 miles from the Illinois River to the Mississippi River. It was built to initially save shipping costs, but now it has become a popular spot that is visited by thousands annually. The parkway offers fishing, hiking, picnicking, canoeing, horseback riding, hunting, winter sports and most recently bicycling. A newly developed bicycle path has been added to the parkway, making it accessible to those who enjoy cross country biking, or a leisurely stroll along the water. Those who ride the canal say it is an easy and enjoyable ride. One of the 33 lock and dams as well as one of nine aqueducts along the canal as located just northwest of Annawan. During the annual Fun Day celebration, the Hennepin Canal is home of our annual fishing derby for the local children. Come and enjoy the scenery. You will enjoy the wild foliage and you may just come across some native wildlife as well. For further information please contact the Hennepin Canal Parkway at (815)-454-2328. Visit the State of Illinois DNR website for more information at www.dnr.state.il.us and click on Parks on the left hand side of your screen.
-LaChateau 40 & 8 Campgrounds- Built for veterans after WW I, the LaChateau 40 & 8 Park is located just west of Annawan off Route 6. The rich history is evident when you pull in the drive. During Veteran's Day, a touching and sentimental celebration is held in honor of the local and national veterans. Camping and swimming facilities are available as well as a clubhouse for group activities. Camping is offered at a major discount to American Legion veterans. Membership is required. For more information, call (309) 935-6903. -Youth Activities-
Annawan offers a lot of seasonal little league sports as well. * Junior Football If you would like to see what else Henry County has to offer you and your family, please visit the Henry County Tourism website at www.visithenrycounty.com |
