Recreation in Annawan

There are many different family recreational areas located within a few miles of The Village of Annawan.  Fishing on the Hennepin Canal, camping at LaChateau 40 & 8, and hiking at Johnson-Sauk Trail State Park, we have something for everyone.

Howes Park

Howes Park is located on the north edge of Annawan.  This lovely park was created over 25 years ago.  Today Howes Park houses 3 baseball/softball diamonds, youth soccer fields, a shelter for family reunions, rolle bolle courts, horse shoe pits and 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.  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 hosted the High School Softball team.  Howes 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 Howes Park, we promise you will enjoy your time spent there.  For renting information contact The Village Office (309) 935-6226.

Summer Recreation Program
This program is a favorite of the children of Annawan.  Instructors plan fun events for the kids to do at Howes Park.  Many different age groups are involved in the program.  For more information contact The Village Office (309) 935-6226.

Youth Activities

Junior Football
Little League Baseball and Softball
Junior Boys and Girls Basketball
Youth Soccer

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 Annawan Fun Day Celebration.  It houses a Community Center which is used by several different organizations, 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.  Community Center Rental Agreement.  For renting information contact The Village Office (309) 935-6226.

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. 

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.