Outdoor enthusiasts are invited to join this month’s Friends of the Hennepin Canal hike on Sunday, March 15th. The route stretches from Lock 3 to Lock 1, ending at the Illinois River, covering about 3.8 miles. Dubbed “Walk on the Wild Side,” the hike promises challenging, uneven ground, so hikers should dress for muddy, rough conditions. If weather makes the path impassable, an alternative route—the 4.5-mile Great Blue Heron hike—will be offered instead. The meeting point is Lock 3 at 1:30 PM. Participation is free and open to all, with no membership required. For details, email [email protected].
Travelers heading to Lock 3 in Bureau should note its convenient location at the northwest corner of Routes 26 and 29. Visitors can reach Bureau by taking Route 26 south from Princeton or using I-80 to connect to I-180, then east on Route 26 into town. Those arriving from the south should follow Route 29 along the Illinois River’s west shore, then continue north to Route 26. The Lock 3 parking lot is clearly marked on the left side of Route 26.