Sheffield

Travel Guide

The Hennepin Canal State Park Visitor Center is a wonderful little get away for a couple of hours.  The great thing about it is that there is never anyone on the trails!  I sat in an old run-down photography blind along the back lake.  There were Northern Shovelers, Lesser Scaups, Wood Ducks, and one lone Hooded Merganser on the lake, although my little 300mm lens couldn't get them very close.  Luckily, a pair of wood ducks landed directly in front of me and gave me an opportunity.  This one is a male.
The Hennepin Canal State Park Visitor Center is a wonderful little get away for a couple of hours.  The great thing about it is that there is never anyone on the trails!  I sat in an old run-down photography blind along the back lake.  There were Northern Shovelers, Lesser Scaups, Wood Ducks, and one lone Hooded Merganser on the lake, although my little 300mm lens couldn't get them very close.  Luckily, a pair of wood ducks landed directly in front of me and gave me an opportunity.  This one is a male.
The Hennepin Canal Visitor's Center in Sheffield, Illinois is a wonderful place to spend the day enjoying nature.  There is a small pond where I spent several hours photographing waterfowl.  This beautiful coot did not seem to be bothered by my friend and me hanging out in his neighborhood.
Photo of Hennepin Canal taken from bridge 14, east of visitor center.
A tiny gray tree frog perches on a bush leaf.  I got lucky when I spotted this little guy.  He was well camouflaged.  It was found at the Hennepin Canal Visitor Center near Sheffield, Illinois.  It's macro season now, so this was a good first find since putting this lens on!
AmericInn by Wyndham Princeton IL

AmericInn by Wyndham Princeton IL

2.5 out of 5
2120 Claude Bailey Pkwy Princeton IL
The price is RM382 per night from 26 Feb to 27 Feb
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RM424 total
26 Feb - 27 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Princeton. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
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Reviewed on 11 Feb 2026

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Best Western Geneseo Inn

Best Western Geneseo Inn

2.5 out of 5
1375 S Oakwood Avenue Geneseo IL
The price is RM408 per night from 26 Feb to 27 Feb
RM408
RM453 total
26 Feb - 27 Feb
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Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Geneseo. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Geneseo City Park and Maple Bluff ...
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Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Rock Falls, IL

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Rock Falls, IL

2.5 out of 5
2106 First Avenue Rock Falls IL
The price is RM356 per night from 21 Mar to 22 Mar
RM356
RM395 total
21 Mar - 22 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Rock Falls. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.8/10 Good! (779 reviews)
Very friendly staff, clean room

Reviewed on 23 Feb 2026

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Depue Vacation Rental < 1 Mi to the Lake!

Depue Vacation Rental < 1 Mi to the Lake!

3 out of 5
De Pue IL
Stay at this cottage in De Pue. Enjoy free parking and air conditioning.
Depue Vacation Rental < 1 Mi to the Lake!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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