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!
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AmericInn by Wyndham Princeton IL

2.5 out of 5
2120 Claude Bailey Pkwy Princeton IL
The price is P5,920 per night from Feb 22 to Feb 23
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9/10 Wonderful! (465 reviews)
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Reviewed on Feb 9, 2026

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Days Inn by Wyndham Rock Falls

Days Inn by Wyndham Rock Falls

3 out of 5
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Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Rock Falls. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
6.8/10 (640 reviews)
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AmericInn by Wyndham Kewanee

AmericInn by Wyndham Kewanee

2.5 out of 5
925 Tenney St Kewanee IL
The price is P5,899 per night from Feb 12 to Feb 13
P5,899
P6,547 total
Feb 12 - Feb 13
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Kewanee. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Windmont ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (390 reviews)
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Reviewed on Feb 2, 2026

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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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