Annawan IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Annawan, Illinois.
1. Ryan's Round Barn
HISTORIC AGRICULTURAL MARVEL
Ryan's Round Barn stands as one of only 42 round barns remaining in the State of Illinois, reaching 80 feet high and 85 feet in diameter. The first floor houses a fascinating farm museum that showcases the agricultural heritage of the region. Visitors can tour this architectural treasure on the first and third Saturday of the month from May through October.
2. LaChateau 40 & 8 Campgrounds
VETERANS' HISTORIC RETREAT
LaChateau 40 & 8 Park was built for veterans after World War I and is located just west of Annawan off Route 6. The park features camping and swimming facilities as well as a clubhouse for group activities, with special discounts offered to American Legion veterans. During Veteran's Day, a touching and sentimental celebration is held here to honor local and national veterans.
3. Hennepin Canal Parkway
SCENIC OUTDOOR RECREATION
The Hennepin Canal Parkway offers visitors a variety of outdoor recreational activities including hiking, boating, fishing, birding, and horseback riding. Campers can set up along the canal and at other designated locations throughout this picturesque natural area. The canal's historic significance and beautiful surroundings make it a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
4. Purple Onion
LOCAL CULINARY FAVORITE
The Purple Onion is a beloved dining establishment in downtown Annawan that offers visitors a taste of local cuisine. With its friendly atmosphere and hometown charm, this restaurant embodies the small-town hospitality that Annawan is known for. Visitors and locals alike enjoy gathering here for meals while experiencing the vintage flair of Annawan's thriving downtown business community.
5. Paxtons Corner Coop
CHARMING LOCAL SHOP
Paxtons Corner Coop represents the entrepreneurial spirit of Annawan's downtown business district. This charming establishment contributes to the vintage flair and friendly atmosphere that characterizes Annawan's main street. Visitors can experience the warmth of small-town Illinois while browsing through this local gem.
6. Shirley's Coffee Bar & Diner
COZY LOCAL EATERY
Shirley's Coffee Bar & Diner serves as a gathering spot for both locals and travelers passing through Annawan. Located in the heart of the village, this eatery exemplifies the friendly faces and small-town charm that Annawan offers. Visitors can enjoy homestyle cooking while experiencing the peaceful atmosphere of small-town Illinois.
7. Annawan Ethanol Plant
MODERN INDUSTRIAL MARVEL
The Annawan Ethanol Plant is an impressive 100 million gallon facility that demonstrates the village's commitment to renewable energy and agricultural innovation. This bio-diesel facility represents a significant economic driver for the community and showcases Annawan's vision for future development. The plant highlights how this small town balances rural values with modern technological advancement.
8. Historic Downtown Annawan
VINTAGE SMALL TOWN CHARM
Historic Downtown Annawan features a thriving business community with a distinctive vintage flair and welcoming atmosphere. Located at the crossroads of historic State Highway Route 6 and Illinois Highway 78, the main street offers visitors a glimpse into authentic small-town Illinois life. The downtown area embodies the community's commitment to preserving its heritage while embracing opportunities for growth and development.
9. Mick's Place
LOCAL SOCIAL HUB
Mick's Place serves as a popular gathering spot in the village of Annawan where locals and visitors can mingle and relax. This establishment contributes to the friendly, welcoming atmosphere that characterizes this small Illinois community. Visitors to Mick's Place can experience firsthand the rural values and warm hospitality that make Annawan an attractive destination.
10. Johnson Sauk Trail State Park
NATURAL RECREATION PARADISE
Johnson Sauk Trail State Park, located near Annawan in Henry County, offers 1,365 acres of natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. The park features a 58-acre lake perfect for fishing and boating, along with hiking trails that wind through diverse landscapes. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy camping, picnicking, and wildlife observation throughout the changing seasons.
11. Bishop Hill State Historic Site
SWEDISH COLONIAL VILLAGE
Bishop Hill State Historic Site preserves a remarkable 19th-century Swedish colony just a short drive from Annawan. Visitors can explore numerous historic buildings, museums, and artisan shops in this well-preserved village founded in 1846. The site offers a fascinating glimpse into the religious and cultural heritage of Swedish immigrants who established this utopian community.
12. Geneseo Historical Museum
VICTORIAN HERITAGE DISPLAY
The Geneseo Historical Museum, housed in a beautiful Victorian mansion near Annawan, showcases the rich history of Henry County through extensive exhibits and collections. Visitors can explore period rooms filled with authentic furnishings, clothing, and artifacts that tell the story of the area's development. The museum's gardens and carriage house provide additional glimpses into the region's past.
13. Hennepin Canal Bike Trail
HISTORIC RECREATIONAL PATHWAY
The Hennepin Canal Bike Trail extends for over 70 miles along the historic canal near Annawan, offering cyclists and hikers a scenic route through rural Illinois landscapes. The trail follows the towpath where mules once pulled boats along this engineering marvel completed in 1907. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound as the path traverses various ecosystems with minimal road crossings.
14. Great River Trail
MISSISSIPPI RIVER ADVENTURE
The Great River Trail offers outdoor enthusiasts a 60-mile adventure along the Mississippi River, accessible from the Annawan area. This multi-use path connects the Quad Cities region through scenic riverfront views, wildlife habitats, and historic river towns. Travelers can experience both natural beauty and cultural attractions as they explore this significant recreational resource.
15. Big River State Forest
RIVERSIDE WOODLAND RETREAT
Big River State Forest encompasses over 3,000 acres of woodland along the Mississippi River within driving distance of Annawan. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hunting, fishing, hiking, and horseback riding through diverse habitats including bottomland hardwood forests. The forest's extensive trail system provides spectacular views of the mighty Mississippi and opportunities to observe abundant wildlife.