From Chicago to Dixon Waterfowl Refuge at Hennepin & Hopper Lakes

(Approximately 125 miles from O'Hare)

I-55 south to I-80 west.

I-80 west to I-39 south

Take I -39 south to Route 71 exit; head west

Take Route 71 west to Route 26; turn left towards Hennepin

Go approximately 2.5 miles south.

Turn right onto Hennepin Farms Road (paved road before the road swings up the hill).

Pass the first house on the right, then turn right onto a sand road.

Follow sand road approximately 300 ft. to parking lot and Nolan Observation Tower. Or continue down the road 1/4 mile to second parking lot and boat ramp.

From Peoria to Dixon Waterfowl Refuge at Hennepin & Hopper Lakes

(Approximately 40 miles from Peoria )

Go north on 29.

Take I-180 south to 26.

Turn right on Route 26.

Go 2.5 miles south.

Turn right onto Hennepin Farms Road (paved road before the road swings up the hill).

Pass the first house on the right, then turn right onto a sand road.

Follow sand road approximately 300 ft. to parking lot and Nolan Observation Tower. Or continue down the road 1/4 mile to second parking lot and boat ramp.