Best attractions and places to see around Colona, Illinois, is situated in Henry County as part of the Quad Cities metropolitan area. The area features natural landscapes, including the Green River and the Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park, which offer various recreational opportunities. Colona was formed in 1997 through the merger of the former City of Green Rock and the Village of Colona.
Last updated: June 25, 2026
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Popular around Colona
Pigeon Creek is a great place to go for a short hike by the river. Despite it's small size there are a dizzying array of birds, especially during migratory periods, so bring your camera and binoculars as you follow the short trail through the woods.
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This harbor sits sandwiched between the Great River Trail and the great river itself, the Mississippi — all of which offer stupendous scenery as you cycle by.
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Concrete in town so lots of bumpy seams but turns to almost all smooth asphalt heading NE and upriver. Plenty of public restrooms and water fountains and benches along the way. I only saw one repair stand/air pump though.
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A great 2.25 mile loop with a really fun downhill section with some great wooden banked corners. A short climb to get your heart pumping and then it’s mostly along the contours of the terrain. The trail is good hardpacked dirt and is one way and clearly marked which way. The trail is fairly narrow and terrain forces you to stay on the line. Some corners are slightly off camber but nothing too challenging. The whole trail is a green with the exception of some small easily visible jumps on the downhill that can easily be rolled over if you don’t want the air.
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The village hall of Hampton, Illinois, was built in 1906 with funds resulting from a legal dispute with the local railroad. Next to the village hall, there is a soldiers memorial at the site of the first log cabin in Rock Island County, built in 1828. The memorial's cornerstone, laid September 6, 1926, is inscribed "BLACK HAWK WAR 1832. CIVIL WAR 1861-65. SPANISH AMERICAN WAR 1898. WORLD WAR 1917-18." The ratio of soldiers to citizens in Hampton during the Civil War was the highest in the country. This highlight is right next to the Great River Trail which runs all the way from Savanna on the north end to Rock Island on the south.
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Colona offers several natural features for exploration. The Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park is a prominent natural feature, providing opportunities for hiking, biking, canoeing, and kayaking. The Green River also flows through the area, contributing to its scenic waterways. For a peaceful walk, consider Pigeon Creek Park, a forest and nature reserve known for its diverse birdlife, especially during migratory periods.
Yes, Colona is well-suited for cycling. The Great River Trail is a popular cycle way with sections of concrete and smooth asphalt, offering public restrooms, water fountains, and benches. Additionally, the Green Rock Memorial Bike Path runs alongside the Hennepin Canal. For more cycling options, you can explore various road cycling routes and general cycling tours around Colona.
You'll find a variety of trails for hiking. Pigeon Creek Park offers short, easy hikes through a nature reserve by the river. For mountain biking enthusiasts, the Illiniwek South trail provides a 2.25-mile loop with a fun downhill section and a mostly hardpacked dirt surface. The Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park also features trails suitable for hiking.
For a glimpse into local history, visit the Hampton Village Hall and Soldiers Memorial. Built in 1906, the village hall has a rich history, and the adjacent memorial commemorates soldiers from various wars, located at the site of Rock Island County's first log cabin.
Colona offers several family-friendly options. The Great River Trail is excellent for family bike rides, with amenities like restrooms and water fountains. Pigeon Creek Park is suitable for short, easy hikes and birdwatching. Colona's Scott Family Park provides RV and camping facilities, and the Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park offers various recreational activities for all ages.
Colona offers unique cultural experiences such as visiting Lavender Crest Winery, the first winery in the Quad Cities area, which provides wine tastings and tours. The Bi-State Sportsman Association/Club caters to those interested in shooting sports. The area also hosts annual events like the Memorial Day Festival and the Freedom Celebration, featuring parades, live music, fireworks, and car shows.
Yes, during the winter months, both the Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park and Colona's Scott Family Park offer opportunities for snowmobiling, providing a unique way to experience the area's natural landscapes.
The best time to visit Colona for outdoor activities generally depends on your preferred activity. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling. Summer is ideal for water activities like canoeing and kayaking on the Hennepin Canal. Winter provides opportunities for snowmobiling.
For scenic views, the Great River Trail runs alongside the Mississippi River, offering stupendous scenery, especially near Safe Harbor. Pigeon Creek Park also provides pleasant views of the river and its natural surroundings.
Colona hosts two significant annual events: the Annual Memorial Day Festival, which includes a parade, horseshoe festival, live bands, and carnival fun, and the Annual Freedom Celebration, featuring fireworks, the Hennepin Hustle 5K Race/Walk, and car shows.
The Great River Trail is well-equipped with facilities for visitors. You'll find plenty of public restrooms, water fountains, and benches along the way, making it convenient for longer rides or walks.
The Illiniwek South trail is a 2.25-mile loop known for its fun downhill section with great wooden banked corners. It features a short climb and is mostly hardpacked dirt, making it a popular choice for mountain bikers looking for an engaging ride.


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