Anna & I are going to ride the tow path out there. I hear that it is really pretty and hard to believe you are in Illinois so we are going to check it out.
Expecting it to be about 13.5 miles each way. If you want to ride farther the trail goes all they way to Bureau Junction which would be about 20 miles each way.
Bring Water as not available on trail. Of course if you got Bureau Junction you could find water, but maybe not food.
One mile off trail food/beer/water available in Tiskilwa.
Wyanet is about halfway between Sheffield-Tiskilwa is a mile off trail and would have food/beer/water.

Google says it is 54 minute drive to the Visitors Center in Sheffield.
We plan to pack a lunch or eat on Main street in Tiskilwa.
I am guessing we will be on our bikes by 11 am. If someone is interested in joining us we could make a firmer commitment on time.

Eric & Anna