Chiseled out of the state’s far northern region is Rock Cut State Park in Winnebago County. Nearby are other “rocky” landmarks – the mighty Rock River and the place where wagons once forded it, Rockford. It’s an area of rolling plains, interesting history and a wide variety of recreational opportunities. Rock Creek State Park is located at 7223 West Lane Rd. in Loves Illinois. For more information, click here.
Rock Cut is home to abundant wildlife with waterfowl, deer, fox, muskrat, woodchuck and beaver, opossum, raccoon and both gray and fox squirrel. Over 100 types of wildflowers offer a showy display each spring and summer, while hardwood trees dazzle visitors each fall.
The trail system at Rock Cut offers opportunities for hiking (40 miles), mountain biking (23 miles), and equestrian (14 miles). Trail users will find updated trailhead/information signs at picnic areas and trail access points for trail information and regulations.
For those who want to include an overnight stay in their visit to Rock Cut, the campgrounds provide electricity at the site, water hydrants at the beginning of each camping loop, sanitary dump stations, showers, toilets, a boat launch and playground equipment. There are 210 Class A Premium sites and 60 Class B/S Premium sites. There is also a primitive cabin (it has electricity, but does not have water or plumbing facilities). Reservations can be made online at ExploreMoreIL™ (the Park Office no longer accepts reservations). From November – April, only electricity is available; there is no access to water or dump station.
Other highlights of the park include Olson Beach, which is perfect for swimming. This is also a great place for fishing and boating, There is also a concession stand that rents kayaks, canoes, and boats. Rock Cut State Park also has several handicapped-accessible features including, two fishing piers with one at Lions Club day use area covered. The park also has paved walkways, accessible toilets, a picnic shelter, and campground area with flush toilets and showers that can be used by visitors with disabilities.
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