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Illinois
62

Illinois State Parks

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USA Parks
Illinois
Northern Region
Rock Cut State Park
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Rock Cut State Park © Katia
Rock Cut State Park © Thomas Brain
Rock Cut State Park © Thomas Brain
Rock Cut State Park © Thomas Brain
Rock Cut State Park © Thomas Brain
Rock Cut State Park © Thomas Brain
Rock Cut State Park © Thomas Brain
Rock Cut State Park © Thomas Brain
Rock Cut State Park A spring boat ride. © Thomas Brain
Rock Cut State Park A spring day on the lake. © Thomas Brain
Rock Cut State Park Water gun fight at Rock Cut. © Thomas Brain
Rock Cut State Park © Gayle Popham
Rock Cut State Park Sunset at Rock Cut © Thomas Brain
Rock Cut State Park Winter Skiing © Thomas Brain
Rock Cut State Park A walk in the park © Thomas Brain
Rock Cut State Park Overlooking the Lake © Deb Dietz
Rock Cut State Park Majestic Blue © Deb Dietz
Great Blue Heron
Rock Cut State Park Winter Wear © Deb Dietz
Rock Cut State Park © Matt Schwerin
Rock Cut State Park A walk with mom by the lake. © Thomas Brain
Rock Cut State Park Late afternoon by thr Lake © Thomas Brain
Rock Cut State Park Rainbow Reflection © Deb Dietz
Rock Cut State Park Evening Clouds © Thomas Brain
Rock Cut State Park It is Spring © Deb Dietz
Rock Cut State Park Summers Nightfall © Thomas Brain
Rock Cut State Park Jake at sunset. © Matt Schwerin
a subdued but beautiful sunset at Rock Cut with a good friend.
Rock Cut State Park Watching the Lake © Thomas Brain
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ROCK CUT STATE PARK
ROCK CUT STATE PARK
7318 Harlem Road
Loves Park, Illinois   61111

Phone: 815-885-3311
Reservations: 815-885-3311
Email: park email button icon
Chiseled out of the state?s far northern region is Rock Cut State Park in Winnebego 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 recreational variety.

Two lakes set off the park?s 3,092 acres. Pierce Lake, with 162 acres, is a retreat for people wanting to fish, ice fish or ice skate. A second 50-acre Olson Lake is especially for swimmers. Rounding out the park?s recreational options are camping, hiking, horseback trails and cross-country skiing. Whatever the season, you can be sure there?s quite a bit of activity going on at Rock Cut State Park.
Nature of the Area
Because water serves as a welcome mat to birds and animals, wildlife watchers to the area won?t be disappointed. Birders report good viewing, with waterfowl being abundant. Deer, fox, muskrat, woodchuck and beaver inhabit Rock Cut State Park as do opossum, raccoon and both gray and fox squirrel. Over 100 types of wildflowers offer a showy display each spring and summer, while the hardwood trees dazzle you with their reds and golds every fall.
History of the Area
By the middle of the 17th century, Miami-speaking tribes of Native Americans entered the region of Rock Cut State Park after the Iroquois drove them from territory on the southern end of Lake Michigan. From about 1655 until 1735, the Rock River was within the range of the Mascouten, who were also pushed westward by the Iroquois. The Winnebago ranged southward from Wisconsin to the Rock River from the 1740s until 1837, while the river?s upper portion was on the periphery of the Fox and Sauk territory from about 1765 to 1833. By 1800, the Potawatomi, Ottawa and Chippewa nations had extended their range into the area, but they ceded their lands to the United States 32 years later following the Black Hawk War.

Settlement of Winnebago County Began after the Black Hawk War. The region that is now Rock Cut State Park was settled partly by Scots around Argyle - named for their Scottish home of Argyllshire - and partly by Canadians, New Yorkers and New Englanders around the town of Harlem - named for New York City?s Harlem. The Illinois version of Harlem was moved in 1859 when the Kenosha-Rockford Rail Line was built. The dammed waters of Pierce Lake now cover much of the railroad bed within the park, although portions of the railroad grade are visible along Willow Creek below the spillway. But blasting operations in a rock outcrop that railroad crews conducted during the 1859 construction left lasting impressions here - they cut through rock to provide a suitable roadbed and gave Rock Cut its name.

The Park's Present:

Because water serves as a welcome mat to birds and animals, wildlife watchers to the area won?t be disappointed. Birders report good viewing, with waterfowl being abundant. Deer, fox, muskrat, woodchuck and beaver inhabit Rock Cut State Park as do opossum, raccoon and both gray and fox squirrel. Over 100 types of wildflowers offer a showy display each spring and summer, while the hardwood trees dazzle you with their reds and golds every fall.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Swimming Beachyes
 Bridle Trailsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
 Electric Sitesyes
WinterActivitiesyes
Camping
For those who want to include an overnight stay in their visit to Rock Cut, the park offers 28 Class A-Premium sites for reservation, 180 Class A-Premium sites and 60 Class B-Premium sites on a first-come first-serve basis. There is also a primitive cabin available for reservation. It has electricity, but does not have water or plumbing facilities.

Open year round, the campgrounds provide water, electricity, sanitary dump stations, showers, toilets, a boat launch and playground equipment. Only electricity and pit toilets are available in the winter season. Equestrian camping is restricted to a site on Hart Road. Groups of more than 25 persons need advance permission from the site superintendent before they can enter the park, and all campers require a permit from park personnel. Alcohol is prohibited in the campground.
Swimming
Olson Lake Beach will be operated this summer (Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend) by contract of Beachwatch Lifeguard & Lake Patrol. The Beach is open from 12:00PM to 7:00PM daily, weather permitting. Amenities include Lifeguards, sand volleyball courts, paddle boat rentals, concession items and a changing room. The cost is $3 per person. For additional information call 815/978-5560.
Boating
The park offers a variety of boating options with two lakes, Pierce Lake and Olson Lake. Both electric motor and non-motorized boats are allowed on the 162-acre Pierce lake while only non-motorized boats can be used in the smaller Olson lake. Boat rentals including paddleboats, rowboats, kayaks or canoes are available for visitors who do not have their own boat. There is also an accessible fishing pier at both locations.
Fishing
Enjoy fishing in two large lakes, Pierce Lake and Olson Lake. Species include bluegill, largemouth bass, channel catfish and muskie. Ice-fishing is available during winter months on Pierce lake only. A valid Illinois Fishing License is required for those aged 16 or older.


Location
Rock Cut State Park is located near Beloit, Belvidere and Loves Park

Picnicking
Knowing that a visit to a state park is more fun when there?s food to be enjoyed, Rock Cut has picnic areas scattered throughout the park. Each is complete with tables, outdoor stoves, and pit toilets. Red Oak and Puri Crest have playgrounds. Check out our newest addition, Lone Rock Cafe features wireless internet, a variety of food items and drinks including smoothies and blended coffees. They are open May - October 7a - 7p daily, For additional information call 815/885-4740.
Trails
The trail system at Rock Cut offers opportunities for hiking (40 miles), mountain biking(23 miles), and equestrian(14 miles) and has been completely remarked. Trail users will find updated trail head/information signs at picnic areas and trail access points for trail information and regulations. Only certain trails are designated for mountain biking and equestrian use and are identified by colored trail markers. Blue trails are for mountain biking and hiking, yellow trails are for equestrian and hiking and red trails are restricted to hiking only. Sorry, Rock Cut does not have horse rentals or stables at the site. Lockwood Park located in the Rockford area has horse rentals and is approximately 10 miles from the park.

Trail activities have been divided into "summer and winter" seasons to provide quality seasonal programs. The "summer program" (mountain biking and equestrian) trails are open April 1st - November 30th. These regulations for mountain biking and equestrian use will be strictly enforced and violators are subject to fines.

The "winter program" provides for groomed cross-country trails as conditions permit. The groomed trails are best accessed at the Lions Club Picnic Area. As a courtesy, hikers and snow shoers are asked to use other trails that have not been groomed for skiing. A winter trail guide is being developed to better describe the trails groomed for classical skiing and those groomed for freestyle/skating.

Rock Cut also offers access (at the Pierce Lake spillway) to the Willow Creek Bike Trail and Perryville Path, a paved trail system connecting the local communities of Loves Park and Rockford to Rock Cut State Park.
Bicycling
Bicyclists can explore over 40 miles of trails, varying in difficulty from easy to challenging.

Be aware that some paths are shared with hikers and horseback riders.

The park's terrain includes wooded areas, open fields, hills and flat stretches for a diverse experience.

Mountain bikers will appreciate the rugged off-road trails available throughout the area.

Always wear protective gear as certain sections may be rocky or steep.

Cyclists should respect trail closures during wet conditions to prevent damage.

Remember: safety first! Always follow posted rules regarding right-of-way on multi-use tracks.

For leisurely rides consider taking one of many paved roads within this natural haven located in Northern Illinois.

Keep an eye out for wildlife while riding; deer sightings are common but maintain distance!

Check local weather forecasts before planning your ride - sudden changes could make cycling dangerous here.


Birding
The park is home to over 100 bird species, making it a popular spot for birdwatchers. Birding enthusiasts can enjoy spotting waterfowl and shorebirds near the two lakes within the area. The woodland areas offer sightings of warblers, thrushes, sparrows among others during migration seasons.

Area Attractions
Winter Sports

Take to the trails in the winter. A winding system of cross-country ski trails lets you take in the park?s winter beauty. There?s more winter fun - ice fishing is a great Rock Cut pastime.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
June 14 Very well kept park. Orderly and clean. by Jimmy C
park review stars; one to five Spacious camp sites. Beautiful setting. Will go again and again. Only draw back was a group of campers three sites down were loud talking and noisy most of the night. I still heard them after 1 AM. Felt bad for the family next to them as they had little kids. My wife and I used ear plugs.
May 30 Great for picniking and swimming.
park review stars; one to five Very nice, clean and pretty park. Lovely lake to picnic by. They have a small beach area where you can swim and I thin rent rafts. Hiking trails and many birds.
September 19 AWESOME! by ET
park review stars; one to five My boyfriend and I went overnight, it was awesome. We love the different camp areas we have to choose from and its just an awesome place. We will be returning in October.
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Area Campgrounds
Northwoods RV Resort by Zeman
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815-597-1671
Holiday Acres Camp Resort
7050 Epworth Road
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815-547-7846
Paradise Camping Resort
11122 Station Street
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815-597-1671
Blackhawk Valley Campground
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815-874-9767
Thousand Trails Pine Country
5710 Shattuck Road
Belvidere, IL
815-547-5517
Area Accommodations (over 20 miles away)
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Cottages and Cabins
Within a 10 minute drive from Starved Rock and even closer to Matthiessen State Parks you will find a gorgeous, tranquil property with spacious cabins on 50 wooded acres. All with full kitchens and outdoor fire pits. 3 dog friendly.
79 miles from park*
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Hotels/Motels
You will feel right at home when you reach Carroll County, our corner of beautiful Northwest Illinois. The magnificent Mississippi River and outdoor spaces will refresh your spirit and touch our soul.
62.3 miles from park*
businesss listing main photo
Hotels/Motels
Relax in the rustic beauty and comfort of Starved Rock Lodge, Cabins and Starved Rock Inn. The historic Lodge has 69 guest rooms, which include three bay-window rooms, plus cabins nestled in the woods. Fireplaces can be found in four of the eight sunset cabins near the pool area...
71.5 miles from park*
Nearby Hotels
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Directions
I-90 West to Rockford. Take the East Riverside Blvd. Exit. Follow signs off tollway as follows: Go West on East Riverside to Perryville Road, Go North on Perryville to Hwy. 173, Go East on Hwy. 173 about 1-1/2 miles to Park Entrance.

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Illinois
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Illinois State Parks

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