State: Illinois
Address 1: 1411 North River Road
City: Oregon
Zip: 61061
Phone: 815-732-6828
Open: Open all year
Open all Year: Yes
Number of Sites: 80
Camp URL: http://dnr.state.il.us/Lands/Landmgt/Parks/R1/LOWDENSP.HTM
Full Hook: Yes
One of the most picturesque sites along the Rock River is just north of Oregon in Ogle County. Legend has it that Chief Black Hawk, as he left the area after the Black Hawk War, talked of the beauty of the area and admonished his captors to care for the land as he and his people had. Lowden State Park was established not only to care for the land but to allow visitors to share in the beauty as well. The park serves as a memorial to Gov. Frank O. Lowden, who served Illinois during World War I.
You can enjoy many wonderful views of the Rock River from the park, but the best view of the statue is from Illinois Route 2. Just north of Oregon, the bluffs are graced with a majestic image of an American Indian gazing over the Rock River Valley. This is no ordinary statue. It is a 50 foot, concrete-reinforced wonder that is awe-inspiring. A tribute to all Native Americans, but more commonly associated with Chief Black Hawk, the statue was designed by sculptor Lorado Taft. The setting sun seems to bring the statue to life, but it is a spectacular view any time of the day.
Picnicking
You can enjoy the beauty of Lowden State Park any time of the year, and the picnic areas are open year-round. Conveniently located near the parking lots, the areas include tables, drinking water, park stoves, outdoor toilets and litter cans.
Camping
There are 80 “Class A” campsites which include limited electricity, a shower building, and a sanitary dumping station for trailers. Another option is the campground cabin which has two sets of bunk beds, a full-sized bed, and electricity. Reservations are NOT taken for the campsites, but you can reserve the cabin.
Also available, are 38 “Class B/S” campsites which do not offer electricity, but do have access to showers. For the true wilderness experience, there are 8 “Class D” primitive hike-in only campsites.
During the summer, a refreshment stand provides cool drinks and snacks. Please contact park staff upon arrival for a camping permit.
Trails
Almost four miles of good foot trails lead visitors through the natural wonders and beauty of the park.
Boating and Fishing
The scenic Rock River flows through 34 miles of Ogle County, with an average midsummer depth of three feet. A launching ramp and boat docks are conveniently located adjacent to the park. Motor boaters and water skiers will enjoy all the river has to offer, but swimming is not permitted. Boat fishermen can spend their hours catching largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, crappie, channel catfish, northern and walleye pike, bullhead, carp, sucker and drum.
