Lowden State Park
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.

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.

Outdoor recreation available in Lowden State Park includes:

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
Individual and group camping sites include limited electricity, a shower building, and a sanitary dumping station for trailers. 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.

Directions
Lowden Memorial State Park can be reached from I-39 and I-88.

If traveling north or south on I-39, exit #104 on Rt 64 west 16 miles to Oregon, take River Rd. right two miles to Park.

If traveling west on I-88, exit on to I-39 north five miles to Exit #104, Rt 64 west 16 miles to Oregon. Right on River Rd two miles to Park.

If traveling east on I-88, exit at Dixon on Rt #26 north to Rt 2 in Dixon. Take Rt 2 north 18 miles to Oregon. Take Rt #64 in Oregon east across Rock River. Left on River Rd two miles to Park.

If traveling south on Rt 2 to Oregon, left on Rt 64 across Rock River. Left on River Rd two miles to Park.

For more information, contact Lowden State Park.

Reprinted with permission of Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Lowden State Park
1411 North River Road
Oregon, IL 61061
815.732.6828

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