White Pines State Park
White Pines State Park Nestled in the heart of the Rock River valley along the meandering banks of Spring and Pine creeks, lies the charming 385-acre White Pines State Park. The park provides the perfect family getaway and offers a variety of activities for visitors including hiking, fishing, camping, bicycling and picnicking.

Guests will experience both the serenity and natural beauty found amid magnificent trees and moss-covered cliffs. Among the park's most interesting features are the concrete fords that span the creeks, allowing the visitor, quite literally, to drive through the flowing streams.

The park is home to a variety of wildlife including red squirrels, raccoons and chipmunks. And bird lovers will enjoy symphonies from pine thrush and warblers and other birds who make the lush forest their home.

Picnicking
A perfect place for a family outing, there are several shaded picnic areas along Pine Creek with water, fireplaces, tables and children's playgrounds. Of the four shelters in these areas, two can be reserved and two are first-come, first-served.

Camping
White Pines State Park has 106 Class B campsites, with vehicular access, as well as tent and trailer sites. In addition, there are two youth group campgrounds. There are six campsites accessible for the physically challenged camper. Because of the nature of the terrain in this area, soft ground and high water may sometimes close campgrounds.

Hiking
Whether you choose an easy walking trail or a more difficult path, three of the seven marked trails are less than a mile long and provide ample opportunity to see the beautiful vine-covered limestone bluffs, blossoming spring flowers and whispering pines.

Winter Sports
White Pines trails are ideal for cross-country skiing. Other winter activities such as sledding are also available for family fun.

Lodging
Nestled within White Pines State Park lies, White Pines Inn. Named as one of the 15 Best Wilderness Getaways by Midwest Living magazine, it offers 25 comfortable one-room log cabins, complete with fireplaces. The Inn also boasts a charming lodge restaurant, dinner theater, and gift shop. Special packages available include a "Romantic Escape" weekend and "Family Fun Package."

Directions
To reach White Pines Forest State Park from the Chicago Area, take Route 64 (North Avenue) west to Route 2 south in Oregon, turn left on Route 2 to Pines Road. At Pines Road, turn right and follow the signs to the park entrance, approximately 8 miles.

From the Northwest suburbs, take I-90 west to Route 20 at Rockford. Take Route 20 west to Route 2 south. You will go through Byron and continue to Oregon. In Oregon, continue to the south edge of town to Pines Road. Turn right on Pines Road and follow the signs to the Park entrance, a distance of about 8 miles.

From the north or south, take I-39 to the Oregon exit (Route 64). take Route 64 west to Oregon. You will turn left at Route 2 and continue to Pines Road. Turn right on Pines Road and go about 8 miles to the park entrance.

If you are coming from eastern or western Illinois, take Toll Road IL RT 88 to the Dixon exit (Route 26). Take Route 26 north through Dixon to Lowell Park Road. Turn right and go about 11 miles to the stop sign, which is Pines Road. Turn right on Pines Road and go about one mile to the park entrance.

Reprinted with permission of Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

White Pines State Park
6712 West Pines Road
Mt. Morris, IL 61054
815.946.3817

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