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Rock
Cut State Park |
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7318 Harlem Road
Loves Park, IL 61111
815.885.3311
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.
Hours
Summer hours (April - October) 6:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Winter hours (November - March) 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
History
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.
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 beginning in 2003. 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.
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.
Camping
Campground Cabin
NEW: Credit Card Reservations | Youth Group Reservation | Rent-A-Cabin
Reservation
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.
Rock Cut Campsite Reservation Form | Campground Map | Rent -A-Cabin Reservation
Form
Fishing and Boating
One of the park’s most popular activities is fishing Pierce Lake - named for
state Rep. William Pierce of Rockford, who served in the legislature from
1951-1966 and who proposed the first land acquisition for the park in 1955. The
lake is stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish and channel
catfish, as well as bullhead, northern pike, muskellunge and walleye. Beginning
May 1, 2002, Pierce Lake will allow any size engine on the lake, however,
engines over 10 hp can operate at No Wake speed only. For boat rental, (call
815/885-2781 for prices and information), docks and two launching ramps
available. Olson Lake also offers excellent fishing. Carry on watercraft and
electric motors only.
Hunting
The hunting program allows disabled hunters an opportunity to participate in a
Department of Natural Resources program for managing the deer herd and turkey
populations at Rock Cut State Park. Hunter Fact Sheet
Swimming
Olson Lake Beach will be operated this summer (Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day
weekend) by contract of Beachwater Lifeguard & Lake Patrol. The Lake is open
from 12:00PM to 7:00PM and the cost is $1 per person. For additional information
call 815/885-9084. or view their website at www.beachwatch.net
Picnicking and Concession
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, the Boathouse Cafe, now serving
lunch and dinner. For additional information call 815/885-2781. Shelter
Reservation Form
Facilities for the Disabled
Several features make Rock Cut State Park accessible to the disabled. Two
fishing piers are available, including a covered pier at the Lions Club day use
area. The area, which is totally accessible for the disabled, features paved
walkways, toilets, and a picnic shelter. The park’s campground area has flush
toilets and showers that can be used by disabled visitors. Handicapped parking
spaces are located in all of the park’s lots.
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.
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.
Enjoy Your Visit
Please abide by park rules during your visit. Alcoholic beverages are not
allowed in the park. Do not pick any flowers, and keep your pet leashed at all
times.
The park is accessible from Highway 173, at the north entrance and Harlem Road
at the south entrance. Travelers using Interstate 90 should exit at East
Riverside Boulevard and follow the signs.
* While groups of 25 or more are welcome and encouraged to use the park's
facilities, they are required to register in advance with the site office to
avoid crowding or scheduling conflicts.
* At least one responsible adult must accompany each group of 15 minors.
* Pets must be kept on leashes at all times.
* Actions by nature can result in closed roads and other facilities. Please call
ahead to the park office before you make your trip.
* We hope you enjoy your stay. Remember, take only memories, leave only
footprints.
* For more information on tourism in Illinois, call the Illinois Department of
Commerce and Community Affairs' Bureau of Tourism at 1-800-2Connect.
* Telecommunication Device for Deaf and Hearing Impaired Natural Resources
Information (217) 782-9175 for TDD only Relay Number 800-526-0844.
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