There are 40 individual forest preserves for the purpose of protecting the natural beauty of Winnebago County, as well as for education and recreation.
The forest preserves provide over 9,500 acres of property for the use and enjoyment of the general public. Lush woods, picturesque streams, dramatic cliffs and dells, unspoiled prairies and native wildlife are treasures to be enjoyed by residents and visitors of all ages.
Hiking, camping, canoeing, picnicking, fishing, bird watching and cross-country skiing are recreational activities available at sites throughout the county.
wcfpd preserves –
- Atwood Homestead
- Blackhawk Springs
- Carl & Lois Klehm
- Clayton Andrews
- Colored Sands
- Deer Run
- Espenscheid Memorial
- Four Lakes
- Fuller Memorial
- Hartley Memorial
- Headquarters
- Hinchliff Memorial
- Hononegah
- Indian Hills
- J. Norman Jensen
- Kieselburg
- Kilbuck Bluffs
- Kishwaukee Gorge North
- Kishwaukee Gorge South
- Kishwaukee River
- Laona Heights
- Ledges
- Macktown
- McKiski
- Millrace Isle
- Oak Ridge
- Pecatonica River
- Pecatonica Wetlands
- Rockford Rotary
- Roland Olson
- Severson Dells
- Seward Bluffs
- Sugar River
- Sugar River Alder
- Trailside
- Trask Bridge
- Two Rivers
Show Location Map +
- Display Map!
- Download Map - 6MB PDF
©2010 WINNEBAGO COUNTY FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT
Colored Sands
Colored Sands is a 303.9-acre preserve that contains a dedicated Illinois Nature Preserve, the Sand Bluff Bird Observatory and a restored sand prairie. The Nature Preserve in the southern third protects several unique habitats and harbors several Illinois endangered and threatened plant and animal species. The Sand Bluff Bird Observatory is one of the largest small-bird banding facilities in the country. Hiking trails provide access to the preserve and to the river for fishing.
Acres: 303.9
Access Road: Yes
Restrooms: Yes
Drinking Water: Yes
Pay Phones: No
Picnic Tables: 10
Shelterhouses: 0
Playground Equipment: No
Ball Fields: No
Horseback Trails: No
Hiking Trails(miles): 2.8
Campground Sites: 0
Boat Launches: 0
Canoe Access: Yes
18 Hole Golf Course: No
Illinois Nature Preserve: No
Special Facilities: Bird Banding Station
Donated Land: No
Natural Areas: Yes
All reservations subject to the GENERAL USE ORDINANCE
Trail Map
Download a printable trail map here.
Location - 10602 Hass Road, Durand, IL 61024
Colored Sands is on Haas Road, west of Boswell Road, north of Yale Bridge Road, east of the Sugar River.
