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.

©2012 WINNEBAGO COUNTY FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT

County Line

The preserve is a natural area suitable for bird-watching. Access to the preserve is located on Ipsen Road. To get to the preserve follow, the trail from the parking area under overhead electric transmission lines, across private property and under the I-90 bridge.

Acres: 147.4
Hiking Trails: 2 miles
Access Road: Yes. Located on Ipsen Road in Belvidere
Restrooms: Yes
Drinking Water: No
Pay Phone: No
Picnic Tables: No
Shelterhouse: No
Playground Equipment: No
Soccer Field: No
Fly Field: No
Horseback Trails: No
Campground Sites: No
Boat Launches: No
Canoe Access: Yes
18 Hole Golf Course: No
Special Facilities: No
Illinois Nature Preserve: No
Natural Area: Yes

Trail Map
Download a printable trail map here.

Location – 7530 Ipsen Road Belvidere, IL

Located between Interstate I-90 and U.S. Highway 20 in Cherry Valley east of Mill Road Parking and the hiking trail to access the preserve are located at 7530 Ipsen Road in Belvidere. The parking area is located north of U.S. 20 and south of Newburg Road. The parking area can be reached by either road.



Laona Heights Sugar River Colored Sands Sugar River Two Rivers Hartley Memorial Trask Bridge Four Lakes Pecatonica River Pecatonica Wetlands Crooked River - Undeveloped Grove Creek - Undeveloped Seward Bluffs Carl & Lois Klehm Severson Dells Fuller Memorial Indian Hill Hinchliff Memorial Kilbuck Bluffs Trailside Kishwaukee Gorge South Kishwaukee Gorge North Rockford Rotary Kishwaukee River Oak Ridge Blackhawk Springs Deer Run Espenscheid Memorial McKiski County Line - Undeveloped Kieselburg Roland Olson Stone Bridge - Undeveloped Clayton Andrews Ledges Hononegah J. Norman Jensen Millrace Isle Macktown Atwood Homestead Forest Preserve Headquarters