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 +
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- Download Map - 6MB PDF
©2010 WINNEBAGO COUNTY FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT
Espenscheid Memorial
Espenscheid Memorial Forest Preserve is accessible from Perryville Road. This 114.7-acre tract of mature bur oaks and brushy woodlands was donated to the District in 1979. Attractions at this preserve are picnic areas, a shelterhouse and canoe access.
Acres: 114.7
Access Road: Yes
Restrooms: Yes
Drinking Water: Yes
Pay Phones: No
Picnic Tables: 28
Shelterhouses: 1
Shady Oaks: Wood shelter, 80 max. people, 8 tables, 48 seats, No electricity, No vehicle access, 1 large grill.
Playground Equipment: No
Ball Fields: No
Horseback Trails: No
Hiking Trails(miles): 1.6
Campground Sites: 0
Boat Launches: 0
Canoe Access: Yes
18 Hole Golf Course: No
Illinois Nature Preserve: No
Special Facilities: Horseshoe Pits, Mountain Bike Trail
Donated Land: Yes
Natural Areas: No
All reservations subject to the GENERAL USE ORDINANCE.
Trail Map
Download a printable trail map here.
Location - 4800 South Perryville Road, Cherry Valley, IL 61016 3 miles southeast of Rockford city limits on South Perryville Road.
Shelterhouses 360° Views
