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.

©2010 WINNEBAGO COUNTY FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT

Kilbuck Bluffs

Kilbuck Bluffs is 224.3-acres of woodlands with a beautiful display of spring wildflowers and many mature sycamore trees located along the creek.

Acres: 224.3
Access Road: Yes
Restrooms: Yes
Drinking Water: Yes
Pay Phones: No
Picnic Tables: 50
Shelterhouses: 2
Edgewood: South on left. Wood shelter, 100 max. people, 16 tables, 72 seats, No electricity, No vehicle access, 1 large grill.
Fort Chartres: South on right. Stone shelter with fireplace, 80 max. people, 8 tables, 48 seats, No electricity, Vehicle access, 1 large grill.
Playground Equipment: No
Ball Fields: Yes
Horseback Trails: No
Hiking Trails(miles): 1.5
Campground Sites: 0
Boat Launches: 0
Canoe Access: No
18 Hole Golf Course: No
Illinois Nature Preserve: No
Special Facilities: No
Donated Land: No
Natural Areas: Yes
All reservations subject to the GENERAL USE ORDINANCE.

Trail Map
Download a printable trail map here.

Location - 3061 & 3020 South Bend Road, Rockford, IL 61109
Highway 51 south of New Milford 1½ miles to Baxter Road. 1 mile west.

Shelterhouses 360° Views



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