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
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©2010 WINNEBAGO COUNTY FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT
Laona Heights
Laona Heights is a 40-acre preserve, half of which is a designated Illinois Nature Preserve. Mature woodland, an open field and a picturesque stone shelter with 4 tables make this an old favorite for a quiet retreat.
Acres: 40
Access Road: Yes
Restrooms: Yes
Drinking Water: Yes
Pay Phones: No
Picnic Tables: 25
Shelterhouses: 1
Ironwood: Stone shelter, 50 max. people, 6 tables, 36 seats, No electricity, No vehicle access, 1 large grill. Horseshoe pits.
Playground Equipment: No
Ball Fields: No
Horseback Trails: No
Hiking Trails(miles): 0.5
Campground Sites: 0
Boat Launches: 0
Canoe Access: No
18 Hole Golf Course: No
Illinois Nature Preserve: Yes
Special Facilities: No
Donated Land: No
Natural Areas: Yes
Restoration Area: Yes
All reservations subject to the GENERAL USE ORDINANCE.
Trail Map
Download a printable trail map here.
Location - 15402 Anderson Road, Durand, IL 61024
21 miles northwest of Rockford to Trask Bridge Road (Kilburn) through Durand to Yale Bridge Road. West on Yale Bridge 2 miles to Anderson Road, ½ mile on Anderson Road.
Shelterhouses 360° Views
Ironwood
