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
- County Line
- Crooked River
- Deer Run
- Espenscheid Memorial
- Four Lakes
- Fuller Memorial
- Grove Creek
- 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
- Stone Bridge
- Sugar River
- Sugar River Alder
- Trailside
- Trask Bridge
- Two Rivers
Show Location Map +
- Display Map!
- Download Map - 6MB PDF
©2012 WINNEBAGO COUNTY FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT
Oak Ridge
653.6-acre Oak Ridge is southeast of Rockford, accessible from Blomberg Road as well as the south branch of the Kishwaukee River. Acquired in 1998 it offers picnic tables and a canoe launch, and relatively undeveloped natural areas. Over seven miles of hiking and equestrian trails wind through Oak Ridge and connect with trails in Deer Run to the north, and then Blackhawk Springs to the west (hiking only). There is equestrian camping at $10 per night per unit. Users are to utilize a self registration system for camping and can acquire a daily riding pass. Annual bridle tags may be applied for at the site.
Acres: 653.6
Access Road: No
Restrooms: Yes
Drinking Water: Yes
Pay Phones: No
Picnic Tables: 10
Shelterhouses: 0
Playground Equipment: No
Ball Fields: No
Horseback Trails: Yes
Equestrian Camping: Yes
Hiking Trails(miles): 7.1
Campground Sites: 0
Boat Launches: 0
Canoe Access: Yes
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 – 8322 Blomberg Road, Cherry Valley, IL 61016
3 miles southeast of Cherry Valley, 1 mile east on Blomberg Road from the Blomberg and Perryville intersection.
