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
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©2012 WINNEBAGO COUNTY FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT
Pecatonica River
Pecatonica River is 466-acres of woodlands and oxbow swamps and is an Illinois Dedicated Nature Preserve. This site displays outstanding spring wildflowers, including bluebells. Contains mature black maples that are “sugared” in spring. A self-guided interpretive trail and observation deck overlooking the pond provide easy access through this area. The preserve has a 130 year-old limestone barn. Pecatonica River is one of four preserves which offers a campground.
Acres: 466
Access Road: Yes
Restrooms: Yes
Drinking Water: Yes
Pay Phones: No
Picnic Tables: 133
Shelterhouses: 1
Highview: Wood shelter, 300 max. people, 27 tables, 150 seats, Electricity, No vehicle access, 2 grills. 100 amp electricity (lights & plug-in).
Playground Equipment: Yes
Ball Fields: No
Horseback Trails: No
Hiking Trails(miles): 9.8
Campground Sites: 50
Boat Launch Ramp: 1
Canoe Access: Yes
18 Hole Golf Course: No
Illinois Nature Preserve: Yes
Special Facilities: Nature Study Center, Youth Camp, Shop
Donated Land: No
Natural Areas: Yes
All reservations subject to the GENERAL USE ORDINANCE.
Trail Map
Download a printable trail map here.
Location – 7260 Judd Road & 14260 Brick School Road, Pecatonica, IL 61063
12 miles northwest of Rockford. Highway 70 (Trask Bridge Road) northwest to Judd Road, south on Judd Road 1½ miles. Or take Highway 20 west to Pecatonica Road, north through Pecatonica to Brick School Road, east to Judd Road.
Shelterhouses 360° Views
