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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- Download Map - 6MB PDF
©2012 WINNEBAGO COUNTY FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT
Pecatonica Wetlands
Pecatonica Wetlands is made up of 1,048 acres of flood-plain forest, oxbow pond marshes and upland forest along the Pecatonica River. The site has outstanding spring flora and birdlife. Includes fishing access, hiking and equestrian trails, picnic areas, 1 shelter with 16 tables, seating 200, electricity, and wildlife areas
Acres: 1,048
Access Road: Yes
Restrooms: Yes
Drinking Water: Yes
Pay Phones: No
Picnic Tables: 22
Shelterhouses: 1
Electricity: Yes
Playground Equipment: No
Ball Fields: No
Horseback Trails: No
Hiking Trails(miles): 8.0
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 – 5750 Best Road, Pecatonica, IL 61063
Pecatonica Wetlands may be accessed just north of the Village of Pecatonica and the Pecatonica River, on the west side of Pecatonica Road. The picnic shelterhouse area is on the east side of Best Road, west of Pecatonica Road and north of Blair Road.
Shelterhouses 360° Views
