Lowden State Park is a state park located in Ogle County, Illinois, United States. It offers scenic views of the Rock River and is the home of Loredo Taft's famous Black Hawk Statue

Understand

The park covers 207 acres on the banks of the Rock River. The most famous attraction of Lowden State Park is the Chief Blackhawk Statue, created by Lorado Taft, which overlooks the river.

History

In 1898 the land was purchased by Chicago attorney and arts patron Wallace Heckman to become Eagle's Nest Art Colony. This is what originally brought American sculptor Lorado Taft to the area. In 1942, six years after Heckman died, the art colony vacated the area.

In 1943, the land was purchased by the state of Illinois and turned into a state park. Two years later, it was named after former Illinois Governor and World War 1 veteran Frank Lowden.

Landscape

Located on the banks of the Rock River, the landscape has many bluffs and hills as well as numerous forest paths to hike.

Climate

The climate is typical Midwestern climates. The winters are cold with an average somewhere around 30 degrees F (0C). April begins the warmer season, and by summer, the temperatures reach 80 or 90 F (25-30C) on average.

Get in

While possible to fly to the region, the closest airport is still going to be about 30 minutes away by car (Rockford), while the nearest full-service airport (read: "active") is Chicago-O'Hare, which is about 2 hours away by car, or Quad Cities Airport in Davenport, Iowa which is about 1 hour and 45 minutes.

By car

Lowden State Park is located near Oregon, Illinois. From Chicago, this is about 2 hours away via Interstate 90 to Rockford. From Rockford, take Highway 2 down to Oregon and across the Rock River.

From the Quad Cities, take Interstate 88 getting off at the Dixon exit. Continue on Highway 2 until you reach Oregon.

Fees and permits

Camping with just a tent costs $10 per night, plus a $5 administrative fee. The cost of electrical outlets, trailers, and RV goes up with RV spots costing around $45 a night.

Stay safe

Ticks are a concern in this area. Be sure to check yourself after hiking, and go to a doctor if you feel sick or have any unexplained rashes. Bug spray is also a must in this area.

Go next

Oregon, Illinois is a quaint small town with about 3,000 people. Within it is a drive-in from the 50s, a soap shop, and a farmer's market in the city center on Saturday mornings. The town is about 2 miles from the campsites at Lowden.