Rock Cut State Park in Rockford, Illinois

In the middle of the 17th century the Miami-speaking Indian tribes of North America began to enter the region of Rock Cut State Park. The Iroquois tribe had driven them out of the territory of Lake Michigan, so they moved on and settled along the banks of the Rock River. The Mascouten, Winnebago, Potawatomi, Chippewa and Ottawa tribes had all been located in the area, but ceded their lands to the United States after the Black Hawk War.

Once the Black Hawk War concluded, the region that is now known as Rock Cut State Park was settled by the Scots and Argyles. The settlement was moved in 1859, when the Kenosha-Rockford Rail Line moved into the area. When workers began to do blasting, in a rock outcrop, the construction left large impressions in the area and the impressions cut through the rock formations and which is how the park received its name.

In the state of Illinois' far west region lays Rock Cut State Park, in Winnebago County. The park consists of 3,092 total acres and two lakes. The park is an area of rolling plains and chiseled rock formations; the park has an interesting history and large variety of recreational opportunities available for visitors.

Pierre Lake consists of 162 acres and is a great location for fishing, ice fishing or ice skating. The second lake is Olson Lake; the 50 acre lake is the perfect spot in the park for those looking for the best swimming. The park also offers camping, hiking, horseback riding trails, and cross-country skiing.

The trail ways at Rock Cut State Park offer fine opportunities for hiking with forty miles of trails, mountain biking over a thirty mile trail and equestrian trails totaling fourteen miles in length. Each trail is specifically designated for each activity it was constructed for and each is identified by a color coded marker. The trails have been divided into summer and winter seasonal activities. The summer season extends from April 1st through November 30th, and during the season guests can enjoy hiking and mountain biking. The winter season provides groomed trails used for cross country skiing, hiking, snow shoeing and ice fishing.

The park also offers fishing, boating, hunting, swimming, picnicking and winter sports. For guests who wish to stay overnight, the park has year-round accommodations in the form of campsites and cabins. The campground provides guests with electricity, running hot and cold water, showers and restroom facilities, a boat launch and playground. All campers in groups of 25 or larger are required to obtain permission from the park superintendent prior to camping in the park. Everyone camping is also required to carry a permit obtained from the park personnel.

Rock Cut State Park offers people a chance to commune with nature and enjoy the great outdoors. Visitors have a wide variety of options to choose from and partake of, which makes the park an interesting place to visit and vacation. The state of Illinois wants everyone to enjoy their stay at Rock Cut State Park and make wonderful memories.