One of the most picturesque sites along the Rock River is just north of Oregon in Ogle County. Legend has it that Chief Black Hawk, as he left the area after the Black Hawk War, talked of the beauty of the area and admonished his captors to care for the land as he and his people had. Lowden State Park was established to care for the land and allow visitors to share in the beauty as well. The park serves as a memorial to Gov. Frank O. Lowden, who served Illinois during World War I.

Just north of Oregon, the bluffs are graced with a majestic image of an American Indian gazing over the Rock River Valley. This is no ordinary statue. It is a 50 foot, concrete-reinforced wonder that is awe-inspiring. A tribute to all Native Americans, but more commonly associated with Chief Black Hawk, the statue was designed by sculptor Lorado Taft. You can enjoy many wonderful views of the Rock River from the park, but the best view of the statue is from IL Rt. 2. While the setting sun seems to bring the statue to life, it is a spectacular view any time of the day and during all seasons. A restoration and preservation project involving the statue is currently underway.

Activities

Picnicking
You can enjoy the beauty of Lowden State Park any time of the year, and the picnic areas are open year-round. Conveniently located near the parking lots, the areas include tables, drinking water, park stoves, outdoor toilets and litter cans.

Camping
There are 80 Class A campsites which include electricity, a shower building, and a sanitary dumping station for trailers. Another option is the campground cabin which has two sets of bunk beds, a full-sized bed and electricity.

Trails
Almost 4 miles of good foot trails lead visitors through the natural wonders and beauty of Lowden State Park.

Boating and Fishing
The scenic Rock River flows through 34 miles of Ogle County, with an average midsummer depth of 3 feet. A boat launching ramp and boat docks are located across the river from the park, 1 mile north of the town of Oregon on IL Hwy 2. Motor boaters and water skiers will enjoy all the river has to offer, but swimming is not permitted. Boat fishermen can spend their time catching largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, crappie, channel catfish, northern pike, walleye, bullhead, carp, ****** and drum.