White Pines Forest State Park

White Pines Forest State Park spans 385 acres along the Rock River valley, featuring dense forests, limestone cliffs, and two flowing streams named Spring and Pine creeks.

The park gained official state designation in 1927 after supporters enlisted help from the Chicago Tribune and WGN Radio, leading to Governor Len Small's purchase for $63,949.

The Civilian Conservation Corps constructed the lodge, cabins, and picnic shelters between 1933 and 1939, employing two hundred workers during the Great Depression era.

Visitors can access 103 vehicle-accessible campsites, seven hiking trails totaling five miles, and multiple concrete fords that allow vehicles to cross directly through Pine Creek.

The park contains the southernmost natural white pine tree population in Illinois, with 43 acres designated as the state's 300th nature preserve in September 2001.

Location: Ogle County

Inception: 1927

Website: https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/Parks/Pages/WhitePinesForest.aspx

GPS coordinates: 41.99560,-89.46860

Latest update: March 22, 2025 22:44