Black Hawk State Historic Site, Native American heritage site in Rock Island, United States.
Black Hawk State Historic Site is a 100-acre nature preserve with oak-hickory forests and walking trails on a bluff overlooking the Rock River. The John Hauberg Museum on the grounds displays artifacts and exhibits related to the region's history.
This site was the former village of Saukenuk, home to approximately 4,800 Sauk people in 1826, making it one of the largest Native American settlements in North America. The location later became a place to preserve and honor the memory of this community.
The John Hauberg Museum displays authentic objects and exhibits about how the Sauk and Mesquakie people lived, worked, and organized their communities over time. Seasonal displays show everyday activities and traditions from different periods in their history.
The site has walking trails of varying difficulty that lead through forests and along the river bluff. The ground can be slippery during wet weather, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
A limestone Watch Tower Lodge built between 1934 and 1942 contains two restored murals created during the Works Progress Administration period. These frescos showcase artistic work from the Great Depression era.
Location: Rock Island
Website: https://dnr.illinois.gov/INPC/Pages/Area4RockIslandBlackHawkForest.aspx
GPS coordinates: 41.46698,-90.57236
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:03
Illinois holds a rich collection of historical sites and natural landscapes. Visitors can explore prehistoric ruins like the Cahokia Mounds, where earthen structures reflect the achievements of ancient peoples. The region also features striking rock formations such as Garden of the Gods and natural stone bridges that reveal the area's geological history. The collection includes buildings that span different periods and styles, from the minimalist Farnsworth House to the ornate Villa Kathrine. Historic settlements like Nauvoo and Lincoln's New Salem show how communities developed and thrived in earlier times. Lighthouses, churches, and monuments dot the landscape, marking important chapters in the region's past. Natural areas provide space for walking and exploring. Waterfalls and canyons frame parks like Starved Rock, while rare wetlands like Volo Bog offer chances to see native plants and wildlife. Japanese gardens, tree collections, and state forests round out the options for visitors seeking both history and nature.
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