52 Weeks of Fun

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White Pines Forest State Park

White Pines Forest State Park

Located in the heart of the Rock River valley, this charming 385-acre park is the south boundary of the old Chicago-Iowa Trail. History tells us that this was for years the principal route east and west across the northern part of the state.

Today the park provides the perfect recipe for family getaways. There are plenty of outdoor recreation activities, such as hiking, fishing, camping, and picnicking. With lots of serene, picturesque beauty, and modern lodge facilities amidst a beautiful forest, there is no better way to retreat from the everyday routine than to re-discover yourself and your family among the open spaces at White Pines.

Along the meandering banks of Spring and Pine creeks, this scenic haven has magnificent trees that share moss-covered cliffs, strung with trailing vines. In season, colorful beds of blossoming flora are everywhere. Small mammals thrive in the luxuriant undergrowth, and the spreading branches above are filled with flocks of local and migratory birds.

White Pines Forest lies in the heart of Black Hawk Indian country and is rich in historic accounts of the warriors who resisted the efforts of settlers to drive them from the beloved Rock River valley. Eventually, however, the Black Hawk War forced them out and Chief Black Hawk himself was sent into exile in the custody of his rival, Keokuk.

White Pines State Park has 103 campsites with vehicular access, tent-only camping, and two youth group campgrounds. There are six campsites accessible for the physically challenged camper. Each site has a fire ring and a picnic table. Because of the nature of the terrain in this area, soft ground and high water may sometimes close campgrounds. White Pines Inn, originally constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, has a total of 25 guest rooms.

Illinois State Parks
Wikipedia

A 52 Weeks of Fun Fascinating Fact about White Pines Forest State Park

Among the park's most interesting features are the concrete fords that span the creeks, allowing the visitor, quite literally, to drive through the flowing streams.

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State of Illinois

A variety of flora and fauna are found in White Pines Forest State Park, including this Columbine.
State of Illinois

The park’s lodge and cabins were built by the CCC almost a 100 years ago.
Trip Advisor

Concrete stepping stones allow visitors to cross streams in the park.
Trip Advisor

Tents fill one of the youth group camp areas of the park.

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