Rock Cut State Park

CLOSED: The Eastern half of Rock Cut's main park road around Pierce Lake will be closed until further notice for road construction.  All trails leading to the construction area will also be closed.  The I-90 bridge will be closed.  To access Olson Lake, you must enter on Harlem Road.  To access the rest of the park including the campground, you must enter on Hwy 173.  (West Lane Rd.)   Press Release

Chiseled out of the state's far northern region is Rock Cut State Park in Winnebago County. Nearby are other "rocky" landmarks - the mighty Rock River and the place where wagons once forded it, Rockford. It's an area of rolling plains, interesting history and a wide variety of recreational opportunities.

Rock Cut's 3,254 acres include two lakes: Pierce Lake, with 162 acres, and Olson Lake with 50 acres offer a retreat for people wanting to fish, ice fish or ice skate. The park'​s hiking trails, horseback riding trails and cross-country skiing and wildlife watching, as well as seasonal hunting programs, make it a year round recreation destination. The beautiful campground has 270 premium campsites, a rustic cabin, a youth group camp and shelters, with reservations available through ExploreMoreIL™.

Rock Cut is home to abundant wildlife with waterfowl, deer, fox, muskrat, woodchuck and beaver, opossum, raccoon and both gray and fox squirrel. Over 100 types of wildflowers offer a showy display each spring and summer, while hardwood trees dazzle visitors each fall.

Rock Cut is an alcohol free park and campground.​​​​​​