Lowden State Park

Welcome to Lowden State Park!

Park History: It is said that after Chief Black Hawk was captured during the Black Hawk War, that he encouraged his captors to be good stewards of the land. The park was named in honor of former Illinois Governor Frank Lowden who served the United States in the First World War. A tribute was also paid to Chief Black Hawk by having a state erected in the park. In 1898 the land was purchased by Chicago lawyer Wallace Heckman, whom along with his wife started the "Eagle's Nest Colony. Colony members included many artists and writers such as Ralph Clarkson, architects Irving and Allen Pond, Henry Fuller, Hamlin Garland, and University of Chicago Secretary James Spencer Dickerson.

Today the park offers numerous recreational facilities including boat launches and picnic areas as well as habitat for wildlife. There are 80 class A sites with electricity and dump stations. Come on out and have a nice adventure.

The office phone number is 815-732-6828.

This was RecPlanet place of the day on February 20, 2016.