Lowden State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lowden State Park |
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IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
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Black Hawk Statue viewed from Illinois Route 2
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| Location | Ogle County, Illinois, USA |
| Nearest city | Oregon, Illinois |
| Area | 207 acres (84 ha) |
| Established | 1945 |
| Governing body | Illinois Department of Natural Resources |
Lowden State Park is a beautiful state park in Ogle County, Illinois, United States. It covers about 207 acres (84 ha) of land. The park is named after Frank Orren Lowden, who was the Governor of Illinois during World War I. One of the most famous things in Lowden State Park is the huge Black Hawk Statue, created by artist Lorado Taft. The park was temporarily closed for a few months in late 2008 and early 2009 due to budget cuts.
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Park History and Art Colony
Millions of years ago, the area around Lowden State Park was covered by a sea. This sea helped form the rocky base of the land. Later, Native American tribes lived here. They kept the bluffs clear of trees to protect the rocks. Early European settlers built their homes in the valleys and lowlands near the river.
Eagle's Nest Art Colony
In 1898, a lawyer named Wallace Heckman bought the land that is now the park. He invited American sculptor Lorado Taft and his artist friends to visit. Taft and his group were looking for a summer art retreat. They loved the spot and decided to set up their camp there.
This group founded the Eagle's Nest Art Colony in 1898. It was located on the bluffs overlooking the Rock River. Many artists from the Chicago Art Institute and the University of Chicago came to stay here. The colony stayed at this location until 1942.
Becoming a State Park
Lowden State Park was officially created in 1945. This was a few years after the Eagle's Nest Art Colony left the land. In 1943, the state decided to buy the land to honor former Governor Frank Lowden. The citizens of Oregon, Illinois, also helped raise money for the purchase.
In 1951, a part of the park was given to Northern Illinois Teachers College. This college is now called Northern Illinois University (NIU). This section included the old Eagle's Nest Art Colony buildings. Today, it is known as the NIU Lorado Taft Field Campus. The famous Black Hawk Statue, however, remained part of Lowden State Park.
Park Closures and Reopening
In 2008, Lowden State Park was one of several state parks planned for closure. This was due to budget cuts by the state government. The park closed on November 30, 2008.
However, a new governor, Pat Quinn, took office. He worked to reopen the closed state parks. Lowden State Park was reopened to the public in February 2009.
The Famous Black Hawk Statue
The most famous landmark in Lowden State Park is a giant statue called The Eternal Indian. Most people know it as the Black Hawk Statue. It was created by Lorado Taft and John G. Prasuhn. They started working on it in 1908.
Statue Details
The statue was officially dedicated in 1911. It stands 125 feet (38 m) above the Rock River. The statue itself is 48 feet (15 m) tall. It weighs a massive 536,770 pounds (243.47 t)! It is said to be the second largest concrete statue made from a single piece in the world.
Lorado Taft said the statue was inspired by the Sauk leader Black Hawk. However, it is not meant to be an exact copy of the chief. Interestingly, Governor Frank Lowden secretly helped pay for the statue's completion when funds ran out.
Restoration Efforts
Over the years, the Black Hawk Statue has started to show signs of wear and tear. It has been wrapped up to protect it. People are working to raise money to fix the statue. It's a big job to decide how to repair it and get the funds needed. The state's Department of Natural Resources has not offered money for repairs. Because of this, fewer visitors are coming to see the statue.
Fun Activities at the Park
Lowden State Park offers many fun things to do. Besides seeing the huge Black Hawk Statue, you can enjoy amazing views of the Rock River.
Park Amenities
The park has nice picnic areas where you can eat outdoors. There is also drinking water available and park stoves for cooking.
Trails and Camping
If you like hiking, there are four miles (6 km) of trails. These trails are considered "moderately difficult." They wind through the park's beautiful natural areas.
Camping is also popular at Lowden State Park. You can find campsites for individuals or groups. Some sites have limited electricity. There are also shower buildings and a place to dump waste from RVs. You need to get a camping permit from the park staff.
Water Activities
The Black Hawk Statue looks out over the scenic Rock River. The river flows for 34 miles (55 km) through Ogle County. Its average depth in summer is about three feet.
You can enjoy fishing, water skiing, and boating on the Rock River. There is a boat ramp about one mile (1.6 km) downstream from the statue. Be careful near the Oregon Dam, which is just upstream. Dams can create dangerous currents for boaters.
