Rock Cut State Park
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 recreational variety.Two lakes set off the park's 3,092 acres. Pierce Lake (162 acres) is a retreat for people wanting to fish, ice fish or ice skate. The second lake, Olson lake (50 acres) is especially for swimmers. Rounding out the park's recreational options are camping, biking, hiking, horseback trails, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Whatever the season, you can be sure there's quite a bit of activity going on at the park.
By the middle of the 17th century, Miami-speaking tribes of Native Americans entered the region of Rock Cut State Park after the Iroquois drove them from territory on the southern end of Lake Michigan. From about 1655 until 1735, the Rock River was within the range of the Mascouten who were also pushed westward by the Iroquois. The Winnebago ranged southward from Wisconsin to the Rock River from the 1740s until 1837 while the river's upper portion was on the periphery of the Fox and Sauk territory from about 1765 to 1833. By 1800, the Potawatomi, Ottawa and Chippewa nations had extended their range into the area but they ceded their land to the United States 32 years later following the Black Hawk War.
Because water serves as a welcome mat to birds and animals, wildlife watchers to the area won't be disappointed. Birders report good viewing with waterfowl being abundant. Deer, fox, muskrat, woodchuck and beaver inhabit Rock Cut State Park as do opossum, raccoon and both gray and fox squirrels.
Settlement of Winnebago County began after the Black Hawk War. The region that is now Rock Cut State Park was settled partly by Scots around Argyle (named for their Scottish home of Argyllshire) and partly by Canadians, New Yorkers and New Englanders around the town of Harlem (named for New York City's Harlem). The Illinois version of Harlem was moved in 1859 when the Kenosha-Rockford Rail Line was built. The dammed waters of Pierce Lake now cover much of the railroad bed within the park, although portions of the railroad grade are visible along Willow Creek below the spillway. Blasting operations in a rock outcrop that railroad crews conducted during the 1859 construction left lasting impressions here - they cut through rock to provide a suitable roadbed and gave Rock Cut its name.
An elaborate multi-use trail system puts the park high on the list of hikers and cross-country skiers who have 12 miles of trails to enjoy. The main trail around Pierce Lake is 4.25 miles long with separate interpretive trails putting you a little closer to nature. All trails are well marked and maintained. Horseback riders and snowmobilers aren't forgotten at the park. It's closed to horses December 1-April 15 while other activities come to the forefront. During winter, the 14 miles of equestrian trails are open for snowmobiling. Ice fishing at Rock Cut is a great pastime.
