Teri Stickler, Outdoor Blogger
Spring is upon us and Kaia and I decided we needed to do some exploring, throwing our net a little wider this year. We settled on a drive to Oregon, Illinois, just a short drive east of the Quad Cities on I-88 near Dixon along the Rock River. Our destination, Lowden State Park.
If you drive through Dixon, which is also the birthplace of President Ronald Reagan, you can follow Route 33 along the Rock River, a scenic drive to Oregon, which is also a riverside community.
You’ll know you are near Lowden Park when you see the 50-foot-tall Native American statue standing atop a Rock River bluff that is often associated with Black Hawk. Illinois native and renowned sculptor Lorado Taft created this work he entitled, “The Eternal Indian.”
This is a statue you can see up close and it’s impressive.
We followed the park entrance signs, disembarked, and walked slowly past and around to the front of the statue.
Strong, still, and pensively gazing from atop the bluff, his countenance surveys the beautiful expanse as the Rock River winds its way toward the Mississippi River. We paused, as Black Hawk likely did, arms crossed, frozen in the moment. As we turned toward the statue, it literally took our breath away.
We learned that this 105-year-old statue had been completely renovated after a 5-year restoration.
Some of the work done included replacing the arms and head, and any decaying cement of the exterior. That cement used is a special compound of pink granite chips, cement, and screening. Once the restorations were complete, the unveiling took place spring of 2020 and the Eternal Indian, now registered in the National Registry of Historic Places, once again stands tall, brave and content as he watches over the river and the lands below.
Trails and camping
Lowden State Park’s 273 acres provide numerous year-round picnicking areas as well as camping and RV sites, and even a cabin that can be rented. Four miles of trails traverse the park, including a steep stairway which takes hikers down by the Rock River. If you decided to “do the steps,” that alone will be enough to wear off your lunch or any dining stop you may decide to take on your way home.
Full disclosure and another reason for wanting Kaia to experience this park was because a section of Lowden State Park (66 acres) had for 50 years been home to the “Eagle’s Nest,” an artist colony attracting many creative artists, musicians, writers, and sculptors from the Chicago area.
Eventually the Eagle’s Nest portion was transferred to Northern Illinois University and named the Lorado Taft Field Campus. I feel privileged to have been able to, for several years, bring 5th grade students to participate in that learning experience. In preparing for Kaia and my day at the park, I was saddened to learn the Lorado Taft Field Campus was permanently closed December 2024.
If you can find a day to go to Lowden State Park, you will enjoy the drive. Yes, it is Interstate most of the way, followed by a drive through the town of Dixon, Illinois, under the street arch, then along the River Road. You’ll follow the river on Route 33 and enjoy the wood-lined road until you reach the park entrance. After visiting the statue, it will feel good to walk the trails and stretch your legs. Remember to pack a lunch, bring your binoculars and don’t forget a camera. Take some time and explore this wonderful state park.
