Lowden State Park, Oregon, IL 61061

## Overview Lowden State Park sits along the bluffs of the Rock River near Oregon, Illinois, and is perhaps best known for the iconic "Eternal Indian" statue — a 48-foot concrete monument often referred to as the Chief Black Hawk statue. Created by sculptor Lorado Taft and dedicated in 1911, the towering figure gazes out over the river valley from atop a dramatic sandstone bluff. Nestled within this scenic landscape, a natural spring emerges near the base of the cliff directly beneath the statue, where the bluff meets the Rock River. The park encompasses over 200 acres of rolling terrain, wooded ravines, and exposed sandstone formations characteristic of the driftless area of northern Illinois — a region that escaped the last glacial advance and retains older, more rugged topography. The spring likely flows from water percolating through these porous sandstone layers before emerging at the cliff face. Visitors have historically used the spring as a source of drinking water, though water quality should always be considered before consumption. The area holds deep cultural significance. The statue honors the legacy of the Sauk leader Black Hawk and the Native peoples who inhabited the Rock River valley for centuries. Lowden State Park and the surrounding region — including the nearby White Pines Forest State Park and Castle Rock State Park — form one of the most scenic corridors in northern Illinois. ## Directions 1. From the town of Oregon, Illinois, head north on **State Route 2 (IL-2)**. 2. The park entrance is located at **1300 N State Route 2**, approximately 1 mile north of downtown Oregon on the east side of the road. 3. Enter the park and follow the main road toward the **Eternal Indian (Chief Black Hawk) statue** at the top of the bluff. 4. The spring is located at the base of the cliff, directly below the statue, near the edge of the **Rock River**. 5. Access to the spring requires descending the bluff — use the park trails leading down toward the river. Footing can be steep and uneven, especially in wet conditions. **GPS Coordinates:** 42.034696, -89.333954 ## What to Expect The spring emerges near the base of the sandstone cliff at the river's edge, directly beneath the towering Eternal Indian statue. The setting is dramatic — the bluff rises sharply above, and the Rock River stretches out below. Expect a moderately steep descent from the statue overlook area down to the spring and riverbank. The park offers well-maintained hiking trails, picnic areas, and a campground with both tent and RV sites. The trails wind through mature hardwood forest and along the bluff edge, offering sweeping views of the Rock River valley. Spring and fall are particularly scenic times to visit, with wildflowers in season and vivid autumn foliage. The terrain around the spring can be slippery, especially after rain, so sturdy footwear is recommended. The park is open year-round, though some facilities may be seasonal. There is no fee to enter the park, but camping requires a reservation through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.