Morrison-Rockwood State Park, an Illinois State Park near Clinton, Rock Falls, Sterling

USA

Illinois

Morrison-Rockwood State Park

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State Park Link:
Morrison-Rockwood State Park

Nearby Parks:
Prophetstown State Recreation Area
Ayers Sand Prairie State Nature Preserve

State Park Contact Information:
	Morrison-Rockwood State Park 18750 Lake Road Morrison, Illinois 61270 Phone: 815-772-4708 Email: dnr.morrison@illinois.gov	Area Accommodations
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State Park Overview:

A trip to picturesque Morrison-Rockwood State Park offers many memorable experiences. A large sign in the shape of Illinois, fashioned from angle iron by a blacksmith, greets visitors at the entrance. Once inside, choose from a variety of recreational opportunities. Beautiful Lake Carlton, a stream-fed reservoir, features an abundance of ducks and geese, and is considered a prime location for fishing. Or, plan a family outing at the Lakeview picnic area, or just do some bird watching among the hickory, ash, oak and walnut trees.

Reviews By Park Visitors:

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One of our favorite places to go

We were just there over the weekend and we loved it. Very wooded area that gave some privacy between campsites. We had so much fun there nice lake. You can go fishing, boating, cycling, picnicing or for trails. Though trails are rated difficult and they truely are. Great for families! We are definetly going back.

(name not given) 11-Aug-2008

Camping:

Camping at Morrison-Rockwood State Park is sure to delight all who love the out-of-doors. Ninety-two camping sites are available in heavily wooded areas of the park. Each site has electricity, grill and a table. A shower building with flush toilets is available from May 1st through October 31. A trailer dump station is conveniently located near the campground.

Trails:

A three and one-half mile nature trail is marked for hikers. It offers many scenic views of the lake as it winds through the park. This trail is particularly beautiful in the spring when wildflowers are in bloom.

Equestrians may use a 14-mile trail through the park. The trail has a watering well and an overnight camping site with shelter.

Picnicking:

While at the park, be sure to visit one of the picnic areas -- all equipped with tables and outdoor stoves. Lakeview picnic area offers a beautiful view overlooking Lake Carlton. A pavilion with a fireplace adds to the rustic atmosphere here. Electricity is available for those wanting a more modern facility. This shelter, along with the shelter at Cedar Ridge can be reserved for large groups or family reunions.

Boating:

A two-lane concrete boat ramp allows easy access to Lake Carlton. Outboard motors are restricted to 10 HP and under and all boats with motors are to be operated under "no wake" speeds to protect the shoreline from wave erosion. An area is provided for private boat dockage for a small fee through concessionaire.

Fishing and Hunting:

Fishing

Lake Carlton provides one of the best fishing spots in Illinois. Its average depth is 12 foot, with a maximum depth of 27 foot. It has a shoreline of 2.9 miles with plenty of room for shore fishermen. Initial stocking of the lake was completed in 1970 and the lake has been managed since then to maintain a plentiful fishing variety. Anglers may catch largemouth bass, black crappie, Rock bass, channel catfish, redear sunfish, bluegill, muskie and walleye. In addition to shoreline fishing, there are nine piers which are designated for fishermen.

Hunting

The hunting area is comprised of timber woodlots, brushy draws, and fence line interspersed with open grasslands with corn, milo, and sunflower food patches. Topography consists of gently rolling hills and several gullies of which some contain permanent water.

History of the Area:

The Morrison-Rockwood State Park is comprised of 1,164 acres, located north of Morrison in Whiteside County. It was established in 1971 and officially opened for "day use only" that same year. The park is named for the city of Morrison and a combination of nearby Rock Creek and the heavily wooded park area -- Rockwood. Lake Carlton, a focal point of the park, is a watershed impoundment which was constructed in 1969 by building a 38-foot high, 1,800-foot long earthen dam across a stream. The lake was named in memory of L. Carlton Anderson, a local citizen who actively promoted the park and was an important civic and conservation leader. Improvements have continued to be made in the conservation area, making it one of the most popular recreation spots in northern Illinois.

Area Accommodations

B&Bs / Inns

Hillendale Bed & Breakfast - Elegant Victorian Bed & Breakfast which has 10 guest rooms with private baths located in a rural city.

Hotels/Motels

Carroll County Tourism - Carroll County, IL
You will feel right at home when you reach Carroll County, our corner of beautiful Northwest Illinois. The magnificent Mississippi River and outdoor spaces will refresh your spirit and touch our soul.
Web Site: http://www.gocarrollcounty.com

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