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Nearby Parks:
Morrison-Rockwood State Park
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| State Park Overview: |
 | Prophetstown State Park, on the northeast edge of the city along the south bank of the Rock River in Whiteside County, is a scenic and historic area offering a variety of recreational facilities. Once the site of an American Indian village, the 53-acre park derives its name from the Native American prophet Wa-bo-kie-shiek.
Prophetstown became a state park in 1947 in legislation sponsored by State Rep. George S. Brydia, who had served 10 terms as mayor of Prophetstown.
Gov. William G. Stratton dedicated the park in formal ceremonies there on Sept. 18, 1953. |
| Nature of the Area: |
| Prophetstown State Park is a predominantly wooded area located along the south bank of the Rock River. Its terrain is relatively flat and lies within the flood plain of the river. Plant life is characteristic of bottom ground, offering a variety of species. Some of the predominant trees are maple, cottonwood, oak, walnut and locust. Animal species that are often seen are squirrels, rabbits, ducks, muskrats, raccoons and occasionally deer. Coon Creek flows through the park and feeds into the Rock River, creating a natural area for fish. |
| Reviews By Park Visitors: |
| Be the 1st to Review Prophetstown State Park. You can rate it, post a comment on it, or do both. |
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| Camping: |
| An open, well-shaded area is available for both tent and trailer camping. There are electrical outlets and a dump station available for trailers. Water hydrants and privy toilets are located throughout the area. There is also a shower building with flush toilets. |
| Trails: |
| Wa-bo-kie-shiek nature trail follows along the edge of Coon Creek for approximately 1/3 of a mile. It offers access for anglers while also providing a scenic walk for hikers. |
| Picnicking: |
| Picnic tables and stoves are provided. No cooking may be done except on camp or park stoves. The area offers a picnic shelter and playground equipment. Drinking water and privy toilets are also located on the area. |
| Fishing and Hunting: |
| Fishing:
Anglers will find largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegill, crappie, channel and flathead catfish, bullhead, carp, sauger and walleye in the Rock River. You also can throw a line in Coon Creek. A concrete boat ramp is available for easy boat launching. There is no horsepower limit on boat motors.
Hunting:
Hunting is available at the Big Bend State Fish & Wildlife Area, located just four miles from Prophetstown. For more information, contact Big Bend at (815)537-2270. |
| History of the Area: |
| Wa-bo-kie-shiek (White Cloud), who was of mixed Winnebago and Sauk descent, served as an advisor to the great Sauk war chief Black Hawk. In 1831, the advancement of white settlement forced Black Hawk and his followers from the Rock Island area into Iowa, with the promise that they would not return.
Under treaty, the land at Rock Island still belonged to the Native Americans until sold by the United States. The frontiersmen, however, were impatient and began to occupy the site of Black Hawk?s village. In 1832, Black Hawk denounced the encroachment of the frontiersmen upon the lands of his people and set out from Iowa to retake the ceded land.
For a time in 1832, northwestern Illinois was the scene of many skirmishes between the Native Americans, the Illinois militia and the regular army. Prophetstown, the site of Wa-bo-kie-shiek?s village, was destroyed on May 10, 1832, by troops of the state militia commanded by Gen. Samuel Whiteside.
Black Hawk was finally chased into southern Wisconsin, with his retreat culminating in a decisive defeat of the Native Americans a few miles south of Bad Axe on Aug. 2, 1832. A few days later Black Hawk was captured and after several months captivity during which time he was taken to Washington, D.C., he was permitted to return to his people in Iowa, where he died in 1838. |
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| 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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| | Note to Park related businesses:
List your vacation cabin, weekend getaway, log cabin rental, romantic cottage, vacation home, resort, hotel, motel, bed and breakfast, country inn, campground, RV park, horseback riding stable, canoe livery, river rafting, outfitting, sporting goods store, guide service, RV rental or any other park related activity, park related attraction or park related service on Google or StateParks.com. (more).... |
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| Related Links: |
| Prophetstown State Park Master Plan: - Prophetstown State Park Master Plan: A Case Study in Cultural Resource Planning in Indiana Peter J. Fritz, ASLA, AICP ? Author Info Abstract In the Early 1800's, the Midwest was still a frontier ... | | DNR - DNR ... Camping History Picnicking Directions Horseshoe Court Swimming Fishing Hunting Trails Hiking Natural Features Prophetstown State Park, on the northeast edge of the city along the south bank of ... | | village sites - Prophet Wabokishiek?s village, at the mouth of the Coon Creek where the Prophetstown State Park is now, was the largest village along the Rock River. There was a second, smaller village where ... |
| Directions: |
| Prophetstown State Park can be reached by I-80 or I-88 and exiting onto IL Rt. 78 then heading south from I-88 or north from I-80. After reaching Prophetstown, watch for directional signs. The park is located on the south side of the Rock River within the city limits of Prophetstown. |
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| Area Activities |
| Tourism | | | 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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