Rock River Heritage County Park - Janesville, WI
Rock River Heritage County Park is a recent 178-acre addition to the Rock County Parks system. The property was initially developed in 1946 as a Boy Scout camp, recreation, and education center serving Boy Scouts in Southern Wisconsin. Over the past several decades features added to the camp include cabins, trails, lodges, picnic areas with shelters, a man-made pond, and a very unique bridge that crosses over a large ravine with a stream running through it. Not all of these features are currently in use, but stay tuned.
As we wandered the park we came across trails in progress. Passed by prairies blooming with wildflowers visited by goldfinches. Witnessed red-bellied woodpeckers calling from the treetops, chickadees, American robins, red-eyed vireo, house wrens, and heard the vibrant call of a great-crested flycatcher from on-high. This is definitely a great bird watching location.
A walk along the Rock River Shore here is scenic, though not easily accessible. At least not that I could find. Speed boats and pontoon boats passed by as we stood on the banks, waves making their way to shore.
If you're looking for an afternoon of relaxation, find a spot near the Pine Pavilion and enjoy a picnic beneath a clustering of pine trees. The scent of pine needles is invigorating. Hiking, picnicking, wildlife viewing, snowshoeing and sledding are all activities suited to the park.
There are rustic pit toilets throughout the park, but I wouldn't recommend using them at this point. Rustic is an understatement. However, there is a new restroom station along the road in to the Pine Pavilion. Running water a plus.
Rock County has a great parks system, and Rock River Heritage County Park is a great addition. It's already a beautiful spot to spend an afternoon, and has even greater potential. I look forward to returning to see its progress throughout the year.
Dogs are welcome, but must remain on-leash.
Park Hours: Open Daily, 5am - 10pm
Admission: Free
Location: 5801 N. River Road, Janesville, WI (Rock County)
For more information, click here and here.
As we wandered the park we came across trails in progress. Passed by prairies blooming with wildflowers visited by goldfinches. Witnessed red-bellied woodpeckers calling from the treetops, chickadees, American robins, red-eyed vireo, house wrens, and heard the vibrant call of a great-crested flycatcher from on-high. This is definitely a great bird watching location.
A walk along the Rock River Shore here is scenic, though not easily accessible. At least not that I could find. Speed boats and pontoon boats passed by as we stood on the banks, waves making their way to shore.
If you're looking for an afternoon of relaxation, find a spot near the Pine Pavilion and enjoy a picnic beneath a clustering of pine trees. The scent of pine needles is invigorating. Hiking, picnicking, wildlife viewing, snowshoeing and sledding are all activities suited to the park.
There are rustic pit toilets throughout the park, but I wouldn't recommend using them at this point. Rustic is an understatement. However, there is a new restroom station along the road in to the Pine Pavilion. Running water a plus.
Rock County has a great parks system, and Rock River Heritage County Park is a great addition. It's already a beautiful spot to spend an afternoon, and has even greater potential. I look forward to returning to see its progress throughout the year.
Dogs are welcome, but must remain on-leash.
Park Hours: Open Daily, 5am - 10pm
Admission: Free
Location: 5801 N. River Road, Janesville, WI (Rock County)
For more information, click here and here.
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