Black Hawk State Historical Site
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
The Black Hawk State Historical Site is located in Rock Island, Illinois, and is a popular destination for visitors interested in history, nature, and outdoor activities.
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Summary
The park is named after Black Hawk, a Native American warrior and leader who played a significant role in the history of the region.
One of the main attractions of the park is the historic Black Hawk Lodge, which was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps and now serves as a museum. Visitors can learn about the site's history, explore exhibits, and view artifacts related to both Black Hawk and the local area.
Another popular feature of the park is the natural beauty of the area, which includes scenic hiking trails, picnic areas, and a lake for fishing and boating. There are also several campsites available for overnight stays.
Visitors to the Black Hawk State Historical Site can also enjoy a variety of events and activities throughout the year, including guided tours, demonstrations, and festivals. Some of the most popular events include the annual Haunted Halloween Hike and the Festival of Trees during the holiday season.
The best time to visit the Black Hawk State Historical Site depends on the visitor's interests. Summer is a popular time for outdoor activities, while fall is a great time to see the colorful foliage and attend the park's many events. Winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, and spring is a great time for birdwatching and wildflower viewing.
Overall, the Black Hawk State Historical Site offers a unique blend of history, nature, and recreation that makes it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Illinois.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Nature Preserve Black Hawk Forest
Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park
Shadybrook Park
First Presbyterian Park
Mel McKay Park