Lowden-Miller

Site Brochure

Nestled in the Rock River Valley, just 3 miles south of the town of Oregon, lies a 2,291-acre wooded area that is one of Ogle County's most beautiful and historic sites. Its scenic qualities come from 120-foot bluffs along 3.5 miles of riverfront forested with hardwood and pine trees. The history stems from the individual who, in the early part of the 20th century, augmented the natural hardwood forest by planting pines. Frank O. Lowden (1861-1943), Illinois' governor from 1917-1921, ardently embraced proper land use and strongly believed in reforestation as a way to retard soil erosion. Over several decades, an estimated 500,000 trees were seeded directly by him or under his supervision.

Parking

Six parking areas are available to the public. Information on the site is available at each lot.

Directions

Lowden-Miller State Forest is located along the eastern shoreline of the Rock River, 4 miles south of IL Hwy 64 at Oregon, IL.

If traveling east from the Chicago area, take I-90 to Rockford. At Rockford, take I-39 south 20 miles to IL Hwy 64 and take Hwy 64 west 15 miles to Oregon. At first stop light, turn left on Daysville Rd., go 2 miles and turn right on Lowden Rd. Go 1 mile, then turn right on Nashua Rd. to State Forest.

If traveling west on I-88 take Exit 97 at Rochelle, IL. Take I-39 north 7 miles to Hwy 64, Exit 104 and go west on Hwy 64 for 15 miles to Oregon. Follow the above directions from IL Hwy 64 and Daysville Rd. to the State Forest.

If traveling on Hwy 26 south of Dixon, IL, take IL Hwy 26 north into Dixon. In Dixon take IL Hwy 2 north for 15 miles into Oregon, IL. In Oregon take IL Hwy 64 east across Rock River. At stop lights of Hwy 64 and Daysville Rd, follow above directions on Daysville Rd.

If traveling east on I-88 west of Dixon, IL, take exit at Dixon on Il Hwy 26 north. In Dixon take IL Rt 2 north for 15 miles to Oregon. In Oregon take IL Hwy 64 across Rock River. At stop lights of Hwy 64 and Daysville Rd, follow above directions to the State Forest.

• While groups of 25 or more are welcome and encouraged to use the park's facilities, they are required to register in advance with the site office to avoid crowding or scheduling conflicts.
• At least one responsible adult must accompany each group of 15 minors.
• Pets must be kept on leashes at all times.
• Actions by nature can result in closed roads and other facilities. Please call ahead to the park office before you make your trip. 

We hope you enjoy your stay. Remember, take only memories, leave only footprints.