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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.
History
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.
Natural
Features
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.
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
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.
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, 43 are availale for reservation through ReserveAmerica.
Water hydrants and privy toilets are located throughout the area.
There is also a shower building with flush toilets.
Horseshoe
Court
Visitors
who enjoy competition in horseshoe pitching will enjoy the six courts
available in the picnic area.
Hiking
Trail
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.
Swimming
The
is no swimming in the park, but about four blocks away, many park visitors
enjoy swimming in the Prophetstown Park District indoor pool.
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. Hunter
Fact Sheet
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.
- 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.
- For more information
on tourism in Illinois, call the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community
Affairs' Bureau of Tourism at 1-800-2Connect.
- Telecommunication Device
for Deaf and Hearing Impaired Natural Resources Information (217) 782-9175
for TDD only Relay Number 800-526-0844.
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