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Buffalo Rock State Park

1300 N 27th Rd, Ottawa, IL 61350, USA

Introduce

Buffalo Rock State Park, located in Ottawa, Illinois, provides a lovely and versatile recreational space for visitors. While categorized under Campgrounds & RV Parks, this is primarily a state park offering various outdoor activities and scenic views. It's a great destination for families, hikers, and those seeking a peaceful escape.

Buffalo Rock State Park offers the following features and services:

  • Scenic River Views: The park offers great views of the river, both from the trails and the observation deck.
  • Hiking Trails: The park includes hiking trails, providing opportunities for walking and exploring.
  • Buffalo Exhibit: The park is home to a couple of namesake buffalo.
  • Picnic Areas: Plenty of clean picnic tables are available for visitors.
  • Playground: A playground is available for children.
  • Ball Field: The park features a ball field for recreational sports.
  • Clean Outhouse: During winter when restrooms are closed, a very clean outhouse is available.
  • Large Parking: The park offers large parking areas, accommodating any size rig or RV.
  • Verizon 4G LTE: Visitors can expect to have 2 bars of Verizon 4G LTE Roaming.

However, it is important to be aware of the following potential challenges:

  • Deer Hunting Season: Deer hunting season occurs from October to January, and the effigy trail is marked for caution regarding this.
  • Smaller Property: The park is relatively small, more akin to a community park.
  • Restrooms Closed in Winter: The regular restrooms are closed during winter months.

Guests have praised Buffalo Rock State Park for its lovely environment, clean facilities, and beautiful views. The park's amenities, including the playground, picnic areas, and hiking trails, make it a great destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts. The presence of the buffalo exhibit adds a unique touch. The clean outhouse during winter is a notable convenience. However, visitors should be mindful of the deer hunting season and the park's relatively small size.

Buffalo Rock State Park is ideal for families, hikers, and those seeking a peaceful outdoor experience. It is particularly suitable for visitors who appreciate scenic river views and recreational activities. While the park is smaller than some state parks, it offers a variety of amenities and a pleasant environment. Visitors should be aware of the deer hunting season and the limited restroom availability during winter.

For inquiries, you can contact Buffalo Rock State Park at:

Phone: (815) 433-2220

Mobile Phone: +1 815-433-2220

Address: 1300 N 27th Rd, Ottawa, IL 61350, USA

Gallery

Highlights

Picnics

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible entrance

Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Activities

Hiking

Amenities

Barbecue grill

Picnic tables

Public restroom

Swings

Children

Good for kids

Kid-friendly hikes

Playground

Pets

Dogs allowed

Georgann Haeffner Feb 02
★★★★★5

Lovely park. We enjoyed our visit on a mild February Sunday. The restrooms were closed for the winter but the outhouse was very clean (no smell bc winter!) our hike was rather shorter than we are used to, but it was perfect for this day. Plenty of picnic tables and also clean.

Will Handley Oct 17
★★★★★5

So this is a smaller property more like a community park. It has a couple of namesake Buffalo, ball field, playground, picnic areas and some hiking trails. Great views of the river trailside and from the observation deck. Be advised, it's deer hunting season from October to January, the effigy trail is marked for caution regarding same. Great parking large enough for any size rig or RV. I had 2 bars of Verizon 4G LTE Roaming.

Tamaira Rettie Dec 25
★★★☆☆3

I don't think I should have been shocked to see actual buffalo, given the name, but holy buckets, I was. They were lying against the fence that runs along the trail, so I had maybe about a 3 foot clearance to walk by them. I thought to myself, "is a chain link fence really going to hold them in if they don't want to be in there?" So I cautiously passed them. I got about 20 feet away from them before I saw some moron reach through the fence to pet one. They both stood up and the one who was assaulted rammed the fence. Never have I ever been impressed by a fence until this day. But maybe add another layer so we don't have to host the Darwin awards, eh?

ALatteOnMyMind 85 Jul 04
★★★★★5

Buffalo Rock is one of three great state parks in the area. All three have their own vibe and something to appreciate. If your body needs a break and some flat/paved surfaces to walk, this less-trafficked park might be just what you need. Yes, sometimes there is noise from a nearby gun range, but not always. There are restrooms available and a river/bluff trail as well as the effigy trail (and buffalo). The effigy part was underwhelming to me the first time I went. Makes more sense from a drone point of view 🤷🏻‍♀️… I didn’t realize the first time I went the spectacular rock view that was hidden. A walking stick/pole or a friend would come in handy, especially if you’re not confident on your feet if you want to navigate your way down. The view is worth it!

J B Jan 07
★★★★★5

You will love this Park. The beautiful view and the live Buffalo 🦬🦬 there. Just one thing don't get to close to them sometimes they don't like it .

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