We headed up to northern Illinois to meet up with the Illinois Park Project to do a trash pick up event at Rock Cut State Park. We went up a day early to have some extra time to explore the area. One place that had been on my list to visit was Castle Rock State Park near Oregon, Illinois.

The park was pretty quiet when we visited. We first stopped at the “Information Center” located on the north side of Route 2, but the doors were still locked. We did find a historic barn that is used as the maintenance shed. There are also a lot of nice picnic shelters on this side and newly paved roads. It was great to see some really nice improvements in this state park!

Next, we got back on Route 2 and headed just down the road to the most iconic feature in the park. Castle Rock towers high above the west bank of the Rock River. Quite a few stairs lead to the top of the sandstone bluff.

Once at the top, you are rewarded with panoramic views of the Rock River Hills region of Illinois. I really loved it up here!

Below the bluff is a nice grassy area that is perfect for picnics and fishing.

Overall, this is a great stop if you are in the area! Be sure to check it out!