Black Hawk Forest Nature Preserve is an oak woodland in the east half of Black Hawk State Historic Site, on the south edge of Rock Island, Illinois. Its forest, wildflowers and ferns offer a nature outing, with more than seven miles of hiking trails in the larger historic site.
- Location: East half of Black Hawk State Historic Site, south edge of Rock Island
- Park hours: Open daily
- Trail network: More than seven miles across the historic site
- Access: The preserve is reached through the historic site
Where is Black Hawk Forest Nature Preserve?
Black Hawk Forest lies within the east half of Black Hawk State Historic Site, east of the intersection of U.S. Highway 67 and Illinois Highway 5. The preserve covers 106.6 acres and was dedicated in July 1984.
From the junction of Highways 5 and 67, take Highway 5 east for 0.1 mile to reach Black Hawk State Historic Site. The preserve is within the park’s eastern half. The site’s address is 1800 46th Avenue, Rock Island, IL 61201, and its telephone number is 309-788-0177.
What can you see on a nature visit?
Black Hawk Forest protects high-quality upland forest dominated by several oak species, with a rich understory of woodland wildflowers and ferns. The Illinois Nature Preserves Commission describes it as one of the few remaining areas characteristic of the Middle Mississippi Border Natural Division.
Wildlife observations include about 175 bird species, among them 20 warbler species, and 14 mammal species. The mammals include a melanistic phase of fox squirrel. The forest has been protected since 1927; the commission credits local citizen John H. Hauberg with helping save the park from development.
The preserve also has an interpretive trail. For a longer walk, Black Hawk State Historic Site has more than seven miles of hiking trails through the preserve, over bluffs and along the Rock River. Longview Park’s gardens and views offer a different kind of Rock Island outing.
What are access and trail conditions like?
The historic site has accessible parking spaces in its East, West, North and Singing Bird lots. These spaces have ramps connecting to sidewalks; the lots are paved, and the sidewalks are asphalt or concrete.
Trail bridges and boardwalks are made of wooden planks, and some routes have steps. There are only a few benches along the trails, so plan your walk with that in mind. The site also has three day-use areas with grills, fire pits, picnic tables and shelters built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
The historic site gives park hours as sunrise to 10 p.m. Check the official site before you go for current hours and practical details.
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 7 AM–10 PM
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
How can you plan a short outing?
Black Hawk Forest is about a 2-minute drive from American Motor Inn - Rock Island. Once at the site, you can choose the interpretive trail or connect your outing with the larger network of trails through the preserve, bluffs and river corridor.
The historic site does not publish trail-by-trail lengths or difficulty ratings, or give a recommended visit duration. Ask the Illinois Department of Natural Resources about dog and bicycle rules or seasonal trail closures before setting out if those details affect your plans. Sunderbruch Park’s trails provide another option for a Rock Island walk.
FAQs
How large is Black Hawk Forest Nature Preserve?
The preserve covers 106.6 acres within Black Hawk State Historic Site.
How many trails are at Black Hawk State Historic Site?
The larger historic site has more than seven miles of hiking trails, including routes through the preserve, over bluffs and along the Rock River.
Are there accessible parking spaces?
Yes. Accessible spaces are available in the East, West, North and Singing Bird parking lots, with ramps connecting to sidewalks.
When is the Hauberg Museum open?
Open daily.