Buffalo Rock State Park - Ottawa, Illinois

👍 Reviews 📌 Map ℹ️ Information ⏰ Hours

Address: 1300 N 27th Rd, Ottawa, IL 61350.
Phone: 54332220.
Website: dnr.illinois.gov
Specialties: State park.
Other points of interest: Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible parking lot, Hiking, Barbecue grill, Picnic tables, Public restroom, Good for kids, Kid-friendly hikes, Dogs allowed.
Opinions: This company has 792 reviews on Google My Business.
Average opinion: 4.4/5.

📌 Location of Buffalo Rock State Park

☎️54332220

⏰ Open Hours of Buffalo Rock State Park

Monday: 8 AM–7 PM
Tuesday: 8 AM–7 PM
Wednesday: 8 AM–7 PM
Thursday: 8 AM–7 PM
Friday: 8 AM–7 PM
Saturday: 8 AM–7 PM
Sunday: 8 AM–7 PM

Okay, here’s a description of Buffalo Rock State Park, crafted as a helpful and informative assistant, aiming for a formal yet approachable tone, and incorporating the provided details:

Buffalo Rock State Park: A Tranquil Illinois Escape

Buffalo Rock State Park, located in Ottawa, Illinois, presents a remarkably accessible and enjoyable outdoor experience for visitors of all abilities. The park’s address is 1300 N 27th Rd, Ottawa, IL 61350, and prospective guests can reach the park’s management team at 54332220. For more detailed information, including maps, hours of operation, and event schedules, please visit the official Illinois Department of Natural Resources website: dnr.illinois.gov.

Park Overview and Specialties

Buffalo Rock State Park is designated as a State Park, guaranteeing a well-maintained and thoughtfully designed environment. It’s a relatively compact park, approximately 168 acres, making it ideal for a quick getaway or a relaxed afternoon. The park’s core appeal lies in its natural beauty – primarily rolling hills and a significant portion covered by a dense forest. The terrain offers a diverse range of experiences, from short, easy trails suitable for families to more challenging routes for experienced hikers. The park’s strategic location offers convenient access to the Illinois River, contributing to its scenic appeal.

Points of Interest and Amenities

Visitors to Buffalo Rock State Park will find a variety of amenities designed to enhance their experience. The park boasts a Wheelchair accessible entrance and Wheelchair accessible parking lot, ensuring inclusivity for all. Numerous activities are available, including:

Hiking Trails: A network of trails winds through the park, offering varying lengths and difficulty levels.
Barbecue Grills: Several grills are available for public use, encouraging picnics and outdoor meals.
Picnic Tables: Ample picnic tables are strategically placed throughout the park.
Public Restroom Facilities: Clean and well-maintained restroom facilities are readily accessible.
Kid-Friendly Activities: The park is exceptionally well-suited for families with children, offering Kid-friendly hikes and a generally welcoming atmosphere.

Visitor Feedback & Accessibility

Buffalo Rock State Park consistently receives positive feedback from its visitors. Currently, the park has 792 reviews on Google My Business, with an impressive Average opinion of 4.4/5. This indicates a high level of satisfaction among those who have experienced the park’s offerings. The park’s dedication to accessibility is clearly evident, as indicated by the wheelchair-accessible features. Many reviews highlight the cleanliness of the facilities, particularly the outhouse during the winter months, demonstrating a commitment to maintaining a pleasant environment. The park’s suitability for shorter hikes, particularly during colder weather, suggests it caters well to visitors seeking a relaxed and manageable outdoor experience.

Recommendation

For those seeking a peaceful and accessible outdoor destination in Illinois, Buffalo Rock State Park presents a compelling choice. To fully explore the park’s offerings, including detailed trail maps, upcoming events, and current conditions, we strongly encourage visitors to consult the official website: dnr.illinois.gov. We believe a visit to Buffalo Rock State Park promises a rejuvenating and memorable experience.

👍 Reviews of Buffalo Rock State Park

Buffalo Rock State Park - Ottawa, Illinois

Georgann H.

5/5

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 H.

5/5

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 R.

3/5

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?

andi D.

5/5

Small but big in many ways.
Actually sometimes small is more peaceful.
We were here last weekend. Beautiful sunny cool pleasant day. Got there about 8:20. First time here. The views of the IL River were spectacular. We were about 30 minutes into our hike, when we started to hear gunshots.
Well unbeknownst to us, we didn't know it was a gun range in the area.
We sorta tried to just tune out those sounds and just get more into our hike. Saw several different species of birds. Then we finally saw an eagle. 🦅
That was really cool!
We met some friendly faces along the trail too! Most epic part is when arrive at the bluff. What an awesome place.
Plan to go back before winter sets in and see the two remaining buffalo .
We heard that there was a recent loss.
Hope they can introduce more buffalo to the park.

ALatteOnMyMind 8.

5/5

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.

5/5

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 .

1st S. I. P.

5/5

A sight to see. Next time, I want to see the American Bison, Coco, Pebbles, and Hope.

Spotted THE WOOLLY BEAR CATERPILLAR 😉

Add me today! YouTube me today! Danke!

Jeffrey O.

5/5

Nice clean well marked trails. Beautiful views. Buffalo enclosure with two beautiful bison.