Bike Ogle County, Illinois!

Beginning at the Historic Oregon Depot, this loop takes you through Oregon and along the banks of the scenic Rock River to the nearby town of Byron.  It should be noted that the Rock River Trail  (1)  is the newest member of the National Water Trails system, and is the only one with a triad of trails for paddlers, cyclists, and motor vehicles.  The stretch through Ogle County is considered one of the most beautiful.

The Byron-Nuclear loop travels north along the wide shoulder of Rte. 2.  Just north of town you will see the IDOT boat landing for recreational water sports.  Across the road is the entrance to Stronghold Castle  (2) .  It was built as an authentic old world castle by Chicago newspaper magnate Walter Strong.  It is now a retreat center for the Presbyterian Church.

The route to Byron holds scenic views of the Rock River and offers roadside pull-offs for fishing and picnicking.  Byron itself has opportunities for shopping and refreshments.  The Byron Historic Museum  (3)  is also along the route.

Across the Rock River bridge is the Byron Forest Preserve  (4)  – a nice side trip to enjoy first class interpretive displays of American Prairies as well as hikes through a restored grassland.  Next, the bike loop briefly climbs through challenging hills until you arrive above the valley floor.  You will be cruising level roads through farmland as you pass the twin cooling towers of the nuclear plant  (5) .

You then return to Oregon, with its courthouse cupola rising above the city.  A turn north on River Road just before the bridge will take you to Park East  (6)  and its view of the spillway.

Excursion:  If you travel north on Daysville Road just east of Oregon, you will encounter a daunting climb to the top of the bluff.  A turn to the left on Park Rd. leads you to Lowden State Park  (7)  overlooking the river valley.  This is the site of the “Blackhawk” statue which the area is renowned for.  From the overlook you can see the river below and the city laid out to the south; as well as the paddle wheel excursion boat across the river.  There are many good hiking trails and points of interest to enjoy at Lowden Park.  It is also home to Northern Illinois University’s outdoor education campus.

Your ride begins at the historic Depot and proceeds through Oregon on quiet neighborhood streets.  As you leave town, you’ll travel on the wide shoulder of Rte 2, which has exceptional views of the scenic Rock River, the newest National Water Trail  (1) .  A large lot and ramp for recreational boaters is on your right.  On the left is the public entry to Stronghold Church camp, site of Stronghold Castle  (2) .  Further ahead on your left is the Silver Ridge Golf Course nestled in the hills along the river.

Turning left onto Town Hall will lead you on a slow climb out of the valley.  The terrain consists of hills, valleys, oak groves and pastures.  West of Leaf River Rd., however, the route straightens out into flat fertile farmland.  The ride becomes fast and easy.  Silver Creek Cemetery on West Grove Rd. near Leaf River Rd. is a pleasant place to perhaps stop and rest. 

A left at orchard eventually takes you to Rte 64 just a short distance from the town of Mt. Morris, a quiet historical community.  It was the site of one of the earliest colleges in Illinois – whose buildings are still on the town square.  Mt. Morris  (3)      hosts public summer band concerts on the square on Wednesday evenings and a variety of other music on Friday nights.  The town is also home to the very successful “Let Freedom Ring” festival over the 4th of July – which has the best fireworks display in the county.

As you travel out of town on McKendrie Street you will see Pinecrest Adult Living and Community Center on your right  (4) , one of the most comprehensive facilities of its type in the region, including a community theatre group.  It is also home to the McKendrie Street Café where you can always get a delicious ice cream cone and other food items.

The road south of town returns to the country landscape, and a brief mile of gravel road until crossing Ridge Rd.  The final stretch on Oregon Trail Rd. curves through woods and pastures before finishing with a fun set of roller coaster hills.  You turn into Oregon’s Park West  (5)  with its sledding hill, splash park, ball parks, tennis courts and soccer fields.  The trail then goes through prairie wetlands on an elevated boardwalk, the community garden, and residential streets to finish where you began.

With the exception of a short steep hill at the start and finish of this loop, the terrain is through open fields and scattered pastures on roads which are flat to slightly rolling.   You will experience a true sense of the expansiveness of rural farming where green meets blue on the distant horizon.

Travel 3rd Street from the Depot to Washington St., then right across the Rock River.  Turn north onto Daysville, then right to face Brick Road Hill; a test of strength, but there’s no shame if you walk the short distance to the top.

You’ll quickly reach the last remaining 1915 brick pavement built on the Chicago-Iowa stagecoach trail  (1) .  Soon you’ll be at the tiny town of Paynes Point and turn to travel toward Stillman Valley.  A left turn onto Pershing Road into Stillman takes you through quiet neighborhood streets.  You may want to explore a bit further while here.  The town has several nice eateries and service stations for refreshment.  Two blocks left on Maple St. will take you to the town library  (2) .    

A remarkable piece of frontier history is memorialized in Stillman and is well worth a side trip.  Here you can find the 1902 memorial to the 1832 Blackhawk Indian War  (3)  .    Major Stillman fought the first battle at this site and was soundly defeated.  The militiamen who died are buried at the foot of this memorial.  A 23 year old Abe Lincoln was one of the soldiers who helped with this task.  Also serving in the same militia were two other future presidents: Zachary Taylor and Jefferson Davis.

Leaving Stillman Valley returns you to open roads across the countryside.  At the corner of German Church Rd. a right turn would take you on a short side trip to the base of the nuclear plant cooling towers  (4).   A left continues your journey toward Oregon. 

Pleasant Grove Rd. will bend to the left and become Daysville Rd.   If you see Park Rd to the right you may want to take a short side trip to Lowden State Park  (5)  and the “Blackhawk” statue overlooking the valley with Oregon below.  Continuing on Daysville brings you to the top of “THE HILL” - providing a fast and thrilling finish to Route 64 and into Oregon.

Beginning at the historic Oregon Depot , built in 1913, this loop takes you through Oregon, across the Rock River, south through the tiny village of Daysville, and then past the 2,300 acre Lowden-Miller State Forest  (1) . The forest has 22 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, x-c skiing and snowshoeing. These lands once belonged to Frank Lowden, Illinois’ 25th governor (1917-1921).

A short distance further you will ride past the 2,200 acre Nachusa Grasslands  (2) , one of largest restored grasslands in Illinois.  This is a great place to stretch your legs, take a hike, or just enjoy the sweeping landscape.  Fifteen hundred acres are set aside for a recently introduced bison herd, which might be seen from a viewing.  Be sure to pack binoculars and a camera.

The bike loop continues through rolling hills of scenic Illinois farmland, and again you will cross the beautiful Rock River.  The loop then goes through Grand Detour, where the river flows south, east, west, north, and south again within a few miles.  It is also the original site of John Deere’s blacksmith shop  (3)  where the modern plow was invented in 1837.  His home and blacksmith shop have been rebuilt as they may have appeared at the time, and are open to the public for special events and daily tours.  With luck, you may find the blacksmith actively hammering out iron implements.   The town also has the historic St. Peter’s Episcopal Church built in 1849.  A gas station offers a variety of refreshments.

Going north on Ridge Rd. you return to wide rolling hills of fields and pastures.  At the intersection of Penn Corner Road you will find the small wooded Oak Ridge Cemetery, a nice spot to stretch your legs and search for the Civil War era tombstones.

Finally, you turn right onto Oregon Trail Road leading you back to town.  It takes you through wooded countryside and roller-coaster hills before turning right into Oregon Park West  (4) .  This park is the crown jewel of the Oregon Park District.  You’ll find a sledding hill, restored prairie, multiple ball fields, soccer fields, skateboard park, and – best of all on a hot day – a water splash park.  The bike loop continues along the paved path, over an elevated boardwalk through wetlands, past the community gardens, and then returns you to the train Depot.

Beginning at the historic Oregon Depot built in 1913, this loop takes you through downtown Oregon, across the Rock River and south through the tiny village of Daysville, and the former estate of Governor Lowden.  His lands have now been set aside as the 2,300 acre Lowden-Miller State Forest  (1) .   It has 22 miles of maintained trails through the forest and along the river.  Hiking, horseback riding, skiing and snowshoeing are popular activities.

Continuing on, you will ride past the 2,200 acre Nachusa Grasslands  (2) , one of largest restored grasslands in Illinois.  This is a great place to stretch your legs, take a hike, or just enjoy the sweeping landscape.  Fifteen hundred acres are set aside for a recently introduced genetically pure bison herd.

The loop continues through hilly farmland with attractive, well-kept farms and country estates until reaching the Rock River at the point it enters Dixon, the boyhood home of Ronald Reagan.  A .5 mile paved trail takes you to the Dixon River Walk and downtown.  There you can find much more about Reagan sites  (3)  as well as many restaurants and shops.

To return, retrace your ride until reaching Rte 2 north.  A left onto White Oak then takes you beside limestone cliffs along the Rock River before entering low hills and farmland followed by woods.  This returns back to Rte 2 just a short distance from the bridge into Grand Detour.

Here the river flows south, east, west, north, and south again within a few miles.  It is also where John Deere  (4)  invented the modern plow which allowed cultivation on land covered by thick prairie grass.  His home and blacksmith shop have been rebuilt as they may have appeared in 1837.  They are open to the public for special events and daily tours.  The Shell station is your best shot for a variety of refreshments.

Going north on Ridge Road returns you to wide rolling hills of fields and pastures.  At the corner with Penn Corner Rd, you will find the small wooded Oak Ridge Cemetery, a nice spot to stretch your legs.

The final ride into Oregon is on Pines Rd.; a striped, moderately trafficked county highway with a few moderate hills.  (An optional choice would add a few miles by continuing on Ridge Rd. and turning right onto Oregon Trail Road to enter Oregon.)

Beginning at the historic Oregon Depot, this loop takes you through downtown Oregon and across the Rock River.  Turn south onto Daysville Rd.; a striped county highway with moderate traffic and good visibility.  Turn left onto Honey Creek when you reach the tiny community of Daysville. 

The roads are level and wind through changing landscapes of wooded groves, fields, pastures and wetlands.  When you come to Prairie Rd you’ll be at “Stone Corners”  (1) , a local organic produce farm and landmark.  Continuing, you’ll be on one of the prettiest rides in the county.  Keep a lookout for seven roadside historical markers on this loop.  One is at the site of the 1841 public execution  (2)   of leaders of the notorious Driscoll Gang.  Once on Grist Mill Rd. the ride becomes straight, flat and fast through some woods and then miles of farmland. 

After a steady ride and several turns you will reach Flagg Rd.  This is the turnaround point.  However, an extra .5 miles on Flagg will take you to Rochelle and the start of a pleasant paved community bike trail.   Rochelle is the largest city in Ogle County and worth a ride around.  Two unique points of interest on the south side of town:  the train viewing platform  (3)  and the Chicagoland Skydiving Center  (4) . Here you can watch sky divers from the observation deck at the airport and plan your next adventure.

The return trip is a deep first-hand experience of prairie farm fields.  Eventually you reach Chana Rd. and the small community of the same name.   The Chana Tap is a great place for a bite to eat and cold beverage.

Traveling east toward Oregon you return to the quiet curving roads of Honey Creek.  As you reach this small cluster of homes on your left, be sure to turn left before crossing the tracks.  This then leads you back to Stone Corner, Daysville, and Oregon.

Beginning at the Historic Oregon Depot train station, this loop boasts classic Midwestern countryside scenery.  Rolling hills, serene fields, horse farms, and even a dude ranch are among the sights. Enjoy many opportunities to stop for refreshments in the two villages that you visit during this leisurely ride.

The Polo-Mt. Morris Loop begins with one of Oregon’s most historic landmarks, Conover Square  (1) . This 19th century Schiller Piano Company factory, located on the Rock River, has a café, antique shops, a record store and much more. There is also a small park just behind the building with a fishing pier. 

On the first leg of the loop, travel through the beautiful village of Mt Morris. In the town square, located on Wesley Avenue, we find the historic Freedom Bell  (2)  which is rung every 4th of July.  The celebration’s fireworks display is the best in the county.  Onward through the farmsteads, you’ll pass through the small village of Haldane and eventually Polo.

*Excursion: While in Polo, continue straight across Division Ave while on Dixon St, then turn left on Barber St. You will be greeted with some of the most beautiful homes in Ogle County. Several of these are on the National Register of Historic Places. Take a left on Mason Street which will lead back to Division Avenue.

*Excursion: Just east of S. Division Avenue, on W. Judson Rd., you’ll find the Joe Stengel Trail  (3)  . This 7 mile bike trail is a gorgeous, shady ride under a lush canopy of trees.  It leads to the town of Woo Sung, named after a Chinese city by three retired sea captains who founded this town.  It has a remarkable cement figurine factory.

Continuing on the loop, down Judson Road and into the farmland via Henry Road, there are many beautiful vistas to take in. This is a peaceful trail, and the trip back to Oregon takes you over small bridges, down winding dirt roads dotted with horse farms, before coming to White Pines Ranch  (4) . This small, educational, dude ranch is home to many campers during the summer months, and is also known for its trail rides and family-friendly atmosphere. From here, continue your climb up White Pines Road back into Oregon.

Beginning at the Historic Oregon Depot, this loop takes you through some of the most scenic and less traveled areas surrounding Oregon, Mt. Morris, and Leaf River.  This loop uses about 35% gravel in addition to chip sealed roads and the wide shoulder of Route 2 along the Rock River for a 100% beautiful ride.   This 43 mile route is designed for the more adventurous cyclist who is looking to test their legs with some of Ogle County’s rolling hills.

The Gravel loop takes gravel south, with FN Smith Corp on the right and Oregon Train Trestle to your left.  Follow this gravel road to Il Rt 2 and turn left onto its wide shoulder.  You pass the Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Camp (LOMC)  (1)  before a right onto Devil’s Backbone Rd where the real adventure begins.

You start a beautiful gravel climb up into the hills.  Further on you will pass Castle Rock State Park  (2)  on your left.  A sweeping right turn will bring you upon a mountain of the purest sand which is mined and used for die casting at major manufacturing companies throughout the world.

At the top of Pines Road you will see White Pines Dude Ranch  (3)  to your left.   OPTION:  A left at the intersection of Raccoon and Harmony roads is a .3 mile side trip to Lake LaDonna   (4)  for a snack or swim.  Going on, the loop continues into Mt. Morris.  As you enter you pass Pinecrest Retirement Community and the McKendrie Street Café; a great stop for ice cream and pie.  Downtown Mt. Morris is the home of the Let Freedom Ring Festival and the Official Illinois Freedom Bell  (5) .

You then go west and north out of Mt. Morris through the rolling farm and ranchlands of northwest Ogle County.  Scenic and quiet gravel roads will take you to Townline Road at the north edge of this loop.  It is a beautiful rollercoaster ride into the town of Leaf River. Through Leaf River on Main St you’ll find your next section of gravel on seldom traveled Pond Road.  Pond takes you to the east and heads back towards the Rock River.  A half mile jaunt on the shoulder of Route 72 gets you to the quiet beauty of Triumph road which turns into Townline Road with rolling hills. This delivers you onto Townhall Road which drops you back into the Rock River Valley for a scenic ride along the Rock River into Oregon.  

You will have many opportunities to find the perfect picture spot along the Rock River; passing Stronghold Camp  (6) , Lowden State Park’s River Boat Launch, and Blackhawk Statue. 

After entering Oregon you’ll pass Conover Square Mall and Kiwanis’ Park at Oregon’s Rock River Dam

Your ride begins at the historic Depot and takes you the length of Oregon through quiet neighborhoods.  As you leave town, you’ll travel on the wide shoulder of Rte 2 which has exceptional views of the Rock River  (1) , the newest National Water Trail (2010).  A large lot and ramp for recreational boaters is on your right.  On the left is the public entry to Stronghold Church camp, site of Stronghold Castle  (2) .  Further ahead on your left is the scenic Silver Ridge Golf Course nestled in the hills along the river.

Turning left onto Town Hall will lead you on a slow climb out of the valley.  Terrain now consists of hills, valleys, oak groves and pastures.  West of Leaf River Rd. the route straightens out into flat fertile farmland.  The ride becomes fast and easy.

There are two pleasant spots on West Grove Rd. to perhaps stop and rest.  The first is Silver Creek Cemetery just west of Leaf River Rd.  The other is the stone St James church built in 1850 nearer to Forreston.

The final stretch to Forreston is on Rte 26, a flat, moderately trafficked highway with good visibility.  Forreston itself has a number of service stations, restaurants and bars to allow for a nice pause during the day’s ride.

The return trip begins on Hwy 26 south. Turn left onto Haldane which, much like West Grove Rd., is straight, fast, and mostly flat.  Willow then takes you to Rte 64 just a short distance from the town of Mt. Morris.  [Note: If a rider wishes to avoid a few miles of highway, they may return on West Grove, then turn south on Adeline Rd. to rejoin the described loop].

Downtown Mt. Morris is just two blocks to the right on Wesley Ave.  The loop, however, continues on Rte 64 through town and then south on Ridge Rd.  Ridge is a striped county highway with a modest paved shoulder.  You are once again traveling longer, deeper valleys and hills on this last leg to Oregon.  The final stretch on Oregon Trail Rd. curves through woods and pastures before finishing with a set of roller coaster hills.  The ride then takes you through Oregon’s Park West  (4)  with its sledding hill, Splash Park, ball parks, tennis courts and soccer fields.  You go through prairie wetlands on an elevated boardwalk, a community garden, and residential streets to finish where you began.