Explore the Natural Beauty of Colored Sands Forest Preserve
Discover the tranquility of Colored Sands Forest Preserve, a vibrant nature retreat in Rockton, Illinois, perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and family picnics.
Nestled in the heart of Illinois, Colored Sands Forest Preserve offers a serene escape into nature, where vibrant landscapes and rich biodiversity await. Ideal for walking, birdwatching, and picnicking, this preserve is a must-visit for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
A brief summary to Colored Sands Forest Preserve
- 10602 Haas Rd, Rockton, Illinois, 61072, US
- +1815-877-6100
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit during spring or fall weekends to witness bird banding activities.
- Bring along a picnic to enjoy in the designated areas surrounded by nature.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for hiking to fully explore the trails.
- Don't forget your camera to capture the stunning landscapes and wildlife.
Getting There
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Car
If you're traveling by car, start from any central point in Rock River Valley. Use a GPS or your preferred navigation app and enter '10602 Haas Rd, Rockton, IL 61072' as your destination. You will likely take IL-2 or I-90 depending on your starting location. Once you get close to Rockton, follow local roads to Haas Road. The Colored Sands Forest Preserve is located off Haas Road, with parking available on-site.
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Public Transportation
For those relying on public transportation, you can take a bus to the nearest major transit hub in Rockford, IL. From there, you may need to use a rideshare service (like Uber or Lyft) or local taxi services to reach Colored Sands Forest Preserve. Ensure to confirm the rideshare availability as it can vary. The address you will provide to the driver is '10602 Haas Rd, Rockton, IL 61072'. Note that rideshare costs will vary based on the distance from the transit hub.
Discover more about Colored Sands Forest Preserve
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Hononegah grave
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Macktown Historic District
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Macktown Living History Education Center
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Rockton Township HIstorical Society
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Wisconsin State Historical Marker 144: Wisconsin's First Aviator
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The Old Stone Bridge
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Special-T Engraving & Gifts
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Veterans Memorial Circle
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The Norwegian
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Rockford Armory
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Rockford Theatre
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Rockford Women's Suffrage Plaza
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Coronado Performing Arts Center
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Welcome To Wisconsin Sign
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DC Estate Winery
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Rock Cut State Park
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Discovery Center Museum
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Burpee Museum of Natural History
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Rockford Art Museum
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Riverfront Museum Park
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Anderson Japanese Gardens
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Sinnissippi Gardens
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Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens
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Sinnissippi Park
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Davis Park at Founders Landing
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Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and Gardens
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Essential places to dine
Swedish Pancake House
23.5 km
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Giuseppi's Pizza & Italian Restaurant
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Whiskey's Roadhouse
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Mr. C's Family Restaurant
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Rock-A-Bago
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The Olympic Tavern
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Chuc-a-Luc's Fish Market Grill & Soul Food
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27 ALUNA
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District Bar and Grill
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The Top Rooftop Bar & Lounge
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Tower Kitchen & Bar
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Magpie
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LimaMar Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
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Omakase
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Cleo's Aroma Pothecary
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Remade
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Anderson Gardens Gift Shop
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Downtown Shoes & Boutique
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Smiley's Vintage
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Smith & Sons
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Weirdo Art Collectibles
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Inscape Collective
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On State Bar & Restaurant
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8th Ward Pub
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The Victory Tap
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Applebee's Grill + Bar
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Stumpy's Pub
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The Filling Station
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