Black Hawk Statue, Rock River Valley Travel Guide

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A monumental tribute to Native American spirit and art, the Black Hawk Statue offers stunning views of the Rock River Valley.

The Black Hawk Statue, also known as The Eternal Indian, is a towering concrete sculpture in Lowden State Park near Oregon, Illinois. Created by Lorado Taft and dedicated in 1911, the 48-foot monolith stands on a bluff overlooking the Rock River, representing the spirit of Native Americans.

A brief summary to Black Hawk Statue

1411 N River Rd, Oregon, Illinois, 61061, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Black Hawk Statue.

Bring comfortable shoes for hiking the trails around the statue and down to the river.
Visit during the fall for stunning views of the changing leaves in the Rock River Valley.
Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the many picnic areas in Lowden State Park.

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Getting There

Driving

The Black Hawk Statue is located within Lowden State Park, north of Oregon, IL. From Illinois Route 2, turn into Lowden State Park. Follow the park roads to the parking area near the statue. Parking is free. Be aware that parking can be limited during peak season.
Walking

From anywhere within Lowden State Park, follow the marked trails leading to the Black Hawk Statue. The statue is a prominent landmark and easily visible from most areas of the park. Be prepared for some stairs and moderate inclines depending on the trail you choose.

Discover more about Black Hawk Statue

Perched high above the Rock River in Lowden State Park, the Black Hawk Statue, or "The Eternal Indian," is a powerful and iconic monument. Created by sculptor Lorado Taft, the 48-foot tall concrete statue was dedicated in 1911 and has since become a symbol of the area's history and natural beauty.Taft began planning the statue in 1908, creating smaller models before embarking on the full-scale project. He was inspired by the Native American cultures and the beauty of the Rock River Valley, where he and other members of the Eagle's Nest Art Colony would often contemplate the landscape. The statue is not a likeness of Chief Black Hawk, but rather a representation of the "unconquerable spirit" of Native Americans. The statue incorporates motifs from various tribal cultures, including Sauk, Sioux, and Mohawk.The statue itself is hollow and reinforced with iron rods, with walls ranging from eight inches to three feet thick. The exterior is made of cement, pink granite chips, and screenings. A door at the base allows access to the interior for park employees. The statue stands approximately 125 feet above the Rock River due to its placement on a 77-foot bluff. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic overlooks in the surrounding park.