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Beattie Park: Rockford's Historic Mounds

Explore ancient Native American mounds in a peaceful downtown Rockford park, offering scenic trails and a glimpse into local history.

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Beattie Park, nestled in downtown Rockford, Illinois, is a 3.6-acre park that provides a tranquil escape with a rich history. The park is home to Native American mounds dating back to the Late Woodland period (700-1100 C.E.), offering a glimpse into the region's ancient past.

A brief summary to Beattie Park

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking the trails and exploring the grounds.
  • Visit during the annual 'Honor the Mounds' gathering to learn more about Native American culture.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy the park's serene atmosphere.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Rockford Art Museum, head north on Main Street for approximately 0.2 miles. Beattie Park will be on your right, just past Park Avenue. The walk is relatively flat and takes about 5 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    Several bus routes serve the area near Beattie Park. Check the Rockford Mass Transit District (RMTD) website or app for the most up-to-date schedules and routes. From the nearest bus stop on State Street, walk north on Main Street for about 0.1 miles. Beattie Park will be on your right. A single bus fare costs $2.

  • Driving

    From I-90, take the US-20 BUS W/W State St exit. Follow W State St to N Main St in Rockford City Center. Turn right onto N Main St, and Beattie Park will be on your right. Parking is available on the street. Metered parking costs around $1.00 per hour.

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Discover more about Beattie Park

Beattie Park, located in downtown Rockford, is more than just a green space; it's a historic site with significant cultural importance. The park's main attraction is the Beattie Park Mound Group, a collection of Native American mounds from the Late Woodland period. These mounds, built between 700 and 1100 C.E., serve as a visible reminder of the cultures that inhabited the Rock River Valley long before European settlement. Originally, the Mound Group consisted of nine conical mounds, a linear mound, and two effigy mounds shaped like a bird and a turtle. Today, visitors can still see three conical mounds, the linear mound, and the turtle effigy mound. The mounds are believed to have been ceremonial in nature, serving as gathering places and burial sites for the Native American tribes. The park was donated to the Rockford Park District in 1921 by the Beattie sisters, Mary and Anna, with the stipulation that the mounds and trees be preserved. Visitors to Beattie Park can explore the mounds, walk along the scenic trails, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Interpretive signs provide information about the history and significance of the mounds. The park also features picnic areas, making it a great spot for a relaxing afternoon outdoors. Beattie Park offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and learn about the rich Native American heritage of the region.

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