Rock River Prairie State Natural Area

Just north of Big Hill Park, this small but rich property lies on the east-facing slope of a gently rolling terrace above the Rock River. The dry-mesic prairie contains several rare plant species including prairie thistle, prairie bush clover and prairie false dandelion. In the spring, showy displays of pasqueflower and cream wild indigo can be seen. More common forbs are silky aster, shooting-star, prairie-smoke, birds-foot violet, smooth yellow flax, fringed puccoon, downy gentian and spiderwort. The northern portion of the site contains a small oak opening being restored by brush removal and prescribed fire.

Directions: From Beloit, go north on Hwy 51 about 3 miles, then west 1.1 miles on Town Line Rd, then south .8 mile on Walters Rd. Park in the parking lot on the south side of the area.

Gazetteer: Page 29, C-4 (prior to 10th edition). | Page 93, E-7 (10th edition).

Phone: 608/275-3266 (WDNR South Central Region Headquarters).

Web site: WDNR Rock River Prairie State Natural Area

Signature Species: Eastern Meadowlark, Great Blue Heron and Black-billed Cuckoo.

Rare species: Dickcissel, Grasshopper Sparrow andField Sparrow.

Parking: Parking lot.

Nearest food & lodging: Beloit.