State Park

Buffalo Rock State Park

LaSalle County, IllinoisAbout 295 acresEstablished 1928
Status
Status not posted
Entrance fee
Statewide rule — see below
Day-use reservations
None mentioned
Dogs
Not stated — check with park
Camping
None listed
Official site
dnr.illinois.gov(815) 433-2224

Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current

Overview

In LaSalle County, about 5 miles west of Ottawa, Buffalo Rock State Park covers about 295 acres.

Fees and passes

Free: 'The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) does not charge an Entrance Fee to any state owned or operated land.' Camping, cabins and shelters are fee-based.

Statewide fee rule from Illinois's park system; this park’s page doesn’t list its own fees.

Reservations

Day use
No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
Booking system
ExploreMoreIL (IDNR camping, cabins, group camps and shelters)

Check availability and book

We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.

Things to do

Trails

Trails The Buffalo Rock State Park River Bluff Trail offers a walk high above the Illinois River, with two observation decks providing spectacular views of the Illinois River. The Woodland Trail provides an opportunity to examine and appreciate the trees, plants, and wildlife prospering in the park. I&M Canal State Trail Access Across the road from Buffalo Rock State Park is the Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail Buffalo Rock Access area, providing parking for approximately seven vehicles. Water and restroom facilities are not available at the trail parking lot/access area but can be found at the park.

Amenities

Facilities

  • Picnic areas

✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.

Accessibility

​Accessibility at Buffalo Rock: • Parking - The parking lots are asphalt with accessible parking spaces. The distance to the concrete sidewalk from the parking lot is approximately 20'. • Restrooms - There is an accessible vault toilet located in the western parking lot, and a flush toilet is available in the main parking lot. An accessible water fountain is located near the main shelter and ball diamond. • Picnicking - There are two accessible shelters available at Buffalo Rock. The main shelter is located in the main parking lot, and the second shelter is located west of the western parking lot. Both shelters have accessible grills and tables. • Service animals are welcome in the park, and there are outdoor water fountains available.

Official accessibility information

Conditions change. Contact the park to confirm specific accessible features before your visit.

Getting there

Address
1300 North 27th Road
Ottawa, IL 61350
Nearest town
Ottawa — about 5 mi west (straight line)
Coordinates
41.3280, -88.9100
Phone
(815) 433-2224

Google Maps directionsApple Maps

Nearby state parks

Sources and freshness

“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. No change has been detected since this page was first published. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology

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