Prairie Zone
Prairie Overlook (23)
Just north of the Restored Prairie (Point of Interest 24) and the multi-use paved path on the south side of the park, this overlook, built in 2002, is a great spot for viewing the prairie or simply taking a rest in the shade. With benches and picnic tables, visitors can sit and take in the scenic beauty of the prairie. Listen to birds, journal, take a snack break, or chat with friends.
Restored Prairie (24)
Illinois is known as the Prairie State, as the state itself was once a large majority of prairie ecosystems. Due to population growth and development, far fewer prairies exist today. While this prairie is not one of the original remaining prairies that existed in the state prior to European settlement, it is land that has been dedicated to restoring this type of ecosystem. Conservation efforts are led by the Rockford Park District’s Natural Areas team to increase native biodiversity in the park and to help bring prairie areas back to the state. Check out the wildflowers, bumblebees, and even the state grass, Big Bluestem! View this prairie from the overlook (Point of Interest 23) or hike entire loop, which is a bit over a mile long.
Rydberg Road Entrance
This is one of two entrances into Atwood Park and is where trail-users are encouraged to enter at. With four parking lots accessible from this entrance, visitors can get to a variety of multi-use trails around the park. Hike over the pedestrian bridge to access even more trails and ecosystems on the north side of the park. Whether you’re hiking, biking, running, or snowshoeing, Atwood Park trails have so much to offer!