Black Hawk State Historic Site

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Black Hawk State Historic Site is a 213 acre park managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources that showcases the fascinating cultural history and diverse natural resources of the Quad Cities. Explore hiking trails along the Rock River and through the nature preserve. Discover the history of Black Hawk and the Sauk and Meskwaki people by visiting the John Hauberg Museum. Reserve the beautiful Watch Tower Lodge (built by the Civilian Conservation Corps) for your next big event.

Mar
29

Tour of Black Hawk State Historic Site Area Prehistoric and Sauk History
9:30am-12:00pm
Watch Tower Lodge (1800 46th Ave, Rock Island).
Meet local archaeological expert Ferrel Anderson in the west parking lot for an introduction, followed by a combination walking/self driving tour. Locate Sauk fields, Black Hawk’s home site, and more.

Mar
30

Singing Bird and the Importance of Native American Women in Illinois History
2:00pm-3:30pm
Watch Tower Lodge (1800 46th Ave, Rock Island).
Kim Sigafus. Dressed in her native regalia, Kim gives a history of Natives in Illinois with a focus on Native women or what was considered “The Hidden Half.” Her primary focus is women such as Singing Bird (Blackhawk’s wife) and Hononegah. Kim will bring the audience into these women’s day-to-day lives, including courting, marriage, and child-rearing. She will also talk about their role in their husbands’ lives, and how those lives affected the history of Illinois. She will bring items that women would have used in their daily lives, as she discusses the role women played within the family unit. The audience will be able to pick up and view the items, learn Native language and music, and get the chance to play the drum in this interactive experience.

Apr
26

48th Stroll Through Springtime
7:00am-12:00pm
Watch Tower Lodge (1800 46th Ave, Rock Island).
Birds will be the focus of groups from 7-9 a.m. Birders will meet by the Black Hawk statue. Expert leaders will help to locate both resident and migratory birds. Participants can bring binoculars or use the binoculars provided. From 9:00-10:00 there will a short program and refreshments in the Lodge including wild violet jelly. At 10:00 in small groups, participants will observe and identify wildflowers. The Black Hawk forest is designated Nature Preserve and has many native species of wildflowers. FREE Membership in Preserve Black Hawk Park Foundation is open to all who want to preserve, improve, and interpret the natural, ecological, historic and archeological features of Black Hawk State Historic Site.