Mt. Morris area parks and recreation spots have something for every nature enthusiast from gently rolling hills, river bluff and valley views, to native grasslands, and lush woodlands for a range of deeply satisfying outdoor experiences.
Mt. Morris is uniquely located just a few minutes from four excellent state parks and forests with plenty of opportunities to camp, hike, play, picnic and explore nature. Two area parks have handicap accessible boat launches, making water sports like boating and kayaking easily accessible. After a day on the water, relax and take a leisurely dinner cruise on an authentic paddle wheel boat.
Out here in the country, wildlife abounds! Waterfowl and deer hunting are available in season, and with the Rock River five miles east of Mt. Morris, fishing is a year-round activity.
Parks
Mt. Morris has over 26 acres of leisure and recreation attractions in our village parks, indoor facility and Village Square campus.
Enjoy the tennis, basketball and sand volleyball courts, and disc golf course at Dillehay Park, at the south end of Ogle Ave. Soccer and ball games keep the fields filled in season. Walk, run or skate along the paved walking path that surrounds Dillehay. Exercise stations and benches along the path offer an opportunity to kick up your heart rate or rest and enjoy a beautiful day. You can reserve one of several picnic shelters, with fireplaces, for large or small gatherings.
Mounder Park is centrally located in town, next to the Village Hall. There is open green space, a playground for youngsters, a skate park for older kids, and pickleball and tennis courts for ‘youngsters’ of all ages. Zickuhr Park, on the west side of Mt. Morris, is a quiet neighborhood park with a wide-open view of sunsets that will soon be renovated with handicap-accessible features and equipment. Palmer Memorial Park, along Route 64, offers a great spot for a picnic under the trees or in the shelter.
Recreation and Activities
Take your pick of several challenging golf courses in the area, including Sunset Golf Course in Mt. Morris. The whole family can glide along at the roller-skating rink across from White Pines State Park or throw for strikes at the bowling alley.
When snow falls the snowmobilers hit the trails – there are several marked trails and routes throughout the area. Bicyclists love to test their endurance on the beautiful rolling hills between Mt. Morris, Oregon, and Dixon. Come in September for TOSOC (Tour of Scenic Ogle County) cycling event that offers easy and challenging rides through central Ogle County.
The 4,000-acre Nachusa Grasslands nature preserve is home to birds, native plant species and a herd of bison. See how the woodlands, wetlands and prairie are being restored to one of the largest and most biologically diverse grasslands in Illinois.
