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.

Recreation on deck at Dillehay Park in Mt. Morris, Illinois
Dillehay Park
Beautiful sunset views found in Mounder Park in historic Mt. Morris, Illinois

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.

A round of golf at Sunset Golf Course has a nice ring to it. Visit Mt. Morris, Illinois
Sunset Golf Course
TOSOC cycling event offers easy and challenging rides through Mt. Morris and central Ogle County

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.

Nachusa Grasslands nature preserve nearby Mt. Morris, Illinois, is home to birds, native plant species and a herd of bison

Parks Listing

Dillehay Park

South end of Ogle Ave & along Stengel Drive,
Mt. Morris, IL 61054

Mounder Park

105 W. Lincoln Street
Mt. Morris, IL 61054

Palmer Memorial Park

415 E. Lincoln St.
Mt. Morris, IL 61054

Zickuhr Park

510 W. 1st St.
Mt. Morris, IL 61054

White Pines Forest State Park

6712 West Pines Road
Mt. Morris, IL 61054

Lowden State Park

1411 N. River Rd.
Oregon, IL 61061

Castle Rock State Park

1365 W. Castle Rd.
Oregon, IL 61061

Lowden-Miller State Forest

1365 W. Castle Rd.
Oregon, IL 61061

Lowell Park

2114 Lowell Park Rd.
Dixon, IL 61021

Recreation Listing

Sunset Golf Course

216 Sunset Ln.
Mt. Morris, IL 61054

Town and Country Lanes

4031 W Mud Creek Rd.
Mt. Morris, IL 61054

The Rink at Pine Creek

6929 W. Pines Rd.
Mt. Morris, IL 61054

Byron Dragway

7287 N. River Rd.
Byron, IL 61010

Lake LaDonna

1302 S. Harmony Rd.
Oregon, IL 61061