Located in the heart of Rock River Valley, this charming 385-acre park is the south boundary of the old Chicago-Iowa Trail. History tells us that this was for years the principal route east and west across the northern part of the state. Today the park provides the perfect recipe for family get-aways! There are plenty of outdoor recreation activities, such as hiking, fishing, camping, bicycling and picnicking to name just a few. Add lots of serene, picturesque beauty. Blend in some modern lodge facilities amidst a beautiful forest. What better way to retreat from the everyday routine than to rediscover yourself and your family among the "open spaces" at White Pines. Along the meandering banks of Spring and Pine Creeks, this scenic haven has magnificent trees that share moss-covered cliffs, strung with trailing vines. In season, colorful beds of blooming trout lily, Solomon's seal, bloodroot, blue-eyed grass, spring beauty and hepatica are everywhere. Small mammals like red squirrels, raccoons and chipmunks thrive in the luxuriant undergrowth, and the spreading braches above are filled with pine thrush, warblers and, in winter, flocks of migratory northern birds.

• Go for a drive: One of the park's most interesting features is the concrete fords that span the creeks, allowing the visitor, quite literally, to drive through the flowing streams.
• Spend a night under the stars. White Pines State Park has 106 Class B/S campsites, with vehicular access, as well as tent and trailer sites (no electrical hookups). In addition, there is a youth group campground.