Buffalo Rock State Park

Small but big sometimes is best!
We were here last weekend. Beautiful sunny cool pleasant day. Got there about 8:20. First time here. The views of the IL River were spectacular. We were about 30 minutes into our hike, when we started to hear gunshots.
Well unbeknownst to us, we didn't know it was a gun range in the area.
We sorta tried to just tune out those sounds and just get more into our hike. Saw several different species of birds. Then we finally saw an eagle . That was really cool!
We met some friendly faces along the trail too!
Plan to go back before winter sets in and see the two remaining buffalo .
We heard that there was a recent loss.
Hope they can introduce more buffalo to the park.

Can walk the trails or go off trail a little more and walk over the rocks right over the river. Only one trail that loops around, but great for on the river views and a quicker hike. Not busy at all.

Wonderful place to explore, walk trails, view the Illinois River and hang out with actual buffalo ... also dog friendly

"Give me a home, where the buffalo roam............!" Such a great experience!!!!! Went solo & loved it!!! went back with my wifey and loved it again in November with the crazy fall leaves and views!! and of courseeeeeee the Buffalo!!!!

An underrated park full of gorgeous views, sandstone cliffs and history. Unlike Starved Rock and Matthiessen Parks, you’re more likely to need wind or sun protection than water shoes. Breezy and beautiful, Buffalo Rock is a lush prairie with breathtaking views of the river valley.

A great park to check out both by foot and by E-bike! Definitely a hidden gem you'll want to explore when you are limited on time but still would like an adventure! Live Buffalo!

A small but beautiful state park located right across the river from Starved rock. This is a nice alternative if you want to stay away from the starved rock crowds. The park features about 3 miles of trails that wind along the river bluffs and through open grasslands. The trails also pass by the effigy tumuli, huge earthen sculptures of native animals. These sculptures are pretty subtle so do not expect some kind of mt Rushmore type sculptures, they are just earthen mounds that you can walk on. The park also features some very nice picnic shelters and a baseball field. There are also three American bison at the park. The drive up to the park is particularly beautiful as you curve along some beautiful sandstone bluffs.

Great trails here beautiful park. Good place to walk!!! There's bathrooms they're not to bad. The Buffalo's were out always nice to see them the kids love it.

The family took a little hike around one of the loops today. This park is less popular than the others in the area, but it's still very beautiful and runs along the river. There weren't too many people on the trails today.

Excellent hiking trail. We came here because starved rock was closed due to tornado and storms. The trails are simple enough for a family but offer a great view of the river. They also have a few buffalos that school children bought. Really adds to the "buffalo" name, which was was originally created because of the look of the rocks from the river.

Nice little park close to Matthiessen and Starved Rock. Only a fraction of the size. Good for an hour or two. They have picnic areas with a pavilion and flushing toilets. Also has a playground for children and a baseball field. The shorter trails make it good for children also. There’s a couple inclines on the river trail but the prairie path is flat. And I can’t forget they have three live bison. A mother, father, and baby.

Buffalo Rock has a little bit of everything. Prarie grass, woods, and scenic views of the Illinois River. The Buffalo can been seen with out even getting out of your car. It has nice trails and plenty of spots for picnics. It is not as crowded as Starved Rock, so if you go to the state parks and the parking lots are full I highly recommend this one.

Less crowded than Starved Rock and beautiful overlook of the Illinois River from 60 feet up. 3 Buffalo includes baby. Clean bathrooms and picnic tables. Short walk to scenic overlooks. Good stop for children and dogs.

Waterfront trails are a must see! They have a little family of buffalo that live here. They are caged up (with plenty of room) so there's no need to worry about wild buffalo. There are picnic tables galore and a ton of places to park. There are a few different areas to explore and it's usually not very busy.

Nice clean park. A few trails for the grandson's to enjoy and of course the buffalo.

Great hiking trails! Not as busy as Starved Rock but just as scenic!

Quiet park. Has only one trail not difficult at all. Has some cool overlooks. Not as big or stunning as starved rock but definitely worth a look.

A no difficulty trail that suitable for everyone. Not a single stair in the trail. Wheelchair friendly. Easily to enjoy the view of the lake throughout half of the trail.

The river bluff trail is beautiful

We did not visit any of the trails, the sole purpose of our visit was to see the bisons and we were lucky enough to spot the family of bisons near the fence. It was a great experience for the kids.