On a crisp mid-October Saturday morning, I set out for Rock River Heritage County Park, a new gem nestled along the banks of the Rock River in Janesville, Wisconsin. This park, opened just this past summer, stands where the old Camp Indian Trails once lay—a cherished ground for the local Boy Scouts of America. With curiosity as my compass and the hope of some geocaching adventures, I returned to a place I once knew deeply.
As a longtime adult leader, I had a special bond with this land. Many of my days and nights were spent here, woven into the fabric of summer camps, leader training, and ceremonies of the Order of the Arrow. I’d even served as a staff member at Wood Badge training courses, each role adding layers of meaning to my connection with these woods.
Walking these familiar paths, I felt old memories rise like embers—each cabin and campsite stirring scenes of friendships, campfires, and rites of passage. To my surprise, the park seemed better tended than I remembered, perhaps improved over the years since my last visit around 2017.
Spanning 178 acres, as noted on the Janesville website, Rock River Heritage County Park stretches graciously along the river, inviting wanderers with its well-kept trails that wind through the trees. Many of the original cabins and buildings still stand, silent witnesses to years of stories and adventures. It was as if time had brushed gently over the place, preserving its spirit while allowing for new growth.
Ample parking, picnic tables, and peaceful river views make it easy for visitors to rest and absorb the beauty of the landscape. Along these riverbanks, one can pause to watch for wildlife or simply breathe in the rhythm of nature, each sound and scent grounding you to the land.
And then there was the surprise—a new man-made lake glistening under the morning sun. It wasn’t there before, and discovering it felt like uncovering a hidden treasure. This lake, serene and clear, added a fresh layer to the park’s charm, contrasting beautifully with the woods and river. Its presence whispered of ongoing efforts to enhance this beloved place, creating new vistas and possibilities for generations of visitors.
Rock River Heritage County Park, in its quiet way, continues to honor the past while opening new paths for the present—a living legacy along the river’s edge.
