Beckman Mill County Park
This beautiful 52 acre park consists of a mixed oak woods, an oak savanna, wetlands, a heritage garden and plenty of lawn for leisurely pastimes, picnics and scheduled events.
A reconstructed dam in Raccoon Creek creates a mill pond that is a popular fishing location. The “Thomas G Kautz Nature Trail” include a savanna trail, an accessible boardwalk across native wetlands, and a forested hiking trail in the northern reaches of the park.
The highlight of this park is the historic Beckman-Howe Mill which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This mill is the last structure of its kind in Rock County. It represents a bygone era when water power was used for many purposes. In 1990, the “Friends of Beckman Mill, Inc” was founded by a group of local citizens and a long-term lease with Rock County went into effect. Their goal was to renovate the mill and open it to the public as a 1920’s era working museum.
The park as seen today is a result of the efforts of members of Friends of Beckman Mill, Inc. Formed in 1990, the group on a volunteer basis is responsible for not only the restoration of the mill, but also these other park attractions: new dam, fish ladder, millpond, frog pond, foot bridge, saw mill display, 1848 cooperage, visitor center, gift shop, creamery display, blacksmith display, nature trail, restroom facilities, vintage garden and storage barn.
Park Shelter Reservations
A park shelter with picnic tables is available on a rental basis. For more information click here to go to Rock County Parks website or call 608-757-5450 or email [email protected]
Location & Hours
Beckman Mill Park is located 6 miles west of Beloit, Wisconsin at 11600 South County Road H. It is one mile south of State Highway 81 and approximately 1/2 mile north of the Wisconsin-Illinois stateline. The park is the property of Rock County and encompasses 50 acres in a beautiful rural setting. It is open year-round from 5 am to 10 pm.
Amenities Include: Picnic shelter with 12 tables and electricity, other picnic tables scattered throughout the park, nature trails, heritage garden, accessible fishing pier, covered bridge, dam with millpond and unique fish ladder, sawmill display, restrooms, drinking water, and cooking grills.
For additional information about Beckman Mill Park contact:
Sheri Disrud at 608 362-2825 or email [email protected]