Settlement of Winnebago County Began after the Black Hawk War. The Illinois version of Harlem was moved in 1859 when the Kenosha-Rockford Rail Line was built. The dammed waters of Pierce Lake now cover much of the railroad bed within the park, although portions of the railroad grade are visible along Willow Creek below the spillway. But blasting operations in a rock outcrop that railroad crews conducted during the 1859 construction left lasting impressions here - they cut through rock to provide a suitable roadbed and gave Rock Cut its name. Because water serves as a welcome mat to birds and animals, wildlife watchers to the area won't be disappointed.
Birders report good viewing, with waterfowl being abundant.
Deer, fox, muskrat, woodchuck and beaver inhabit Rock Cut State Park as do opossum, raccoon and both gray and fox squirrel. Over 100 types of wildflowers offer a showy display each spring and summer, while the hardwood trees dazzle you with their reds and golds every fall. The Rock Cut trail around Pierce Lake is 4.25 miles long, with separate interpretive trails putting you a little closer to nature. All trails are well-marked and maintained, and brochures with trail maps are available at the park office or the main concession stand. Horseback riders and snowmobilers aren't forgotten at Rock Cut.