Loves Park & Machesney Park

Located in Winnebago County and just 90 miles from Chicago, the City of Loves Park has continued to prosper since its incorporation in 1947. In fact, its growth and popularity has spread the city’s boundaries into Boone County and population has grown to just under 25,000.

Loves Park’s excellent location isn’t the only reason for its incredible growth. A vibrant economy founded on commercial and industrial enterprises combine with local businesses, restaurants and merchants to give Loves Park a solid economic foundation. Loves Parks many outdoor recreational attractions include easy access to Rock Cut State Park and its 3,000 acres of rolling plains and pristine lakes, perfect for swimming, hiking, biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, camping and much more.

Loves Park is also home to some of the area’s biggest cultural attractions. Although named after nearby Rockford, the Rockford Speedway is located in Loves Park and is Illinois’ oldest continuously operating professional sports venue. Since 1948, the Rockford Speedway has delighted fans that have watched races along the high-banked quarter mile oval track, or attended the many concerts, circuses, car shows, and other events. Loves Park is also the home of Road Ranger Stadium where the Frontier League’s Rockford River Hawks play minor league baseball games. Throughout the year, additional celebrations and festivals continue to bring the community together in Loves Park, including the annual “Young at Heart Festival” held over the Memorial Day weekend.