Rustic Road 72

Rustic Road R-72 – Winnebago County

This 3.1-mile stretch of Mountain Road loops through the Rush Lake State Natural Area and feels like a peaceful nature trip without leaving the car. With both paved and unpaved sections, R-72 is short but loaded with mellow energy.

Keep an eye out for sandhill cranes, short-eared owls, bobwhite quail, and pheasants as you roll through. In spring and summer, the roadside blooms with wildflowers—trilliums, mayapples, wild geraniums, Solomon’s seal, and goldenrod give this route serious stoner garden vibes. It’s a prime spot to slow down, breathe deep, and let nature do its thing.