Ogle County Could Consider Acquiring Lorado Taft Campus From NIU

OREGON — Ogle County is looking into taking ownership of the former Lorado Taft Field Campus after Northern Illinois University offered to donate the 141 acre property to the county. NIU said they are exploring cooperation with a number of local entities who may be interested in keeping the art haven open to the public. During the July 14 Executive Committee meeting, Chairman Bruce Larson said the donation would require the county to continue educational and preservation efforts at the site. Larson said NIU is seeking an answer by Aug. 31 and that the county plans to have engineers inspect the property, talk with local organizations that may be interested in its future, and gauge public interest before making a decision. NIU permanently closed the campus on Dec. 15, 2024, citing aging infrastructure, millions of dollars in needed repairs and the property’s lack of alignment with the university’s academic mission. The Rock River property near Oregon was once home to the Eagle’s Nest Art Colony and later served as an outdoor education center.