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Things to DoThe #1 activity at Starved Rock State Park is hiking! There are 18 canyons and 13 miles of hiking trails which surround the Illinois River Valley. The Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center is the perfect place to begin you trip. Maps and helpful information is readily available and Trailheads Concessions and Gifts is located here, too. Stop by if you forgot your gloves or want a snack, walking stick or water bottle. To view Things to Do at the Lodge, click here. Boating, fishing, camping, horseback riding, picnicking, water and winter sports can all add to your Starved Rock experience. Canoes can be rented at the Riverfront (west of the Visitor Center). Starved Rock Lodge is located within the Park and is open to the public year 'round.
Voted one of the "Top 10 Places for Fall Colors in the Midwest", Starved Rock State Park is filled with an ever-changing paintbox of color in the Fall. Autumn rains make the waterfalls active again. Don't forget your camera because this is a unique place in Illinois to get some spectacular photos!
Winter hiking is awesome here. Last year, 71 eagles were spotted on Eagle Watch Weekend!
Spring brings blossoms from the dormant forest floor. And waterfalls come back to life, bringing spectacular sights to Ottawa, Aurora, French, Wildcat, Sac, Illinois and Kaskaskia Canyons. As the leaves turn green and the days get warmer, a hike through the woods allows you to reconnect with nature. There are over 200 flowers that grow in the wild here from April through November.
The cool canyons are refreshing to visit when the heat of the summer warms the Starved Rock area. The ferns and foilage are lush and plentiful. The Veranda at Starved Rock Lodge offers outdoor dining AND a breathtaking view of "The Rock" and the river valley below. The trails are open all year, but hikers are urged to exercise extreme caution and to stay on official trails. To keep you oriented, trail maps are located at all trail access points, intersections and points of interest. There are colored posts along the trails, corresponding to colors on the maps, and letter symbols on the trail brochure to further assist you. Finally, yellow dots on trees or posts indicate that you are moving away from the Lodge or Visitor Center, and white dots mean you are returning. Due to the park's fragile ecosystem, camping is prohibited in unauthorized areas and all rock climbing, rappelling or scrambling off trails is prohibited. Biking is not allowed on the hiking trails. For your own safety, you must be off the trails by dark. Alcohol is prohibited on all trails. Please note that there are no washrooms or drinking water areas on the trails.
Art in the Park Masterful Chainsaw Carvings 24/7-365: throughout the year A FREE art exhibit in nature. Pick up an "Art in the Park" brochure at the registration desk of the Lodge Lobby or in the brochure rack of the Great Hall and set out on a journey of discovery. 30 masterful chainsaw carvings representing wildlife, Native American subjects and even Abe Lincoln can be found throughout the Lodge grounds. Many of the outdoor carvings were created from IDNR-approved trees on site. Make a game of it with your kids, your friends, or your colleagues or use the opportunity as a teaching tool for your students. The Lodge is located just up the stairs behind the Visitor Center.
Fishing The Illinois River near Starved Rock is known as the "Sauger Capital" of the world! Each year, this tournament brings fisherman from near and far to compete for the biggest catch. Despite cold weather and inclement conditions, the tourney continues. Boats may be launched from the west end of the park. Also, paddlewheel boat rides are available. Boats are not allowed within 600 feet of the dam, as strong currents and powerful undertows can be dangerous. Catfish, bullhead, white bass, sauger, walleye, carp and crappie may be caught in the Illinois River. Under no circumstances should you attempt to wade or swim in the river, canyons or from any park shoreline. Need bait? Applebee's Bait Shop, just off I-80 at the corner of Routes 6 & 178 is open 7 days a week.
Trolley Tours Take a Trolley Tour of the Starved Rock Area Two departures: 12:00-1:30 p.m. & 1:30-3:00 p.m.
Entertainment at the Rock If you like Patsy Cline, The Andrew Sisters, or Neil Diamond, check out our "Tribute to the Stars" Series. If you like Country Music, join us for the Colgate Country Showdown (Tuesday nights from June 22 through August 3). Don't miss our Veranda Parties every Friday & Saturday night from Memorial Day to Labor Day! Don't miss our Veranda Parties every Friday & Saturday night from Memorial Day to Labor Day! Camping Starved Rock Campground is located just a few miles south, just of Route 71. There are 133 Class A-Premium campsites, 100 of them reservable, complete with electricity, showers and flush toilets, a separate youth group camping area and a children's playground. Permits may be obtained from the park office or at the permit booth in the campground area. Seven campsites are accessible for people with disabilities. Alcohol is prohibited in the campground. NEW - There is a campground store open inside the campground area. The store sells fire wood, ice, soda, and other camping supplies.
Horseback Riding & Equestrian Camping There are equestrian trails and an equestrian campground along Illinois Route 178. Horse rentals are available through Starved Rock Stables on Route 71, a half-mile west of Illinois Route 178 and at Cedar Creek Ranch, just 10 miles east on Route 71. Winter Sports Cross-country skiing can be enjoyed in the picnic area and at nearby Matthiessen State Park. Cross-country ski rentals are available at Matthiessen Dells Area on weekends December through March. Snowmobiling is not allowed anywhere at Starved Rock, but is allowed at the I & M Canal one mile to the north in Utica. Picnicking Developed picnic areas are available to the day visitor, with tables, drinking water and restroom facilities. Eight shelters are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Alcohol is prohibited January 1 through May 31 in the picnic area. Alcohol is always prohibited on the trails. We do not provide grills in the park. |
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