Starved Rock State Park is full of wonder all year. There are many boardwalk trails providing safe walkways in most weather. In the winter there are frozen waterfalls in the canyons. Spring often brings fast streams to the canyons and high water to the Illinois River. In summer there are miles of trails through lush oak forest. Fall brings cooler weather and changing leaves. thanks
Excellent hiking and sightseeing park. Be prepared to walk so wear comfy shoes. Bring a backpack with snacks and food. Bring plenty of water if you plan on hiking allot. Tons of off the path trails among the canyon areas to get great views and pictures that most people miss just be careful if you aren't an experienced hiker. Some of the terrain is rough to climb or walk through. If you want to see waterfalls come during spring or right after.
It's a great place for hiking. The place has well marked trails, nice history and peaceful spots. It could get crowded during the weekends but it's not too bad. All the trails add up to around 13 miles. It's a good choice for a quick one day getaway as well!
Super fun just make sure to bring lots and lots of cold water. Dont forget yours in the car like we did i was never so happy to get tap water from a bar tender, after we got back. There is fudge and ice cream as well as a nice restraint. Amazing views and plants. There is so much to see it was well worth the drive. On the way there, We also got to see the Oscar mire wiener car which i know is a once in a life time opportunity. So the trip was so much fun definitely worth it.
This state park is amazing! I grew up in Utah and am accustomed to being surrounded by mountains, rock formations, and a variety of recreational things to do. I began my search for semi-compatible locations in the Midwest to scratch my adventurous itch. This place did a great job at that. Free entry and parking. A large variety of hiking paths, options, and waterfalls to reward you for your effort. The hikes are low in difficulty but do have some narrow areas. We have been a few times and my children ranged from 6 to 13 during these visits. Some of the narrow areas were cause for extra attention and caution, but not enough to deter. Perfect place for mild hikes with the family.
Most wonderful natural park in the state. Outstanding hiking trails with beautiful views of canyons and the Illinois River. Easy to get lost so plan ahead! Very safe clean well maintained park.
We just stopped in for dinner. RusticAmericanaquiet.beautiful. Great dinner menu in the main dining room. Friendly wait staff. Piping hot wholesome and flavorful meal with hot biscuits and real butter. A stroll outside for the outdoors seating much more casual and earthy with lovely views of the sheer dropoffs and countryside below. Sunset was picturesque against a huge autumn sky. A bit of a walk for sore knees but worth the steps.
I'm so glad we decided to go to the State Park it is completely awesome. Although the human traffic that comes through on a beautiful day makes it difficult to find a parking spot and probably isn't helping the environment. But that's because it is so beautiful and draws a huge crowd. But it was nice to see Rangers walking around which does make you feel a bit more safe
I have to say we ate at the lodge and the food was fabulous. And Starved Rock was great as usual. The only problem I had was I wish there was a little more color hardly any color out there. And I wish my legs were better to walk and see a lot of the things I missed. But all in all it was a fabulous day out there and weather was great.
I took my dog today and it could not have been more perfect. The weather was nice and the leaves were starting to change. Plus the canyons were gorgeous! Quite a few people and their dogs were on the trails today. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes and bring lots of water. There are a lot of stairs, steep areas, and miles of wilderess to see. The park was in a dry spell because the ground was either sandy or dry dirt. Signs to each area was very helpful. We only able to see locations: French Connection and Lover's Leap.
The only down fall was the driveit felt like forever to come here from Chicago (~2hrs).
But, I will definitely come back soon to see he other canyons or stay at the lodge.
Wonderful! We just happened upon the place while staying overnight in a local RV park . Our friends drove down from Wisconsin to see us as we passed through so this is where we ended up for dinner. Wow. What a find. Not only outs it beautiful but the fried chicken was killer! Probably the best fried chicken I've ever eaten and that is saying a lot! Will definitely explore this area again!
The park has become much more accessible to all people in recent years. Many of the trails now have railings, stairs, specific paths, and even some wooden boardwalks. When my family went here, there had not been a lot of rain, so the waterfalls and rivers were small, but I presume they would be better with more water.
Great time! Haven't been there since I was a kid. Now, many years later, taking my own kids. 5-year old son was able to navigate the trails and climbing on his own. 2-year old daughter was in a full-frame child carrier. I don't see any child under 4 being able to handle on their own; not just due to effort, but also the danger factor. There are some cliffs alongside many of the trails. All in all, a great time. We went on the 4th of July, fully expecting it to be packed. While it was busy, I feel like people were dispersed evenly throughout the park making it feel less busy than I know it was (with the exception of the parking lot). I highly recommend getting there early to get decent parking. We left the Chicago area around 730a and got there around 930a to a half-full parking lot, which looked pretty full when we were leaving a few hours later. Can't wait to go again, but maybe on a less busy day. Highly recommended for a not-TOO-far away destination for a day or weekend trip.
Love this place for hiking. Lots of fun for kids too! Make sure to get take flip flops or swim shoes for kids if they like to play in the water. The waterfall is very tempting for them but you can't see through the water so letting the kids go barefoot may not be the best idea. I always have swim shoes in my backpack for them and they have lots of fun running around in water.
Drove up for brunch with family, and stayed for a great day of hiking. The trails are scenic and seem to go on for miles. Trails range from manicured concrete to packed sand, where roots and terrain have been left untouched. You get clifftop vistas, and secluded backwoods waterfalls. The lodge equals those that you would experience in mountain regions, yet is right in our own back yard. Make it a day or a weekend. I think you will enjoy it.