Starved Rock State Park

Been here twice.
This is such an enchanted, magical state park. The hikes and sights are super awesome and great. I went last year in the Winter and Summer. I would suggest to go during the Summer, but it’s still a cool sight in the winter when the Waterfall is frozen.
Definitely pack some snacks, especially if you plan on being out there for a long while, and water. Wear some good hiking shoes, or shoes you don’t mind getting dirty also. Take a camera and just explore the hell out of this place. Make sure you have the whole day, too, to explore.
Tip: Turn off your phone and don’t let anything disrupt the day :)

Everyone talks about how beautiful is this state park. Considering it’s only an hour and half or so from Chicago city limits to Utica. Not many people get to venture out to natural locations of beauty. But for those of us who have been fortunate enough to do some actual hiking and actual trails, this place is a disappointment.
Any weekend you go, there are large crowds of people: it’s hard to find parking, trails through the forest, although easy are essentially «follow the leader» or the throngs of people in front of you. You can’t really stop on a trail because there’s a herd of folks right behind you trying to get through. There’s Vistas and restaurants also overflowing with folks. Trash is left everywhere, and Porto potties are not really kept up to par/​clean.
If you want to go to a state park, you may want to travel a little farther to avoid the crowds.

its a beautiful state park! It is a definite and is nice during all the seasons.

As recommended by the tour guide, followed the trail to French and wildfire canyons and the overlooks– about 3 miles. Amazing sandstone cliffs! The waterfalls were frozen mostly but I’m sure they are spectacular in other seasons. I couldn’t see the bald eagles but maybe I’m just not seasoned enough. Great views of the islands and dams. When I went, parts of the park were flooded so they relocated the visitors center.

Starved Rock is an amazing location for hiking that I’ll miss now that I’ve moved away from Chicago. Some of the trails are certainly easier than others. For example, the LaSalle Canyon trail had some areas that weren’t fully cleared and some parts that we had to take a few steps up rocks to get through; there were also a ton of stairs to descend down to the trail and back up. I’m not an experienced hiker by any means, but anyone with mobility issues should beware. If you can make it, though, there is a great payoff with the waterfall at the end. It flows more at the beginning of spring (when snow is melting) or following heavy rains.
You can have dogs with you on leash on the trails, and my dog loved this hike. However, dogs can’t go inside the visitor center, nor can they stay in the lodge. If you’re planning to visit and stay overnight with a dog, there is a La Quinta a short drive away.

Free and fabulous, but a friggin’ lot of stairs! It took me a long time to finally check Starved Rock out. I’m not originally from Illinois, so it wasn’t even on my radar for a good many years even after moving to the Chicago burbs. But once I saw some photos and read some reviews (especially Christian K’s and his puppy), I knew it was a must try for me.
Now, about those stairs. You are going to have to climb them to see some of the best views at the park. You can definitely avoid them if you are not able to traverse them– and some are steep and plentiful, like 200 at a time– but if you do avoid them, you will also miss some pretty spectacular views. But… I’m not over exaggerating; the stairs are will take it out of you, even if you are in decent shape.
The extra nice thing about this park is that you do get all sorts of views and a variety of trails. You can explore along the river/lake’s edge, or through the thick of the wooded forest, or hike up and down to some waterfalls. People even do it in the ice covered winter! Not me, but you know, crazy people. ;) You can definitely pack on some miles here, anywhere from 1 or 2, to around 15 or so if you did everything; more if you tend to take a wrong turn like me. I’ve hobbled out of the park more than once because I am directionally challenged.
They do have a visitors center, lodges and a banquet hall here. You can easily pack a light lunch and backpack through, make a picnic where you choose to. Please keep your litter to yourself, and I’d also recommend you call ahead to make sure trails and parking lots are open. I’ve made the 2 hour trip only to find there were flooded areas with limited access, so that can be a real bummer. I learned my lesson. But even if it’s limited, it’s a great place to spend a few hours, a day or a weekend. Even though it took me a while to make my way to Starved Rock, I now get there as often as I can, and always suggest it to friends and family from out of town.

This is a great place for a group outing. We had so much fun when we came there. My only advise is to bring clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty, and be prepared to walk! We spend about 5 – 6 hours of walking… Yes! That’s how big the park is!

This is worth the 1.5hr drive from Chicago/​Northwest Suburbs. I have been coming here annually with huge groups and have never been disappointed. Even when the park was flooded, we parked far away and walked over to the visitor center.
Here are some suggestions:
1) Bring the best mosquito spray that exists in Wal-​Mart. Otherwise, you’ll be needing a blood transfusion by the time you’re done hiking.
2) St. Louis Canyon is a must see. It’s fun climbing up the cave and an excellent team building exercise. The only downside of this hike is, it’s a long hike to the waterfall, and then it’s only one way back. There are shortcuts though, and if you’re «adventurous» you’ll be able to navigate through them. But if you got some oldies or babies in your group, just stay on the trail.
3) French Canyon is a super easy/​short «family» hike and has a beautiful waterfall. This is where you want to take a picture with the waterfall + canyon in the background. There is some slightly difficulty getting up to the waterfall as their is a slope with water running down.
4) By now, you want to take a brief break and eat some food and chill.
5) Get in the car and drive to the East End of the trail and part near the Council Overhand. You’ll go through a bunch of curvy roads and it’s very hard to miss the parking lot. So keep google maps on.
6) Go to Ottawa Canyon followed by Kasaskia Canyon. Both have excellent waterfalls but can run dry when it hasn’t rained for a bit. These trails are very difficult if it rained in the morning or the night before. So oldies and babies have to sit out.
7) If you have time, hike to the Illinois Canyon. Although there isn’t a nice waterfall… it’s a very nice scenery at the end.
It’s a fun trip to take with your family or a bunch of friends and it’s ALL FREE!!!

I kept seeing this place in all of those top 10 places to visit in IL. Figured, it’s time to finally cross this off my list. We got here quite early. around 9 am I suppose (yeah, it’s still not early enough. but hey, breakfast and stuff takes time).
You have 2 routes to choose: the easy and short north west route or the much more awesome south eastern route. Guess which one we chose? Yep the latter one. We passed by the Wildcat, Tonti, LaSalle, Hidden, Hennepin, Ottawa and stopped just short of Kaskaskia Canyon. Then later after walking back to the visitor center, we ventured a bit north towards the Starved Rock Canyon as well. It was like a 10 mile hike overall (atleast according to my fitbit).
Some pointers:
–Get here early! (this is the most important thing to note). Around 12pm, you start seeing a huge wave of people pouring in… kids, dogs, aliens. everyone.
–Bring sufficient water. There are no fountains on the way
–Wear proper shoes (if you’re taking the southern route). It can get hilly at times. Plus, don’t you want to try climbing some of those rocks? It’s where all the fun’s at
–Don’t litter (-.-)
–Get ready for lots of climbing (steps. up, up, up we go)
–Some of those trails can get quite narrow, and since it’s all mostly unpaved, you might not have proper foothold. So be careful not to fall into a ditch (hence the need for good shoes)
We were hoping to see some of those famous waterfalls but unfortunately there was nothing. So I guess if you really do want to see the waterfalls, go during the rainy or winter season.

This was on my bucket list of places to visit for a very long time, and I was thrilled when we finally made it here. Unfortunately, it started to downpour a few hours into our visit, but that did not stop us!
Be prepared for walking and climbing and magnificent views! I would visit during the week; otherwise, parking is horrible. We walked over a mile just to get to the main hiking area.
This is a perfect nature experience for mobile people of all ages, and plenty of folks had their dogs too.

Starved Rock should be a definite on places to visit in Illinois especially if you’re in the city. It’s not super close but a very do-​able day trip if you plan correctly. We left the city @ 7:30am and made it there just before 10:30 (with a stop to quickly grab breakfast). The main parking lot at the visitor center was about half full already by the time we got there so an earlier might have afforded us a less crowded start.
Since it was our first visit we went with starting from the visitor center and then seeing how far we could get. We made the turn back at Parkman’s Plain (a little over 2.5 miles away) since the bathroom was just a port-​a-​potty and no water fountain to replenish our water supply. All-​in-​all to get from the visitor center to the Plain and back (while visiting a bunch of the canyons in-​between) took about 6 hours.
Pros:
— Hiking: no better way to get a workout in than exploring the trails.
— Visitor center facilities: It’s a good spot to start out with if you’re a novice to the area. You can review maps, get park condition updates, use the clean bathrooms, etc.
— View: Hiking is one thing, but hiking to a destination like a canyon or bluff makes for nice rewards when you get there.
What I wish was better:
— Crowds: Sometimes the paths get narrow. Unfortunately people still felt the need to congregate and occupy a path or walk at their own speed without letting others through. Often led to getting stuck trying to clear an area until the crowd thinned out.
— The litter: You wouldn’t believe how much trash you’ll find around the paths. You’ll know you’re nearing a bluff or canyon by the increase in discarded trash once you get closer. I can see something happening when you lose your grip but finding your trash stuffed into a dead log is no excuse. And since we visited in the dry season, it’s easy to see how all of it accumulates at the end of the riverbeds when the water dries up.
— Some additional signs marking the presence of poison ivy. There’s a wide path that leads to the stairs to Starved Rock. Next to those stairs they have signs showing you how to identify poison ivy which is really helpful. But oddly enough walking back to the center you can spot some more poison ivy within steps of the path. After seeing how many children or dogs will run along the sides of paths you’d think that spot would be marked more clearly.
Some recommendations:
— Waterproof or water resistant hiking shoes — There are paved or wooden paths around the visitor center but if you want to see a canyon or waterfall we’re talking about dirt, mud, water.
— Bug spray, sun tan lotion, hat — Or in other words prepare for the elements.
— Replenishable water bottle or hydration pack — The treks can be strenuous since you’re climbing stairs, rocks, inclines, etc. Plus if you bring your own water bottle or pack I’m pretty sure you’ll be more apt to holding onto it.

My girls and I decided to do something spontaneous for once instead of the typical food and drinks. It was such a grand time. We definitely did not regret this one bit! If you enjoy nature and exercise, this is SO FOR YOU.
It was nice having the stairs to guide us as well as having «hiking paths» as another option. Make sure you’re equipped with sunscreen and bug spray (the bugs are HUGE — definitely something to keep in mind because we were scared out of our lives). However, the scenic views were beautiful, and the air was clean. Always keep hydrated because I promise you that you will sweat buckets.

I am obsessed with this place! I wish I lived closer. I’ve been here twice this summer and it is so beautiful and an amazing getaway from Chicago.
The first time I came here, it had rained nearly every day for 2 or 3 weeks so it was mudddddy. But there was a major pro to this: all of the waterfalls/​streams were running very strong and it was so refreshing on a 95 degree day!
The second time I came here, it’s been much more dry. Hasn’t rained hard in quite a few days/​weeks, so nearly all of the waterfalls besides the one in La Salle canyon were dry. Sad. The waterfalls are definitely a treat and I recommend coming here after it’s rained a few days straight, as long as you don’t mind mud.
Be prepared for a leg workout for sure!
I would love to come here in winter to see it covered in snow and the ice falls. It’s on my list.

The first time I was here, it was with a group of friends in 2005! It’s one of those life experiences I will forever appreciate and never forget. We spent the entire weekend camping, sleeping in tents and eating by campfire; a lot of hiking and posing for pictures too!
A decade later and a few failed attempts earlier this summer, I finally had the weather I needed to make the journey by Harley. There’s something majestic about watching the scenery change from urban to rural and taking the scenic route home.
My boyfriend and I reached Starved Rock with plenty of daylight to bask in the glory of nature’s beauty. It’s a good place to spend a couple hours with our dog and enjoy a scoop of ice cream from their concession stand.

We have been here a number of times since our first visit in 2007, and this was our first summer visit. I will say, I appreciate the views better in the fall, but it was pretty on an 80 degree summer day as well.
Things I liked: the staircases are in good shape as is all the decking. The snack shop in the visitor center had fair prices and a good selection of treats. The bird feeder area was fun to view. The paths were clearly marked.
Be ready to climb stairs!
Things that were bummers: many of the educational text markers were nearly impossible to read due to the clear overlays that were cracked. Our snack shop clerk was surly until I killed him with kindness. The trolley only makes one trip a day and is sold out for weeks – doesn’t that warrant two a day trips?
I was dismayed that people littered along the trails. Most trash was out of reach, but my husband did pick up a soiled diaper which he then carried quite a long way to dispose of. That issue is not the park’s fault, but it did cause me to be upset with lazy people.

Really loved my trip to Starved Rock on 5.26.15. I brought a group of 40 seniors to see the tribute to Johnny Cash show, «Walkin’ the Line» in the lodge. They had a nice time.
We arrived when it was pouring down rain, but the intent wasn’t to hike the trails. We had lunch in the lodge then watched the performance. There was an intermission, so we were able to go out onto the decks and look at the scenery.
I can’t say anything about the park itself because I didn’t take a group that could physically hike. They would have enjoyed a trolley ride though; maybe next time.
I’d definitely come back here with another group, as well as on my own time. It’s a great place for people of all ages. I’m sure the park is beautiful during the fall months.
Staff here was very friendly and accommodating. Lots of parking for tour buses, etc.

Went today, Memorial Day! Very busy but still nice. Took a tour, which I suggest for those new to hiking. 32 $/​p for a sit down lunch, trolley ride to 3 canyons/​waterfalls. 24 people in my tour.
Lodge was nice. Didn’t stay the night but restaurant was inside for lunch.
People brought a lot of dogs! Usually fine. Many baby strollers which I wouldn’t suggest. It’s too tight and cramped on paths to have strollers plus slippery, sandy, and steep!
I’d like to return again, maybe in the fall!

This is a great area for hiking. It’s the most interesting hiking area that I’ve been to in central/​northern il. There are river & canyon views.
Here are some pros
Dog friendly –just leash & pick up after.
Eagles in the winter (late dec –early march) — look at Plum island from starved rock over look.
Several canyons with waterfalls pending recent rain
Helpful visitor center. restaurant & lodge
Helpful hint
There is a 2^nd parking lot a bit further down on 71 that makes the trek to Owl, Tonty & LaSalle canyons a bit shorter. We did the round trip hike from there in 2 hours with photo stops of course.
I will return in spring after a good rain & when the sun is out so that I can see the waterfalls in action. Don’t contemplate, just go & enjoy a day in nature.

Awesome adventure to experience. If you’ve never been to Starved Rock, I recommend your first time be one of the «Take a Hike & Lunch» guided tours.
For just $ 17 per person, you get to hike around these beautiful trails and canyons and hear the history of the park for three and a half hours. and you get a lunch to boot. The total distance was around 4.5 miles. You choose what you want for lunch when you order your tickets on the website and when you arrive it comes in a cute collectible drawstring backpack.
I think the tours are only on the weekends and they even have ones during the winter, though I would never want to go during that time of year. Fall is the perfect time to go! We went on Nov. 9 and it was perfect. Just 8 of us (4 couples), which I think was a good crowd to be stuck with for so long.
The tour guide, Geology Joe, was AWESOME. He’s retired and does this part-​time, but you’d never know it. He’s a wealth of knowledge, funny, and an all around nice guy.
Some of the hike is quiet treacherous and the website tells you it’s classified as «strenuous» so be careful. My legs did NOT like me the following morning!
Didn’t make it this year? Go next fall for sure… You’ll be glad you did.

There’s more to Illinois than just Chicago and cornfields.
You’d never guess it but less than 100 miles from the city, on the south bank of the Illinois River, the cornfields give way to Starved Rock State Park — four miles of sandstone bluffs with 18 canyons cut into them by glaciers and streams. Up the road a bit is Matthiessen State Park, a smaller version but also with a gorgeous canyon. OK, so they’re not the Grand Canyon, but they’re a good start for hiking novices. There’s even wooden stairways and platforms built over many of the trails to help you over the worst parts (and to protect the sandstone from eroding). Just make sure you wear sturdy footwear — flip-​flops are not going to cut it here.
There’s also campground facilities; hunting and fishing; canoeing, kayaking, and rafting; bicycling on the I&M Canal towpath; and horseback riding. If you’re not the outdoorsy type, you can visit the local wineries or take boat or trolley tours of the area.
Starved Rock is a great chance to get away from the city or the ‘burbs for a taste of unspoiled nature.