Starved Rock State Park is located along the Illinois River, about 100 miles southwest of Chicago. The picturesque park is operated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. There are over 60 state parks and recreation areas in Illinois to enjoy year-round. Adjacent to Starved Rock State Park, you can also explore Matthiessen State Park and Staved Rock Nature Preserve.
Starved Rock is a popular destination for many reasons. You have the flexibility to spend a few hours hiking or canoeing or reserve a campsite or room at the lodge to extend your stay over a few days. One of the main attractions is to explore some of the 18 canyons with vertical walls of moss-covered stone formed by glacial meltwater that slice dramatically through tree-covered sandstone bluffs. Simply park near the visitor’s center and pick up a trail map of the 13 miles of trails that allow access to the canyons and waterfalls, which will be most impressive in the spring during the snow melt.
Visitor’s Center
The visitor’s center is open year-round from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Check the schedule for the free ranger guided hikes. These are great for people who are not avid hikers and like to learn about the history, legend, geology, plants, and animals of the park. Reservations are not required and expect to be on the trails for at least 1 hour and 15 minutes. Before heading out on your adventure, view the exhibits, catch a short film in the theater, and fuel up at Trailheads Snacks & Souvenirs.
Hiking
Trails are open during all four seasons. Check with the visitor’s center for closures and conditions before you begin your hike. If you are interested in waterfalls, the hikes in St. Louis, French, Wildcat, Tonty, Ottawa and Kaskaskia canyons are impressive!
Other Activities
If the 13 miles of hiking doesn’t interest you, you can go out on the river in one of the kayaks available for rent. Try your luck at fishing or seasonal hunting. Permits and license are typically required for fishing and hunting, check the Department of Natural Resources website for more information.
Camping
The campground has 129 Class-A premium campsites and is open year-round. There are multiple ways to reserve a campsite, the easiest is to visit www.reserveamerica.com. Reservations must be made 3 days in advance of your stay and up to six months in advance. Alternatively, check the Campground Permit Booth near the entrance to the campground. Learn about self-registration and availability for walk-in sites (first come- first serve) on the outside of the building. Check the website for details on sites and policies.
Lodging
Starved Rock Lodge offers luxury lodging, cabin rooms, and fine dining. This is the only lodge in the Illinois State Park system and dates to the 1930’s. If you book a room in an original historic Lodge Wing room, get ready for knotty pine paneling from floor to ceiling. Rooms in the Hotel Wing were added in the 1980’s and are more modern and spacious. The cabins are pet friendly and located under tall pines and century-old oaks. Stay the weekend with your family, using the historic Lodge as home base, and have an unforgettable Illinois State Park experience.
Food and Beverage
If you didn’t pack food for the trip, there are several dining options at Starved Rock Lodge & State Park. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are available in the causal main dining room of the lodge. If you are looking for a morning coffee, Starved Rock Café opens early to serve Douwe Egberts coffee, breakfast, lunch and snacks. The Back Door Lounge and the Veranda are convenient for a casual meal and have an outdoor dining option. Both are located on the east side of the Lodge. Have lunch after a great hike or enjoy a craft beer before dinner.
