Starved rock state park

- April 25, 2019

Hi, guys after creating 10 national parks to enjoy summer one of my friends suggested to create a post for state parks and other less famous parks so today I am creating a post for the Starved Rock state park. It might famous and known to hikers, but not for all.

Even I didn't know about this park until one of our friends planned to visit and then I google it about this place and I came to know these are voted as number#1 attraction in the state of Illinois.

Did someone say they love canyons and waterfalls? Oh, then Starved rock state park is the perfect place for you. The starved rock state park is situated at the Illinois river bank.

How to get there

Chicago o'hare international airport is the nearest airport from the Starved Rock state park, it takes approx 1 hour and 45 mins to get there but still, time will vary according to traffic.

Another option is Milwaukee General Mitchell International Airport or Dane County regional airport are the other two airports which quite near to the Starved Rock state park. It takes more or less than 2 and a half hour to reach there.

You can rent a car from the Airport and drive to Starved Rock state park. If you live nearby, then obviously, you can drive straight to the park.

Tip to explore Starved rock state park

First and foremost thing to do reach as early as possible around 9 AM. As the day will pass on it will get crowded. And difficult to walk around and reach to the spot.
If you are planning to walk on a hiking trail than wear proper shoes which comfortable for a walk. Do keep a water bottle and granola bars in your hiking bag.
You have to park your vehicle at the parking lot around the visitor center and the trail will start behind the visitor center so grab all your stuff from the car when you head to the visitor center so you don't have to come back again.
If you are planning to spend just one day and cover the whole park than stay energetic because the trail has plenty amount of steps for up and down especially on the bluff trail.
I would suggest you spare at least 2 days, so you don't have to keep running all day to cover points you can divide your adventure in 2 days.
As a visitor center doesn't have an exact address, enter lodge address:- Starved Rock Lodge & Conference Center, 2668 East 873rd Road, North Utica, IL 61373 once you enter in the state park look for the sign visitor center and follow it unless you are staying at the lodge.

Points to explore Starved rock state park

The very first thing you have to do is go to the visitor center and grab a map. The day when we went it was raining and we were worried about getting wet. If you face the same don't worry gift shop beside the visitor center have ponchos so you can purchase one for your self and stay safe from rain. :-) :-)

So now you have a map which will look like these.

Trail map of Starved rock state park

You can board starved rock state park trolley from outside of the Great Hall of the Lodge. Ticket prices are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $8 for children. Very 1st stop will be visitors center.

Starved Rock trolley

The Starved Rock state park is all in one package. The starved rock state park offers hiking along the nature trails, Magnificent views along the Illinois River and recreational opportunities. You don't like hiking then don't worry, you can do Picnicking, Fishing, Boating, Horseback riding, Camping and winter sports.

Wildcat Canyon

This state park has almost 18 canyons formed by glacial meltwater and stream erosion. They slice through covered tree and sandstone bluffs for four miles at a starved rock state park.

View of the dam from starved rock

The park is best known for its fascinating rock formations. This state park provides a great view of wild trees and great waterfalls.

Pontiac canyon

You can see the view of the dam from the other side of the dam as well. You can do kayaking and fishing. The day we visited it was cloudy and rainy which makes the atmosphere romantic, isn't it? You can see the picture which shows a beautiful cloud.

Beehive overlook

Basswood canyon

We were walking through the trail and looking around tall trees and suddenly I had seen one tree lying on the ground and the tree seemed like the face of a horse.

One of the more popular canyons for photographers. This canyon is quite a long walk from the Visitor Center parking lot, but great for avid hikers. This canyon features a waterfall that is active most of the year. You can exit this canyon from a trail on the west or the east side of the waterfall by walking behind the actual waterfall. This is also a gorgeous ice fall in the winter!