Starved Rock State Park
Utica, IL 61373
Phone: (815) 667-4726
- Hours:
- Visitor center: Mon-Fri 8am-4pm
Editorial Review for Starved Rock State Park – by J.P. Anderson
Overview
With its comfortable lodge, sylvan surroundings and family-friendly activities, it's no wonder that Starved Rock is one of Illinois' most popular attractions outside of Chicago. Aside from exploring the many trails, you can dine in the restaurant or lounge in the cozy Great Hall, where concerts are held and local storyteller Bill Myers holds court. Nearby amenities include horseback riding, jet-skiing and canoeing.
The Experience
Nearly 16 miles of well-marked hiking trails wind past 18 rock formations and stream-fed canyons, which gush in the summer and form magnificent abstract ice sculptures in the winter. Most trails hug the bluff, offering great views of the Illinois River. Red and white oaks, white pine and cedar trees are abundant along the clear streams making for colorful hikes in the autumn months. While only a few miles long, the trails can be tiring, what with all the climbing up and down stairs to those canyons.
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User Reviews for Starved Rock State Park
09/25/2005 Posted by im10962
If you are going to Starved Rock for a quiet weekend, make sure you stay in a cabin! Lots of unsupervised children running the halls, at the pool, etc and no parents to be found. The restaurant is fabulous, as is the architecture of the buildings (built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 30's?). Ask staff when their "down times" are and stay then. Trails are nice but crowded on weekends and holidays. If you are looking to getaway from the city, it's close but full of people from the city.
Pros: beautiful scenery, near to chicago
Cons: crowded weekends, children running wild
09/19/2005 Posted by warnickes
I've been going to starved rock since i was little with my dad. its so enchanting fun for the whole family!!!
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