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Illinois River from a Starved Rock bluff
Starved Rock State Park derives its name from Indian lore where a band of Potawatomi Indians avenged the murder of Chief Pontiac by surrounding a band of Illiniwek Indians atop a 125 foot sandstone butte. The Potawatomi with help from the Ottawa tribe laid a seige around the bluff until the trapped Indians on top starved.
Although there was not much to do atop a bluff when surrounded by a tribe of Indians with vengeance on their mind, today’s adventure travelers do not have the same problems. This park has an activity for everyone. Hiking, photography, eagle watching, hunting, fishing, canoeing, picnicking, boating, and camping can all be enjoyed at this park found two hours southwest of Chicago off of Interstate I-80 near the small town of Utica, Illinois.
There are 18 canyons in the park formed by glacial meltwater and stream erosion and these canyons can be explored via 13 miles of trail that traverse the park. Many of these trails take the visitor to some amazing overlooks over the Illinois River where bald eagles can be viewed especially in the winter.
It is difficult to say what is more majestic; the eagles, the canyons, the scenic overlooks, or the cathedral of stairs and planking that have been constructed on the trail. Many of the trails are really not trails, but wooden highways. This is great for young children and senior citizens as they can more easily experience the park’s main attractions.
Typical trail at Starved Rock or planked stair highway
Another compelling aspect about the park is there are great opportunities made available by the park for people to enjoy. For example, there is a boat launch at the park on the Illinois River, but not everyone is going to be able to bring their own boat. This is no problem as May through October the park offers paddlewheel boat and canoe rental.
The park has something to offer at any time of the year, however January and late spring are especially pleasant times to visit. In November and culminating in January bald eagles from the north migrate to Starved Rock as the dam on the Illinois River assures that the river will not freeze which allows the eagles a year round source of fish.
In late January the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center hosts Eagle Watching weekend. The visitor center is across the street from the state park and has expansive windows and balconies overlooking the damn and the river. The Starved Rock Audubon Society provides powerful magnified spotting scopes for great close up views.
The late spring is great to come because with melting snow many of the canyons in the park that are normally dry become inundated with water and this creates numerous scenic waterfalls. This event can be difficult to gauge as it depends on weather conditions, so it would be best to contact the park if waterfalls are the reason for a visit.
Prime spot to view eagles along the Illinois River
There are 133 Class A campsites in the park that run $20.00 a night as they are all with electricity. If the planked stairs and trails are appealing then the onsite 72 room Starved Rock Lodge would be the perfect place to stay with an indoor pool, whirlpool, and sauna. The room rates here vary from around $115.00 to $145.00 depending on when booked.Take a trip to Starved Rock and check out the eagles or enjoy one of the many activities the park offers.
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Comments
The place is a fine destination. I also like the people there who take reservations, answer questions and offer good suggestions.
Great slideshow. I have heard about Starved Rock but have never visited. I might have to check out the lodge the next time through Illinois.
Interesting historical note.
Great photos, Ted. I like the idea of a planked platform and walkway. I've seen it elsewhere, Particularly in Ontario, Canada, on a park which is the southern most point in Canada. Terrific article.
I just now drove by there and wondered "Why do they call it Starved Rock?"...thanks for the answers and the photos, since I had not time to stop to satisfy my curiousity.
Salt Lake Cross Country Travel Writer
What a beautiful park. I'd love to hike there some day!
Sounds like a beautiful expansive place. Great original reporting too!
I have to say, that as a child we would take, what seemed like the longest drive in history to get to Starved Rock and I would complain until we got there. Starved Rock is amazing for everyone at any age. Thanks for bringing back a wonderful memory of some of Illinois best kept secrets.
Looks and sounds like a great place.
Looks like Minnesota!
I don't remember visiting this park, but I remember passing and being distracted by the story behind the name.
Interesting..great photos of the planked stairways and observation points. As a kid I fished in the Illinois in a state much further south..revived some old memories. Nice read...
Cheers...
Great job re: researching the info for this article. Great photos too.
Ah, these were the good old days. Had to put my picture on the older pages ;)
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