Weekend Getaway to Starved Rock State Park

    In the midst of vast Illinois farmland, weekend travelers discover a topographical surprise along the Illinois River.

    By
    Megy Karydes
    Megy Karydes

    Megy Karydes, who lives in the greater Chicago area, has more than 20 years of experience writing for magazines, newspapers and other businesses. She is president of Karydes Consulting.

    Midwest Living's Editorial Guidelines
    Updated on September 17, 2022
    Starved Rock State Park, LaSalle County
    Starved Rock State Park, Lasalle County. Photo: Ryan Donnell

    Less than 100 miles southwest of Chicago, melting glaciers left their mark, carving a maze of canyons into the St. Peter sandstone. Visitors to Starved Rock State Park in Oglesby see 18 sandstone canyons, seasonal waterfalls and tree-covered bluffs along its 15 miles of hiking trails.

    Start at the visitors center for snacks, interactive displays and a map of trails that include the .3-mile walk to Starved Rock, the .8-mile trail to Eagle Cliff, and the 4-mile trek to views of Council Overhang, Ottawa and Kaskaskia canyons. The park also offers seasonal free, guided hikes.

    Matthiessen State Park. Adam Alexander/Courtesy IOT

    Nearby Matthiessen State Park has 5 miles of hiking trails that lead to a picturesque canyon and interesting rock formations.

    After Hours

    Guests at Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center choose between rustic hotel rooms or log cabins in the woods. Finish the day with a burger and a Starved Rock Signature Ale while listening to live music at the Veranda.

    Courtesy of Heritage Harbor Ottawa Resort

    In nearby Ottawa, Heritage Harbor offers vacation cottages for rent.

    Off-site adventures

    The Illinois and Michigan Canal was built in the mid-1800s to connect the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River by way of the Illinois River. Today, more than 60 miles of preserved towpath from Rockdale to LaSalle form the multiuse Illinois and Michigan Canal State Trail. Hikers and bikers see historic sites, numerous state parks and river views with wildlife.

    For a different vantage point of the river, try the 90-minute I & M Canal Mule-Pulled Boat Ride in LaSalle. Mules Joe and Moe pull the replica canal boat, while guides dressed in period attire take you on the same journey as 19th-century pioneers.

    Must-Try Burgers and Bubbles

    Fuel up in Ottawa's Burger and Sushi House (B.A.S.H.), with specialties such as the Crabby Patty burger (with crab rangoon mix, sweet-n-sour and fried wontons) or a Shrimp Tempura roll. Across the river, Illinois Sparkling Company uses locally grown grapes to create bubbly wines in the town of Peru. To sample their five wines, head 12 miles east to their tasting room in North Utica.

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