STARVEDRock

Starved Rock State Park is a world apart from anything else in Illinois. Since the late 1800’s visitors have been trekking to this beautiful, and unexpected, stretch of nature to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. More than a century later, and this still holds true. From the moment you first meander your car through the towering trees at the edge of the park, you will feel as if you are a world away from the Illinois you know. At Starved Rock, more than 13 miles of trails meander along, and above, the Illinois River. While you explore these environs, you’ll find countless breathtaking views, places to fish, boat, and simply relax in nature’s splendor. From the towering sandstone canyons to amazing seasonal waterfalls, there’s an awe inspiring view around every corner. Whatever the season you choose to explore, a trip to Starved Rock will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Consistently voted the #1 Attraction in The State of Illinois, Starved Rock features 18 unique canyons, several of which produce stunning seasonal waterfalls. Guests can explore a vast network of trails, where they can soak in awe inspiring vistas and encounter remarkable plants and animals. The fun at Starved Rock doesn’t stop there, as the park’s historic lodge and informative visitors center offer special programs like guided hikes, trolley tours, presentations from wildlife experts, live concerts, dining and much more!

Starved Rock Lodge

STARVED ROCK

Check list

STOP 1:

State Park adventure! Here, you’ll

You can borrow binoculars, dog bowls, and dog leashes for FREE at the front desk of the Visitors Center.

Tip

Concessions and Gifts for a great park’s namesake, Starved Rock. The summit is home to one of

Starved RockVisitor Center

LaSalle Canyon

the best views in the entire behind it. Even when falls aren’t in season, the canyon’s towering walls of intricate sandstone make for quite the sight.

STOP 4: French Canyon

One of the easiest hikes in the parks, just so happens to lead to one of the most beautiful canyons! Located just 0.4-miles southeast of the Visitors Center, French Canyon offers a towering 45-foot tall waterfall during the rainy season, and beautifully eroded Saint Peters sandstone all year round. After a rainfall, admire the colorful streaks left on the canyon walls by the mineral-rich water.

Waterfalls And Canyons

Most of Starved Rock’s beautiful sandstone canyons produce waterfalls after periods of heavy rainfall, but St. Louis, LaSalle, French, Wildcat, Ottawa, and Kaskaskia Canyons are considered to be among the best. St. Louis Canyon boasts the only spring-fed waterfall in the park, resulting in much longer waterfalls, while LaSalle Canyon (despite being much shorter than the other waterfalls) is the only one in the park you can walk behind while the waterfall is in action! The French Canyon waterfall is conveniently located just a short 0.4 mile hike from the Visitor Center, while Wildcat is hands down the largest in the park, a gargantuan waterfall exceeding 70 feet in height.