Starved Rock State Park

09/25/05

Beautiful Park-not a quiet weekend....

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

09/19/05

I love this place

by warnickes

I've been going to starved rock since i was little with my dad. its so enchanting fun for the whole family!!!

06/20/05

Well Worth the Trip!

by abren

Beautiful, serene, fun! What more can you say? Lodge stay was excellent - food, likewise. Try one of the "cabins" in the woods with the fireplace.

• Pros: Beautiful scenery, Great accommodations, Good Food

Miles of picturesque trails and a cozy lodge on a bluff overlooking the Illinois River.

by Contributor

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.

09/24/04

Rustic or refined--your choice of fun!

by cgtransat

Starved Rock contains many trails for all abilities--park personnel provide maps for easy boardwalk paths with access for physically challenged or easy evening amblers near the lodge, all the way to more serious treks along the bluffs or the muddy banks that require long, fairly steep climbs up and down, hanging onto trees to get past washouts, and other fun! The park provides a great winter experience. Hike for a few hours, watch the eagles, take pictures, (take care on the ice and snow covered trails!), then head to the warm, comfy lodge for some scrumptious fare from the dining room or soak up the warmth from the massive stone fireplace. You will feel comfortable there whether in your Sunday best or your sweaty, dirty hiking duds. Mattheson and Buffalo State Parks nearby also provide horse and hiking trails, but with less crowds than Starved Rock.

• Pros: Beautiful, Rustic/refined choice, Friendly folks

09/14/04

Not for Hikers!

by kristenellie

If you are an avid hiker, these trails are not for you. Too many decks, stairs, paved paths. Trails not marked as rugged, moderate, etc. My 10-year old daughter was even disappointed. If you want to hang out in a realtively beautiful area, minus real adventure, then this is a good place.

• Pros: Parking, Staff, Nice Facility

10/09/03

Safety

by saadya

The park is beautiful but very crowded.

My husband got his wallet stolen from his pocket.

Fortunately, the theif dropped it and someone found it and returned it to us.

Be careful when out there.

The park is too dog friendly. They are everywhere, sometime even without a leash. There should be some "no dogs allowed" areas for safety of kids.

• Pros: Beautiful place, free
• Cons: Crowded, some safety concerns

10/09/03

GORGEOUS

by butera0214

I grew up in the area and Starved Rock has always been one of my favorite places. Quiet, peaceful, beautiful, inspiring... I have been all over the country and have been hard pressed to find scenery this breath taking. You must try the restaurant, and ask for a listing of wines from local wineries. Illinois and Michigan have some great wines to offer and Starved Rock lodge offers a few of them. Friendly people, clean facilities, plenty of room, great food... the total package!

• Pros: Scenery, Clean, Historical

09/20/03

tranquil

by donmacd

Miles upon miles of trails ranging from paved with slight grades to barely disernable swatches cut across a ravines and along huge cliffs. The waterfalls and brooks that are prevelant throughout the deeper paths make you think of times long ago.

05/22/03

Starved Rock

by r_morrison99

Excellent getaway spot for Chicagoans. Lots of great hiking, historic rivertowns nearby (with local, Midwest antique shops & good, home-style restaurants), and all within just 2 hours from the city.

• Pros: Great trails
• Cons: Can be very crowded