Visitors are interested to explore the multifaceted wilderness area and historical landmark, Starved Rock State Park are one of them. This park offers 18 miles of hiking trails which lead to beautiful viewpoints and secret waterfalls. Starved Rock State Park is located at central Illinois which is one of the most stunning places in the whole of the Midwest. Visitors can see the amazing waterfall, sandstone and nature viewpoint. The park provides visitors with complete natural experiences through its French Canyon trails and St. Louis Canyon waterfall which reaches 40 feet in height.
The Starved Rock organized many special events, tours and exciting programs. They have many varied habitats from the canyon floors to bluff tops and support a wide array of plant life. Like the lush ferns and wildflowers, they provide a home for bird species and other wildlife. In this post, we will discuss the starved rock state park with their features like things to do, best hotel to stay, stunning attractions and many more.
Top Things to See in Starved Rock State Park
There are many things to see in Starved Rock State Park like the diverse range of natural features and historical sites. Here are some things to see in the Starved Rock.
French Canyon
The French Canyon center is the most famous short hike, which is closest to the visitor center. This trail makes difficult challenges for you because it can be slippery in summer. But in the winter time you get closer to the French canyon. In the right before the canyon entrance, there was a slick, smooth rock formation that was needed to climb over. The trail was dead to the end of falls. We will go slow but we are able to make minimal efforts. The fresh canyon was excellent looking with the eastern down the Illinois River from the Eagle Cliff. Visitors can also find some of the perfect nature activities in the South of France Canyon.
St Louis Canyon
St Louis Canyon is a scenic and popular hiking place, it is known for its amazing 40 foot waterfall. And also the sandstone cliff and deep surrounding. The falls and canyon are beautiful. It’s a good way to arrive in the early morning at the trailhead parking lot, because it fills quickly. The St Louis Canyon hike is not difficult. If you stand at the high point of this hike, the parking area is just off Hwy 178. The trail head used to be further but the route to the trail has deteriorated so badly. The Illinois DNR has to close the road and force vehicles to park along the access road by the highway.
The View From Eagle Cliff
The Eagle Cliff view sits high up on a cliff overlooking the Illinois River, its view is outstanding. This is an awesome place to watch barges and boats pass through the lock system on the river. The view platform is quite large and holds lots of people. The Eagle Cliff overlook view is the best in fall because of the fall colours. Visitors can see the several eagles swooping down near the dam as they were fishing. The bald eagles in trees as viewed from the lovers leap overlook.
Fun Things to Do in Starved Rock State Park
Visitors can explore for a day at the Starved Rock State Park, they don’t miss the best things to do nearby the park. There are many exciting things in the park.
Kayaking the Illinois River
If visitors are interested in other modes of exploration, then grab a kayak and a paddle. Glide your way down the meandering Illinois river, taking the islands, bluffs and sandstone cliffs towering above. The starved rock kayaking rentals, top routes and tips guides offer the kayak rentals and tours for skill levels from beginner to expert. A single and tandem kayak rental options are available.
Camping Adventures
Starved rock offers outdoor camping adventures for visitors. The campground near starved rock is available for $30 per night and it fills up fast. Visitors can book in advance up to six months is recommended. The camping adventure is the favourite for visitors to do near Starved Rock.
Visit local Restaurants
A day on the trail or river always works up a craving for delicious food. There’s has plenty of local cuisine, breweries and wineries. The excellent thing to do near starved rock is explore the diverse mix of restaurants ranging pubs to fine dining. There is also a burgeoning wine and craft beer scene to drink. Visitors can enjoy lunch, dinner or cocktails in the lodge restaurant and back door lounge, if you visit for just one day.
Best Hike in Starved Rock
Some excited top hiking trails at starved rock to enjoy with full off fun on the weekend.
LaSalle Canyon Trail
The LaSalle Canyon Trail menders by towering the sandstone cliffs and over several bridges that take hikers deep into the canyon. Waiting for those who have made the journey is the park’s almost 25 foot waterfall and spilling into a pool at base. In winter months, this often transforms into the frozen icefall.
Illinois Canyon Trail
The Illinois Canyon doesn’t boast their significant waterfall, the out and back is still the one of top hiking trails in starved rock. Some of the trails in the park, but this one is almost a perfect canyon itself. Hiker can explore the vast gorge, its several streams and sandstone formations along the way.
Lovers Leap Overlook Trail
Lovers leap overlook trail is an out and back trail perched above the Illinois River. The first portion of trail comprises a set of stairs that takes hikers to the top of starved rock. There is a boardwalk with the signs depicting the history of the region and park itself. The second portion leads to a paved walkway and additional stairs that end with one of the park’s best views of the eponymous 125 foot but
Travel Tips for Visiting Starved Rock
Some travel tips for visiting the starved rock state park
- Packing Clothes: If you visit to view the ice formations, be sure to bring your warm layers. Bring your comfortable warm shoes. Many canyons can be accessed on flat trails with no inclines, but the ground will be frozen. So also bring your warm boots and warm socks are a must.
- Sit Around the Fire: If visitors can’t stay at the lodge, they must go inside and sit around the fire. Especially when they have been outside most of the day viewing the canyons. This area would be a winter destination, so they had a massive fireplace built in the center of the hall. The many chairs, tables and couches around the fireplace are free for all visitors.
- Entry Fee: There is no free entrance to hike at starved rock state park. If you plan to visit in peak times, there may be a fee for your vehicle in the parking lot.
- Time to Need: Visitors can plan for at least one full day. It gives you enough time to hike, take beautiful waterfalls and enjoy the scenic views of the Illinois River. But if you want to explore more trails and see the park ‘s natural beauty, plan to spend two to three days there.
Where to Stay Near Starved Rock
For a comfortable stay near the Starved Rock State Park, they have many options with the budget friendly.
Grand Bear Resort
Starved Rock’s visitor center is a three minutes drive from Grand Bear Resort. This resort is situated across the street from a smaller side entrance to the park that can lead to the trailhead for the St. Louis Canyon Trail. This one is a family friendly lodge with on-site dining, an arcade for the kids and indoor waterpark for the group to enjoy after a long day. They offer various rooms from whirlpool sites, which are designed for two family suites that accommodate up to right. Visitors are looking for more space, comfortable rooms, a good environment and a budget friendly hotel. The grand bear resort is perfect for staying.
Fox River Resort
The Fox River is a family friendly resort, its ideal location. The canoes and paddleboats are available for rent to enjoy at the Fox River. The indoor or outdoor swimming pools for quick dip or splash around with your family. The on site pirates’ indoor waterpark offers enjoyment for all ages between the lazy river and water slides. This hotel has 1 room with 2 beds, a full kitchen and living room to sleep up to six people. The kitchen and room make Fox River perfect for stay.
Starved Rock Lodge
Starved Rock Lodge is amazing to stay, they offer 69 rooms steeped in decades of history. The lodge still offers original rooms, which accommodate up to four people, as well as more contemporary hotel rooms. Visitors can relax in the lodge indoor swimming pool complex, which houses a large heated swimming pool, children’s pool, hot tub and two saunas. In the starved rock lodge they had a cafe, gift shop, back door lounge etc.
Conclusion
The starved rock state park is an excellent midwest destination known for their dramatic sandstone canyons and seasonal waterfalls. This one is unique geology and rich history as national historic landmarks make it a vital ecological and cultural treasure for Illinois. The park offers a rare blend of accessible outdoor adventure and historic charm. On the weekend crowds require early arrival and planning the reward is a best experience of nature’s beauty. If you are there on a quiet spring hike or winter eagle watching. The starved rock is an essential destination for nature lovers and families