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Our Starved Rock Tradition: A Tale of Two Hikes

For our family, Starved Rock State Park has become a favorite escape. Nestled along the south bank of the Illinois River, this park is famous for its 18 sandstone canyons and seasonal waterfalls, all carved by glacial meltwater thousands of years ago. Having visited twice now, we’ve learned that the park has many moods and every visit offers a different perspective on its rugged beauty.

The First Visit: The Waterfall Wonderland

Our first trip was the "classic" experience. We had the energy and the perfect weather to really get deep into the trails. We trekked through some of the park's most iconic spots. Walking between the towering moss-covered walls of French Canyon and Wildcat Canyon (which boasts the park's tallest waterfall at 70 feet) felt like stepping back in time. Seeing the rain-fed waterfalls in full flow was incredible. There is something so peaceful about the sound of water echoing off the St. Peter Sandstone walls. We climbed the wooden staircases to the overlooks, catching glimpses of the Illinois River and the famous "Starved Rock" butte itself, which stands 125 feet above the water.

The Second Visit: A Humid Retreat

Our second trip taught us that sometimes, the park dictates the pace! It was one of those thick, humid Illinois summer days where the air feels like a blanket. Instead of a long trek to the far-out canyons like LaSalle or Illinois Canyon, we kept it low-key. We stuck closer to the air-conditioned Visitor Center, which is a great spot to learn about the Native American history of the land and the legend behind the park's name. We focused on the shaded trails nearby. Even when you can’t do a 5-mile loop, just being under the canopy of oaks and pines makes the heat a little more bearable.

If there is one thing we’ve realized, it’s that we aren’t the only ones who love this place! Starved Rock is incredibly popular, especially on holidays and summer weekends.

Pro Tip: The parking lots (especially the main one by the Visitor Center) often fill up by 11:00 AM on busy days. We’ve learned that if you don't arrive early, you might find the entrance temporarily closed by the IDNR until the morning crowd clears out.

Why We Keep Coming Back

Despite the humidity or the fight for a parking spot, Starved Rock remains our go-to for a reason. Whether we are exploring the deep, cool shadows of the canyons or just enjoying a quick walk near the lodge, it’s a place that reminds us how wild and beautiful Illinois can be.