Starved Rock State Park Tours and Activities

Starved Rock State Park showing forests
Starved Rock State Park showing interior views
Starved Rock State Park showing interior views
Starved Rock State Park featuring a waterfall
Starved Rock State Park which includes forest scenes


The lodge provides a luxurious base from which to explore trails leading to bluffs and canyons of this riverside park. Try ice climbing and eagle spotting in winter.

Comprising dramatic canyons and riverside trails, Starved Rock State Park is among Illinois’ largest and most iconic areas of natural beauty. The site has been the subject of many archaeological excavations, with its fascinating indigenous history showcased in the visitor center. Bring your family to stay overnight in the cabins of the home-like lodge.

For a comprehensive understanding of the park’s geology and history, start in the Starved Rock Visitor Center. Educational displays and videos shed light on the region’s vegetation, wildlife and geology. Pick up a map and chat with staff about the intricate trail system, before planning your journey through the dense woodland of the 2,630-acres (1,064-hectare) park.

Hike along 13 miles (21 kilometers) of trails that meander between bluffs and valleys. Posts and markers correspond with signs on the trail map and guide you along official paths. Use the smartphone app for a guided tour. Prepare meals to eat at designated picnic spots. Several shelters have drinking water, tables and restrooms.

Rent a canoe or bring your own boat to launch from the Boat Ramp. Catch white bass, carp and catfish in the river. In winter, numerous activities open to visitors. Use your own equipment for ice climbing and observe eagles gracing the sky from Eagles Cliff and Starved Rock.

An elegant stone and log lodge from the 1930s is perched atop a tall bluff in the southern part of the park. Enjoy the pool and sauna, before sunbathing on the patio.

The visitor center opens daily from morning until late afternoon. Learn from its exhibits about the Kaskaskia peoples, who lived here between the 16th and 18th centuries.

Starved Rock State Park straddles the southern flank of the Illinois River, near Plum Island. The park is a 2-mile (3.2-kilometer) drive south from Utica in LaSalle County. While in the region, check out Matthiessen State Park, Buffalo Rock State Park and LaSalle County Historical Museum.

Plan a trip to see Starved Rock State Park

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Best Lodging Options Near Starved Rock State Park

Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock

Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock

3 out of 5
2643 IL-178, Utica, IL
Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock
Days Inn by Wyndham Oglesby/ Starved Rock

Days Inn by Wyndham Oglesby/ Starved Rock

2 out of 5
120 N Lewis Ave, Oglesby, IL
Days Inn by Wyndham Oglesby/ Starved Rock
Starved Rock Lodge & Conference Center

Starved Rock Lodge & Conference Center

3 out of 5
2668 East 873 Road, Oglesby, IL
Starved Rock Lodge & Conference Center
Entire Cozy Villa 2 min Near Starved Rock!

Entire Cozy Villa 2 min Near Starved Rock!

North Utica
Entire Cozy Villa 2 min Near Starved Rock!
Bella Villa familiar. WIFI. Close to Starved Rock Park Hiking trails. Relaxing!

Bella Villa familiar. WIFI. Close to Starved Rock Park Hiking trails. Relaxing!

North Utica
Bella Villa familiar. WIFI. Close to Starved Rock Park Hiking trails. Relaxing!
Lifetime Memories, Hiking Trails, WIFI, Near River, Play Ground, NO CLEANING FEE

Lifetime Memories, Hiking Trails, WIFI, Near River, Play Ground, NO CLEANING FEE

Oglesby
Lifetime Memories, Hiking Trails, WIFI, Near River, Play Ground, NO CLEANING FEE
REST IN THE  FOREST RECENTLY REMODELED VILLA WALKING DISTANCE FROM STARVED ROCK

REST IN THE FOREST RECENTLY REMODELED VILLA WALKING DISTANCE FROM STARVED ROCK

North Utica
REST IN THE FOREST RECENTLY REMODELED VILLA WALKING DISTANCE FROM STARVED ROCK
Best Western Oglesby Inn

Best Western Oglesby Inn

2.5 out of 5
900 Holiday Street, Oglesby, IL
Best Western Oglesby Inn
Jacuzzis & Family Kitchen & Entertainment Area

Jacuzzis & Family Kitchen & Entertainment Area

North Utica
Jacuzzis & Family Kitchen & Entertainment Area
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Starved Rock State Park

Starved Rock State Park offers a range of activities including hiking along scenic trails, boating on the Illinois River, and camping in beautiful natural surroundings. Visitors can explore popular attractions such as waterfalls and canyons, while nearby Skydive Chicago provides thrilling skydiving experiences. The park's diverse trails cater to all skill levels, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy nature and adventure.

Shopping

Your shopping experience at Starved Rock State Park includes Mix's Trading Post, located 1.6km away, offering unique gifts. If you're up for a drive, visit Peru Mall, 11.3km away, featuring various shops and entertainment options for the whole family.

Recreation

At Deer Park Country Club, enjoy a serene atmosphere with upscale amenities, perfect for relaxation. Dayton Ridge Golf Club offers invigorating outdoor activities amidst beautiful landscapes, ideal for golf enthusiasts. Shabbona Lake State Park provides a tranquil environment, perfect for wellness and rejuvenation in nature's embrace.

Adventure

Experience thrill at Grand Bear Falls Indoor Water Park, located 1.6km from Starved Rock State Park, offering family fun and aquatic adventures. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail, 9.7km away, boasts scenic hiking trails. For adrenaline junkies, Skydive Chicago, 19.3km away, promises exhilarating air sports.

Nightlife

Explore the lively atmosphere at the Starved Rock Lodge, where you can enjoy a cozy evening by the fire with craft cocktails. For a unique experience, join a guided night hike to witness the beauty of the park under the stars.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Starved Rock State Park

Starved Rock State Park in Oglesby, Illinois, offers a blend of adventure, culture, and stunning scenery for visitors. Explore popular attractions such as historic houses and local history museums, all while taking in the park's breathtaking views. Don't miss the opportunity to discover the beauty of Starved Rock and its surrounding areas, including Utica, as you embark on a memorable vacation filled with outdoor activities and cultural experiences.

  • Matthiessen State Park: Experience the stunning beauty of Matthiessen State Park, just 3.2km from Starved Rock. This park offers adventurous hiking trails, picturesque canyons, and serene waterfalls, perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking scenic vistas.
  • LaSalle County Historical Society & Museum: Immerse yourself in the rich culture of the region at the LaSalle County Historical Society & Museum, located 3.2km away. Explore fascinating exhibits that showcase the area's history, heritage, and local traditions.
  • Hegeler Carus Mansion: Discover the grandeur of the Hegeler Carus Mansion, situated 8.0km from Starved Rock. This historic house features stunning architecture and offers guided tours that delve into its intriguing past and cultural significance.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Starved Rock State Park

To save money on your trip to Starved Rock State Park, consider visiting between November and January when accommodation prices are lower. Mondays tend to be the cheapest days to book, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia to find tailored options, and sort prices from lowest to highest for the best deals. Additionally, combining your hotel stay with flights and activities in an Expedia package can lead to significant savings. Don't forget to compare room rates and keep an eye out for special offers to maximize your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Starved Rock State Park are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Starved Rock State Park is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Starved Rock State Park is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to tailor your options based on your budget, preferred location, and desired type of accommodation. To find the most affordable prices and special offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay at Starved Rock State Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia