Starved Rock State Park - Oglesby, Illinois

tiago S.

Great park to have lots of fun hiking and enjoy nature!
Big parking lot, nice welcome center and very well maintained area.
It has a gift shop (slightly expensive), restaurant and restrooms.
They offer different hiking trails that you can pick, and have plenty of signs and color pins fixed in the trees so you know which way to follow. I don’t remember seeing a printed map that you can take with you, but you can download on your phone or just take a glimpse at the ones they have along the way.
The environment is stunning, you will definitely feel close to nature and if lucky, see some wild life up close.
Plan to stay all day long or at least four to five hours to truly enjoy the area.
Definitely a very beautiful and relaxing experience.

WrldTraveler18

I LOVE coming here to hike! Recently came for a long walk.. and walked to Wildcat Canyon, Lover's Leap... Beehive overlook... + kept going... warmed up in the lodge, got some nice fireplace time + kept walking the grounds. There are so many canyons that intertwine with each other + kept me walking for hours. You won't regret it. Great place to get good hikes in - just caution as there are icy parts + steep stairs along the way!

Janet

one of the best nature/outdoor getaway that’s close to Chicago. I come here in the winter to see frozen waterfalls and in the summertime to enjoy a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Photos taken in late January. We were lucky to see two climbers attempting ice climbing at French canyon. Super cool to see!

Keith G.

Starved Rock State Park is a very nice, easy hike for all ages. It is beautiful in every season of the year and gives a different appreciation of the natural landscape in either the warm or cold months. Getting to see the waterfalls or frozen ice pillars is well worth a few hours out at the park.

Many of the trails have extensive boardwalks and overlooks of scenic views. The boardwalks and wooden stairs can be quite slippery when wet or covered in snow/ice. There are some areas where trail maintenance is needed, but overall the park is kept well.

kaoru M. T.

This was our first time visiting in winter, and we highly recommend it. There are maps displayed in various spots and trail markers on the trees, so it’s easy to navigate without getting lost. At the LaSalle Canyon, we were able to see a frozen waterfall, which are truly masterpiece created by nature.
Additionally, the staff at the visitor center were very kind. You can also purchase a beautiful calendar of Starved Rock at the bookstore.

Nate

Beautiful place to visit in the winter. I hiked the length of the park and enjoyed every minute of it. Some of the infrastructure could use some TLC. I found board walks and stairs definitely showing a little worse for the wear, but still easy to navigate. I also found some trails were closed and looks like they have been a while. Unfortunate to see. Still a great park well worth the drive for me.

Ramanathan S.

A quick getaway from your daily grind. Easy trail walk/hike., pets allowed., scenic views of Illinois river and canyons. Nice spot for BBQ and picnic. Neatly maintained restrooms. Visitor center with lot of history about the region and American Indian Culture. Quick grabs, Souvenirs, Ice creams.

Good to visit Spring to Autumn.

Yordenis D.

As someone who truly enjoys being surrounded by natural beauty, Starved Rock State Park was an absolute delight. The park's scenery is simply breathtaking. The canyons, with their towering sandstone walls and cascading waterfalls, are awe-inspiring.
The hiking trails offered a wonderful way to experience the park's diverse landscapes. While the park can get crowded, especially on weekends, it's easy to escape the hustle and bustle and find moments of quiet solitude. I would definitely recommend Starved Rock to anyone who appreciates the beauty of the natural world. It's a truly special place that leaves a lasting impression.