PARK INFORMATION:

Starved Rock State Park has thirteen miles of hiking trails and eighteen canyons. The park, with its St. Peter's sandstone overlooks, is located along the south side of the Illinois River, one-mile south of Utica. It is midway between the towns of LaSalle-Peru and Ottawa.

Park Hours:

5:00 am - 9:00 pm daily

Trail Parking Lots 8 a.m. to sunset

Visitors will appreciate the beauty of Starved Rock by hiking the trails and enjoying the park's many activities. Boating, fishing, camping, horseback riding, picnicking, and winter sports can all add to your Starved Rock experience. Rental of canoes, boats, horseback rides, and skis are available.

Special Note: No Climbing, Rappelling, or Swimming --- Please Stay on Marked Trails

Due to the fragile nature of the St. Peter Sandstone formations, it is very important that visitors stay on officially marked trails. Climbing, scrambling, or rappelling on the rocks and canyon walls is prohibited. Extensive erosion damage and serious personal injury have occurred because of people disregarding these laws.

The Visitors' Center offers displays and information about the area's geology, French and Native American history, flora, and fauna. We can also provide to you information about other area attractions such as hiking, lodging, biking, horseback riding, camping, fishing, river rafting, canoeing, boating, and shopping.

VISITORS' CENTER HOURS

9:00 am - 4:00 pm Daily
Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day.

GUIDED HIKES

Not available at this time

INTERPRETIVE PROGRAM

The Interpretive Program at Starved Rock State Park helps the visitor enjoy and understand the environment. The more the visitor knows about the area, the better they will appreciate the park.

2011-2012
Special Events at Starved Rock State Park
815-667-4726

Oct. 15 & 16, 2011 Fall Colors Weekend:
Guided hikes to view the spectacular colors of fall. Meet at the Visitor Center at 9:00 am & 1:00 pm.

January 14 & 15, 2012 Winter Wilderness Weekend:
Guided hikes to see the spectacular ice falls of Starved Rock. Enjoy bald eagle viewing and the geology of Starved Rock . Meet at the Visitors Center at 9:00 am & 1:00 pm.

January 28 & 29, 2012 Eagle Watch Weekend
Eagle viewing and birds of prey shows. Sponsored by the Illinois Audubon Society.

April 28 & 29, 2012 Annual Wildflower Pilgrimage:
Enjoy the great variety of spring wildflowers at Starved Rock. Guided hikes leave from the Visitors Center at 9:00 am & 1:00 pm.

Oct. 20 & 21, 2012 Fall Colors Weekend:
Guided hikes to view the spectacular colors of fall. Meet at the Visitor Center at 9:00 am & 1:00 pm.

Sponsored by the Starved Rock Foundation

DIRECTIONS

• I-39 southbound: South to I-80 east (exit #59). Go 2 miles to exit #81 (Route 178, Utica). Go south (right) 3 miles on Route 178 and follow the signs into the Park.
• I-39 northbound: North to Exit #48 (Tonica exit). Go east (right) for approximately 5 miles to the T-intersection, which is Route 178. Go north (left) for approximately 5 miles and follow the signs into the Park.
• I-80 Eastbound and Westbound: Get off at exit #81 (Rt.178, Utica). Go south 3 miles on Route 178 and follow the signs into the Park.
• From the Chicago area: Take I-294 or I-355 south to I-55. Take I-55 south to I-80. Go west on I-80, 45 miles to Exit #81 (Route 178, Utica). Go south (left) 3 miles on Route 178 and follow the signs into the Park.