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Starved Rock State Park in Illinois is a Must-Visit & Here’s Why

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Starved Rock State Park was recently voted the number one attraction in the state of Illinois. For those currently living in Illinois, returning to the amazing park, again and again, is fairly easy to do. If not, consider making a trip every so often to enjoy all Starved Rock State Park has to offer.

Families flock to the park due to its variety of outdoor offerings like camping, snowboarding, fishing, boating and of course hiking. Starved Rock State Park is one of the remaining areas where visitors can see American Bald Eagles with their own eyes. This destination stands out because of its natural beauty and affordability as a place to visit.  

Skiing and Snowboarding

starvedrockstatepark.org
starvedrockstatepark.org

Winters at Starved Rock State Park are exceptionally enjoyable for adults and families alike. Visitors come to try their hand at skiing or snowboarding, as well as ice climbing, but only with prior sign up and notification to the park. Many locals and seasoned hikers enjoy hiking through the park during winter to experience the unique landscape covered in powdery snow and frozen waterfalls.

Camping and Picnics

starvedrockstatepark.org
starvedrockstatepark.org

Starved Rock State Park features a lovely campground where visitors can stay overnight. The park’s website offers tips and advice for a smooth stay while at the park. During your stay, you can enjoy all the local amenities that Starved Rock has to offer. For those not ready to stay overnight, you might want to try out the picnic area for a scenic lunch during your day visit.

Guided Tours

starvedrockstatepark.org
starvedrockstatepark.org

If you find yourself looking for a more leisurely activity during your visit to Starved Rock State Park, consider checking out the park’s two types of guided tours. The first option is the historic trolley tour. This tour includes some of the park’s history as well as some of the scenic views the park has to offer. The second tour option is the canal tour. This tour will take you slightly outside of the park for a delicious lunch and a relaxing ride.

Hiking

starvedrockstatepark.org
starvedrockstatepark.org

Hiking at Starved Rock State Park is one of the best activities of the entire park. Hikers can expect to see breathtaking waterfalls and other bodies of water, as well as amazing natural rock cuttings that leave the namesake trademark round rings. Another unexpected feature of the park is that is a habitat to bald eagles. Those curious enough to see a bald eagle for themselves can check out the park’s website for tips that make it more likely to catch a sighting of these historic and majestic birds. Eagle watching alone is a unique activity to explore during your visit to the park.

Boating, Canoeing and Rafting

starvedrockstatepark.org
starvedrockstatepark.org

There are plenty of recreational cruises to enjoy that will teach you about the history of the park as well as showcases some lovely views. For those looking for a more adventurous activity, one might consider renting a canoe or kayak to paddle down the Illinois River. Even more adventurous than that is the white water rafting trips by Vermillion River Rafting. Perfect for the daring adventurer.

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