what to do at starved rock state park

Planning a trip to Starved Rock? The land park is popular for a good reason, but if you'd like to stay awhile and venture out a bit you'll observe plenty of things to do and places to eat in the Starved Rock expanse.

Observe equally many waterfalls every bit y'all can at Starved Rock State Park

Visiting Starved Rock is probably the main thing nearly people desire to do when they visit the area. With over 13 miles of hiking trails and fourteen waterfalls, it'south easy to see why Starved Rock is so popular. Our contempo travels to the area brought u.s.a. to St. Louis Canyon's waterfall and I accept to say information technology'south our fav!

Tip: We parked at the "surreptitious" parking lot for St. Louis Canyon. To get there, laissez passer the main entrance and continue on Rt. 178 for another minute or so. There is a small parking lot on the left. When we were at that place there was a sign proverb "Route Closed". Don't worry, it's nevertheless open up to pes traffic.

Admiring the waterfall view at St. Louis Canyon

RELATED: Read all about Starved Stone Area Land Park

Visit Matthiessen State Park

As the bottom-known state park in the area, Matthiessen State Park happens to exist ane of our favorites. Originally known as Deer Park, the state park named after LaSalle Canton  industrialist and philanthropist. If I accept one tip to share well-nigh this park is that you need to go down the lower dells. Here you'll hike along the stream, traverse physical steps, and most probable will get your feet wet. By far, it's our family's favorite hike.

1 of the primary waterfalls is Cascade Falls. People were wading and enjoying themselves. Become there early and you'll probable take it to yourselves. If non, the space around is huge then you can withal maintain a prophylactic social altitude from others.

RELATED: What else can you do at Matthiessen Country Park? Read all nigh it hither.

Visit Buffalo Rock Land Park

Can't find parking at Starved Stone or Matthiessen State Park? Your visit is not a total bosom. Located a few minutes away from the more than popular parks, Buffalo Rock State Park is another great option while you're in the surface area. Here yous'll find the 3 resident buffalo, ane of which is a infant.

Once we met the 3 buffalo, we were ready for our hike. Since the state park is located along the Illinois River, I thought the River Trail would exist perfect to scope out the view. Although I was expecting to run across more river views, at that place were a couple overlooks which had fantastic views.

We made our way back on the Effigy Tumuli Trail which was mostly through prairie grass and unfortunately hardly provided any shade.

Have a root beer float

Located just a few minutes from either Matthiessen or Starved Rock, The Rootbeer Stand was exactly what we needed after a morning spent hiking.  Although yous can order a quick meal like cheeseburgers or a pork tenderloin at the nostalgic carhop, our main objective hither was getting good ol' root beer floats and ice cream! Not merely did nosotros not have to get out of the car, merely everything came super quick!

Outdoor dining with a view

Blood-red Dog Grill in Ottawa was our kickoff official dining experience since Covid happened, and we couldn't take picked a better spot! Delicious food overlooking the harbor – what more could nosotros ask for? The burgers were devoured past the kids and I scarfed down my shrimp margarita wrap.

See where Lincoln in one case stood

See the site where Lincoln stood and had a senatorial debate with Stephen A. Douglas. Located in Ottawa's Washington Square Park, a bronze statue of Lincoln and Douglas tin be seen to commemorate the effect. (Unfortunately, during our visit the surface area was roped off and couldn't go close enough.) If nosotros had more than fourth dimension (and if information technology had been opened) it would take been nice to tour Reddick Mansion beyond the street.

Spot all the Murals Around Town

Equally you know, I am ever seeking out cool murals and Ottawa has a few absurd ones. The boondocks has x murals located throughout town with a focus on historical figures or events. One of almost popular murals happens to be located next to Washington Square Park, the location of the Lincoln-Douglas argue.

Day of Dandy Debate

Peltier Glass Factory

Revolution

View of Full general W.H.Fifty. Wallace from our tabular array across the street at Tangled Roots Brewery

Have a flight…and bask great food

I heard smashing things about Tangled Roots Brewery and it was a must cease for us. Conveniently located in downtown Ottawa (just a few feet downwards from the book shop, toy shop, and Washington Square Park), we wanted to try everything on the card. In the end, we tried a couple burgers (with beef from a local farm), fish n fries, and a shrimp po boy. Don't leave without trying their any of their craft beer, or better try a flight. We were fans of Coco Vibes so we ended up getting a Crowler (32 oz) of it to go.

Find your next read

Love books? And so you'll definitely go all the #bookfeels once you step into the independent bookstore Prairie Fob Books located in downtown Ottawa. The kids couldn't contain their excitement every bit they perused their youth section. I couldn't aid but browse effectually adoring everything. I love the little nooks and seating inviting you to read.

Toy shop fun

Find a special toy for the kids at Rock Paper Scissors. Located across the street from Prairie Pull a fast one on Books, the contained toy store is a must visit in the surface area. Here you lot'll detect a huge assortment of toys some we've never seen before.  Brand your manner towards the back to notice a pretty large book section for your book worm.

Other Things to Exercise:

• Visit the historic Starved Rock Guild. Located in Starved Rock State Park, the Guild serves American comfort food in a rustic setting.
• Stroll through downtown Utica and take hold of a bite and pint at Lodi Tap House.
• Wine downwardly at August Hill Winery.
• Tour Reddick Mansionin Ottawa.

Where to Stay:

Looking for something a little bit more secluded and tranquility? A stay at Kishauwau Starved Rock Area Cabins is the perfect spot to unwind after a twenty-four hours of hiking. Read all about our stay here.

Grizzly Jack'south One thousand Carry Resort  was a great family unit-friendly place to stay especially with its newly revamped indoor waterpark. Check it outhere.

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Source: https://www.otheplaceswego.com/things-to-do-around-starved-rock-area-in-illinois/