Starved Rock State Park - Utica, IL

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Rating

Activities & Amenities

	Hiking Trails		Picnicking		Tent Camping
	Playground		Telephones		RV/Trailer Camping
	Boating		Cottages		Restrooms
	Equestrian		Swimming Pool		Lodge
	Dam		Hunting		Canoe Rentals
	Visitor Center  Museum		Boat Ramp		Fishing

Overview

Experience the fun of outdoor adventure at Starved Rock State Park. Whether you enjoy hiking along the nature trails, or viewing the many spectacular overlooks along the Illinois River, recreational opportunities abound. From picnicking to fishing and boating, from horseback riding to camping to enjoying winter sports, there's so much to do, you'll want to come back again and again.
Starved Rock State Park is located along the south side of the Illinois River. It is one mile south of Utica on Route 178 and midway between the towns of LaSalle-Peru and Ottawa and covers 2,816 acres.
The Illinois River Valley in the Starved Rock area is in stark contrast to the surrounding landscape. The park is best known for its fascinating rock formations that were laid down by a huge shallow inland sea more than 425 million years ago. These formations surfaced and were shaped by erosive forces. The valley was formed as glacial meltwater broke through moraines sending torrents of water surging across the land. This deeply eroded the sandstone and other sedimentary rock. Eighteen stream-fed canyons highlight the park's setting. They slice dramatically through tree-covered, sandstone bluffs for 5-6 miles.
During the early spring, winter thaw and frequent rains create sparkling waterfalls in all 18 canyons. The vertical walls of moss-covered stone create a setting of natural geologic beauty uncommon in Illinois. Some of the longer lasting waterfalls are found in Saint Louis and LaSalle Canyons.
While areas along the river and its tributaries are predominantly forested, much of the surrounding land is a flat, gently rolling plain. The upland prairies were created during an intensive warming period several thousand years after the glacial melting.
Overhangs in the sandstone can be created as waterfalls and streams undercut a cliff. Council Overhang in the east end of the park is such a creation. The bluffs provide a vantage point from which you can enjoy spectacular vistas. Water quickly soaks through the sandstone bluffs causing an accumulation of water on the slopes below. The resulting lush vegetation supports an abundance of wildlife.
Black oak, white oak, red cedar, white cedar, and white pine grow on the drier, sandy bluff tops. Farther away from the bluffs in deeper soils, red oaks and hickories are abundant. Typical plants of the forest floor include American witch hazel, black huckleberry, and bracken fern. In the sandy prairie soil, prickly pear cactus grows alongside leadplant, compass plant, and rattlesnake master.
Serviceberry and northern honeysuckle, both shrubs that prefer well-drained soil, attract scarlet tanagers and cedar waxwings. Yellowbellied sapsuckers drill parallel rows of small holes in cedar trees to feed on sap and small insects. Nuthatches and chickadees feed on nuts, seeds, and insects found in the bark of trees. Raccoons and flying squirrels spend many hours searching for and gathering berries and nuts.
At the forest edge, bright blue indigo buntings flit through the wild crab apple and crab trees that skirt the former glacial till prairie. The cottontail rabbits scamper through the bluestem and Indian grasses. White-tailed deer come to munch on the sumac. Along the river trail, evidence of beavers and muskrats can be seen. Red-tailed hawks soar overhead in search of voles and field mice. Deer, wild turkey, woodchucks, moles, vireos, and American goldfinches are just a few of the other animal populations found in the park.
Throughout spring and summer, wildflowers are as plentiful and varied as they are beautiful. Included in the floral array are colorful lichens and mosses, marsh marigolds, wild iris, trillium, Dutchman's breeches, purple-flowered spiderworts, nodding orange columbine, and the magenta bloom of shooting star.
The poison ivy plant is found in all areas of the park. Its greenish-white berries provide an important food source for birds.


Visitor Center

The visitor center offers displays and exhibits explaining the park's cultural and natural history. A schedule of GUIDED HIKES, VISITOR CENTER HOURS, and SPECIAL EVENTS can be found by clicking on this link. Schools and other organized groups may arrange reservations for programs by contacting: Program Coordinator, Starved Rock State Park, Box 509, Utica, IL. 61373. (815) 667-4906.


Lodging

The stone and log lodge is situated on a high bluff just southwest of the rock itself. Built primarily by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, the lodge reflects the peaceful atmosphere of yesteryear. It has been refurbished, and a new hotel wing has been added. This addition features a registration lobby, indoor swimming pool, children's pool, sauna, and outdoor sunning patio.
The lodge offers 72 luxury hotel rooms and 22 comfortable cabin rooms. The original Great Room, centered around a massive stone fireplace, is furnished with decorative rugs and art.
The restaurant is open daily and offers many house specialties. It can accommodate up to 250 people for banquets. The lodge's main conference area can accommodate a group up to 200 people. Four smaller meeting rooms are also available.
For lodge reservations call (815) 667-4211 or write Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center, P.O. Box 570, Utica, IL. 61373.


History

Humans have inhabited this area for at least 10,000 years. Hopewellian, Woodland, and Mississippian Native American cultures once thrived here. The most recent (1500s-1700s) and probably most numerous group of Native Americans to live in the Starved Rock area were the Illiniwek. The Kaskaskia people, a subtribe of the Illiniwek, had a village of 5,000 to 7,000 inhabitants that extended along the bank of the Illinois River across from the current park.
In 1673, French explorers Louis Jolliet and Father Jacques Marquette passed through this area on their way up the Illinois from the Mississippi. Known as "Pere," the French word for "Father," Marquette returned two years later to the village of Kaskaskia and established the Mission of the Immaculate Conception - Illinois' first Christian mission.
When the French claimed the region (and, indeed, the entire Mississippi Valley), they built Fort Saint Louis atop Starved Rock in the winter of 1682-83. They chose this location because of its commanding strategic position above the last rapids on the Illinois River. Pressured from small war parties of the Iroquois in the French and Indian Wars, the French abandoned the fort by 1692. They retreated to what is now Peoria and built Fort Pimitoui. Fort Saint Louis, until it disappeared circa 1720, became a haven for traders and trappers.
Starved Rock State Park derives its name from a Native American Legend of injustice and retribution. In the 1760s, Pontiac, chief of the Ottawa tribe upriver from Starved Rock, was slain by an Illiniwek while attending a tribal council in Southern Illinois. During one of the battles that subsequently occurred to avenge the death of Chief Pontiac,
a band of Illiniwek was attacked by a band of Potawatomi (allies of the Ottawa). The Illiniwek sought refuge atop a 125-foot sandstone butte. The Potawatomi surrounded the bluff and held their ground until the hapless Illiniwek died of starvation- thus giving rise to the name "Starved Rock."


Hiking

There are over 13 miles of well-marked hiking trails that allow you to explore the majestic bluffs, canyons, and river's edge. Trails are open all year.
Hikers are urged to exercise extreme caution and MUST STAY ON OFFICIAL TRAILS. Metal trail maps are located at all trail access points, intersections, and points of interest to keep you orientated. There are colored posts or dots along the trails that correspond to the colors on the metal maps and letters on the trail brochure. To further assist you, yellow dots on the posts indicate that you are moving away from the Lodge or Visitor Center. White dots mean that you are returning to either one of those locations.
Due to the park's fragile ecosystem, camping is prohibited in unauthorized areas. All rock climbing, rappelling, or scrambling off trails is prohibited. Bicycling is not allowed on the hiking trails. For your safety, you must be off the trails by dark. Alcohol is prohibited on trails.

**Please note that there are no washrooms or drinking water areas on the trails.


Fishing and Boating

Boats may be launched from the boat ramp in the west end of the park. Canoes and motor boats are also available for rent there from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Catfish, bullhead, white bass, sauger, walleye, carp, and crappie may be caught in the Illinois River. Boats are not allowed within 600 feet of the dam due to the strong currents and powerful undertows. Under no circumstance can you wade or swim in the river, canyons, or from any park shoreline.

Horseback Riding and Equestrian Camping
There are equestrian trails and an equestrian campground along Illinois Route 178 in Matthiessen State Park. Horse rentals off of Route 71, 1/2 mile west of Illinois Route 178, are available on weekends in April, May and November. June through through October rides are Wednesday - Sunday and on Holidays.


Winter sports

Cross-country skiing can be enjoyed at nearby Matthiessen State Park. Cross-country ski rentals are available in the Dells Area on weekends December through March when snow permits. In the main Starved Rock parking lot, an ice skating area and heated washrooms add to the fun here in the winter months. Snowmobiling is not allowed anywhere at Starved Rock but is allowed at the I&M Canal 1 mile north in Utica.


Picnicking

Developed picnic areas with tables, drinking water, and restroom facilities are found in the park. Shelters are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Alcohol is prohibited January 1 through May 31 in the picnic area. Alcohol is always prohibited on the trails.


Campground

There is a large campground in the south end of the park with 133 Class A Campsites and a separate youth group camping area. Seven (7) handicapped sites are accessible for people with disabilities. Each site has electricity, a picnic table, grill pit where wood fires are allowed, and a gravel parking space. There are water hydrants located throughout the area. Two (2) flush toilet/shower buildings and a children's playground are more centrally located. You can obtain campground reservation forms on the web. Forms can also be obtained from the park office, visitor center, or in the permit booth at the campground. Forms and fees must be mailed in to the Park Office. Alcohol is always prohibited in the campground. Availability | Youth Camp Application (PDF Format)


Trail Safety

The Starved Rock Trail Safety Program is a volunteer, non-profit, non-funded first response medical unit. They operate in conjunction with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Starved Rock State Park. For further information, or if you would like to join the team, click here.


Directions

I-39 southbound: South to I-80 east (exit #59). Go 2 miles to exit #81 (Rt. 178, Utica). Go south (right) 3 miles on Rt. 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 Rt. 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 Rt. 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 (Rt. 178, Utica). Go south (left) 3 miles on Rt. 178 and follow the signs into the Park.
For more information contact Starved Rock State Park, Park Office, Box 509, Utica, IL. 61373. You can also call (815) 667-4726.


Information provided by Illinois State Parks Website.