If you are planning to hike, Starved Rock State Park is the place to be! With 13 miles of well marked hiking trails, you can plan your hiking based on your skill levels.

Visitor Center Guided Hikes The Starved Rock Visitor Center offers guided, weekend hikes at 10am and 1pm. These hikes are posted at the Visitor Center when available.

Starved Rock Lodge Guided Hikes Starved Rock Lodge offers guided hikes year ’round. Check out their website for upcoming guided hikes.

STARVED ROCK STATE PARK

We highly recommend you to come back to Starved Rock during different seasons of the year. The entire park, including the canyons and trails, look completely different in the fall and winter than in the spring and summer.

Not sure which trail to take? Click to view trail length, difficulty, photos, history & more: Trail to Aurora Canyon Trail to Illinois Canyon Trail to Kaskaskia Canyon Trail to LaSalle Canyon Trail to Lover’s Leap Overlook Trail to Ottawa Canyon Trail to St. Louis Canyon Trail to Starved Rock Trail to Tonty Canyon Trail to Wildcat Canyon

MATTHIESSEN STATE PARK

The park has five miles of well-marked, well-surfaced hiking trails for a relaxing walk or a vigorous hike. Large trail maps are located at all major trail intersections so visitors can choose a variety of routes. The upper area and bluff tops are easy hiking paths for the novice, but the trails into the interiors of the two dells may be difficult to negotiate, particularly during spring and early summer. Hikers must stay on marked trails, as steep cliffs and deep canyons can be dangerous. Hikers will marvel at the plant and animal life along the trails, and have an unparalleled view of geological wonders as they travel through the park. Alcohol is prohibited on all trails.

On the north side of the Dells Area entrance is a parking lot with a hitching post, which marks the access to nine miles of horseback riding trails. Horse rental is located on Route 71 a half mile west of Route 178. It is open weekends in April and November and Wednesday through Sunday from May through October. There are also six miles of cross-country ski trails with ski rental available weekends from December through March.

PLEASE NOTE! It is a state offense to remove any archaeological or Native American material from any Illinois state park.

Matthiessen State Park Trail Map

New visitors to Starved Rock State Park are continually surprised and awed at the spectacular natural features found here. Surrounded by the flat, seemingly endless fields of Illinois farm country, a totally different topography is found within the park. Starved Rock was formed thousands of years ago by the melting of glaciers releasing torrents of water. As the water rushed downstream it eroded and stripped away everything in its path except the resistant St. Peter sandstone. It is that sandstone that formed the steep rock walls and the cool dark valleys of the eighteen canyons. When conditions are right cascades of falling water spill down into these gorges, creating the waterfalls so many come here to enjoy.

WATERFALLS Although you can technically see waterfalls in 14 of the 18 canyons, some of the most scenic waterfalls are found in St. Louis, French, Wildcat, Tonty, Ottawa and Kaskaskia canyons. The best times to see waterfalls are in the spring when the snow and ice melt or after a heavy rainfall.

Locally produced wine and beer in friendly atmospheres! Check out all the local wineries and breweries near Starved Rock State Park.

Illinois River Winery and August Hill Winery are also both located in Utica, just minutes from Starved Rock. Tangled Roots Brewing Company is located in Downtown Ottawa, Illinois, just a short drive on the beautiful Route 71. Grab a bite to eat at their brew pub, The Lone Buffalo, while there!

Horseback Riding is available at Cedar Creek Ranch – located in Cedar Point, Illinois (about a 15 minute drive from the park). The best ride around–through hills, valleys and creeks (visit a Civil War era cemetery on-site). Call or visit their website to make reservations. Matthiessen State Park: An equestrian campground for horseback riders and their horses is located west of Route 178 between Route 71 and the Dells Area entrance. Alcohol is prohibited in all campgrounds. The horseback riders camping and multi-use trails are open from April 15 (weather permitting-determined by park staff) to October 31. Call 815-667-4726 to check conditions and status before coming to use these facilities. Visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resource website to learn more.

Boats may be launched from the west end of the park. Also, paddlewheel boat rides are available. Boats are not allowed within 600 feet of the dam, as strong currents and powerful undertows can be dangerous. Catfish, bullhead, white bass, sauger, walleye, carp and crappie may be caught in the Illinois River. Under no circumstances should you attempt to wade or swim in the river, canyons or from any park shoreline.

Applebee’s Bait Shop Located just off I-80 at the corner of Routes 6 & 178.

Hours: Monday – Friday: 5am – 1pm Saturday & Sunday: 4:30am-1pm