About the Park
About the Park
 Starved Rock State Park, located just near I-80 and I-39 in Utica, IL, is the major tourist attraction in north central Illinois. The Park is free to all visitors and parking is free also. The Visitor Center'S attendance for 2009 was 240,453. Over 838 visitors attended special programs. The park attendance for 2009 was 2,058,966.
Surround yourself with nature at Starved Rock State Park. The waterfalls and canyons are unexpected wonders, nestled within 2,630  acres of lush forests. Whether you choose the river trail or the bluff trail, you will enjoy spectacular views along the Illinois River. From picnicking to fishing to boating, from horseback riding to camping to enjoying winter sports, there's so much to do that you'll come back again and again.
The backdrop for your activities are 18 canyons formed by glacial meltwater and stream erosion. They slice dramatically through tree-covered, sandstone bluffs for four miles at Starved Rock State Park, which is located along the south side of the Illinois River, one mile south of Utica and midway between the cities of LaSalle-Peru and Ottawa.
The park is best known for its fascinating rock formations, primarily St. Peter sandstone, laid down in a huge shallow inland sea more than 425 million years ago and later brought to the surface.
While the areas along the river and its tributaries still are predominantly forested, much of the area is a flat, gently rolling plain. The upland prairies were created during an intensive warming period several thousand years after the melting of the glaciers. The Illinois River Valley in the Starved Rock area is a major contrast to the flatland. The valley was formed by a series of floods as glacial meltwater broke through moraines, sending torrents of water surging across the land and deeply eroding the sandstone and other sedimentary rocks.
During early spring, when the end of winter thaw is occurring and/or when summer rains are frequent, sparkling waterfalls are found at the heads of all 18 canyons, and 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 French, LaSalle and St. Louis canyons.
Frequently Asked Questions
STARVED ROCK & MATTHIESSEN STATE PARKS
Mapquest address: 2568 E. 950th Rd, Oglesby, IL 61348
#1. WHERE ARE THE WATERFALLS?
They are found in 14 of the 18 canyons in the spring or after a heavy rain. The most scenic waterfalls at Starved Rock are found in St. Louis, French, Wildcat, Tonty, LaSalle, Hennepin, Ottawa, Kaskaskia, and Illinois Canyons. At Matthiessen they are found at Matthiessen Lake falls and Cascade falls.
#2. WHERE CAN WE SEE BALD EAGLES?
Eagles can usually be seen fishing below the Starved Rock Lock and Dam and roosting on Leopold and Plum Islands December through February. The highest concentration of eagles is during the coldest time of year, usually January. When the river freezes eagles have to find open water to search for fish which they find in the turbulent water below the dam. Generally speaking you can see between 5 and 30 eagles at any one time December through February depending on weather conditions. The best place to view the bald eagles is from the top of Starved Rock. Binoculars are loaned out at the Starved Rock Visitor Center by leaving your Driver?s License. The Visitor Center is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily and closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year?s.
#3. WHERE ARE THE ICE FALLS?
Ice falls are found in 14 of the 18 canyons when enough moisture falls during fall and winter for the ice falls to form. The most scenic ice falls at Starved Rock are found in St. Louis, French, Wildcat, Tonty, LaSalle, Hennepin, Ottawa, and Kaskaskia Canyons. At Matthiessen they are found at Matthiessen Lake Falls and Cascade Falls.
#4. IS THERE ICE CLIMBING IN THE PARK?
Ice climbing is allowed at Starved Rock in French, Wildcat, LaSalle, and Tonty Canyons. Ice climbers must sign in and out at the park office. No equipment rental is available. The park staff decides when there is enough ice to climb.
#5. CAN WE CROSS COUNTRY SKI IN THE PARK?
Yes. When snow permits six miles of rolling, ungroomed trails are available at Matthiessen State Park (one mile south of Starved Rock). Ski trails are open daily. Ski rentals are available on weekends from December through March.
#6. ARE THERE SNOWMOBILE TRAILS IN THE PARK?
No, however, snowmobiling is allowed on the Illinois and Michigan Canal one mile north of Starved Rock when snow conditions permit. DNR link to I&M Canal is: http://dnr.state.il.us.
#7. ARE PETS ALLOWED IN THE PARK?
Yes, they are allowed in the park, on the trails, and in the campground. They must be kept on a leash and you must pick up after them. Pet litter bags are available at the Visitor Center. They are not allowed in any park buildings, including the Lodge.
#8. CAN WE ROCK CLIMB IN THE PARK?
No, due to the fragile nature of the rock, rock climbing and rappelling are strictly prohibited. Rock climbing is allowed in the following state parks: Giant City and Ferne Cliff near Carbondale, Illinois, and Mississippi Palisades near Savanna, Illinois.
#9. ARE THERE ADA/STROLLER ACCESSIBLE TRAILS IN THE PARK?
No. The trails at Starved Rock and Matthiessen are in and out of canyons with many stairways, therefore, they are not accessible. However, there is a one mile sidewalk surrounding the Starved Rock Lodge with an observation deck behind the Lodge. There is a sidewalk along the river by the main parking lot which gives a good view of Starved Rock from its base. There is an art exhibit of the The Lodge, the Visitor Center, and the park office are accessible. Visitors can also drive to the Starved Rock Lock and Dam Visitor Center and observe the park from the north.
#10. ARE THERE BICYCLE TRAILS IN THE PARK?
No. Bicycling is not allowed on the trails due to: too much erosion, too many visitors, and too many stairways found throughout the park. It would be too dangerous! The closest place to bicycle is on the Illinois & Michigan Canal one mile north of the park in Utica. This is a 62 mile trail.
#11. ARE CASH MACHINES AVAILABLE?
Yes. Cash machines are available at Starved Rock in the Lodge and in the Visitor Center.
#12. IS THERE HUNTING IN THE PARK?
Yes. Starved Rock/Matthiessen hunting fact sheets are on the DNR website: http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/hunter_fact_sheet/index.htm.
Where can we hike during hunting? Some hiking trails are open during hunting seasons.
#13. WHERE CAN WE FISH AND WHAT KIND OF FISH CAN WE CATCH?
Fishing can be done at Starved Rock on the north side of the main riverside parking lot and to the west beyond the boat ramp, and also in the river if you have a boat which can be launched at our free public boat ramp. Walleye, sauger, white bass, buffalo, carp, catfish, and bullheads can be caught throughout the year.
#14. CAN THE TRAILS BE ACCESSED FROM THE STARVED ROCK CAMPGROUND?
No. The only way to access the trails is to drive to the main parking lot near the Visitor Center or to one of the outlying trail parking lots.
#15. CAN I RESERVE CAMP SITES OVER THE PHONE?
No, reservations must be made by going to www.reserveamerica.com. Camping fees must be paid by cash, check, or Traveler's Check.
#16. CAN I USE A CREDIT CARD TO MAKE A RESERVATION OR TO PAY FOR CAMPING?
No, we do not accept credit cards. Reservations need to be made by going to www.reserveamerica.com.
#17. IS THERE CAMPING AT MATTHIESSEN?
No, but the Starved Rock campground is located one mile east of Matthiessen.
#18. DO WE NEED TO MAKE A CAMPING RESERVATION DURING THE WEEK?
Reservations are taken by going to www.reserveamerica.com
#19. ARE THERE HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE SITES IN THE CAMPGROUND?
Yes. There are seven sites with a concrete pad and a sidewalk leading to the nearest primitive toilet. Two of these sites are available for reservations.
#20. DOES STARVED ROCK RENT TENTS?
No, there is no rental of tents, or any type of camping equipment.
|
