Starved Rock State Park - Oglesby Illinois

Starved Rock State Park has become a favorite place for bird watchers to get their eyes on America's symbol of bravery; bald eagles fish the Illinois river below the lock and dam which clears open water year round. Eagles nest on the islands and bluffs nearby during the winter months.

The park also boasts great hiking trails through stone canyons and ravines. Its lodge is highly rated and includes a large indoor pool, whirlpool, and saunas. The restaurant at the lodge features daily specials of comfort food - thick savory gravies - and has an enormous wood burning fireplace to keep you cozy on a winter evening.

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Bald Eagles at Starved Rock State Park - Illinois

They come for the eagles; They stay for the great food. Then they explore the meandering sandstone canyons and stoic formations.

In Illinois' flat landscape, it is hard to imagine that such an interesting geological spectacle can be found. Like Wisconsin's Dells, the soft sandstone that is abundant in the Midwest has been worked over, through, and under by a powerful river.

It is a lovely Summer spot, wand even better in Spring and Fall. But, Winter is surely the best time to visit Starved Rock. Especially a very cold winter when ice covers the landscape. A cold winter will bring the revered eagles to nest at Starved Rock. And, the hiking trails that lead to frozen falls become a Martian adventure. The fires of the lodge are especially warm and welcoming as the snow begins to fall outside the mullion and muttoned window panes.

Kaskaskia Falls - Starved Rock State Park

Walking to Starved Rock requires descending down the bluff from the lodge along a a wooden staircase. At the river's edge is a museum and nature center. There is parking at the nature center if you are just coming in for a walk. A wide paved path circles around and climbs the namesake formation: Starved Rock. From there you will get your best viewpoint for birdwatching.

But, Starved Rock is hardly the only hiking trail in the park. Easy trails take you to various waterfalls such as St. Louis Canyon, and Kaskaskia Falls.

There is plenty to do at Starved Rock State Park, whether you just need a relaxing retreat at the historic lodge or you up for some athletic and challenging hiking trails.