subject: Travel Tips For Visiting Starved Rock Park, IL [print this page] Travel Tips For Visiting Starved Rock Park, IL
Last September was warm and sunny. Trees were changing their colors and it was perfect day to travel. So we have packed our lunches and began our one day vacation to the Starved Rock State Park, IL. We live close to Chicago and our travel time was about 2 hours. Starved Rock is near Utica, IL, 94 miles from Chicago, you have to take IL-80 and IL-39. Park admission is free as well as parking. People were making BBQ or eating in the parking lot. There you can find tables and benches, garbage containers and WC. We ate our lunch and headed to the rocks. After climbing up half way I had to stop to catch my breath, but we had a chance to see a beautiful views of Illinois River, the top of the trees and fascinating rock formations. You will need a good pair of binoculars, hiking shoes and map for that. From the top of Eagle cliff we saw American white Pelicans near the small island in the middle of the river. It was weird to see pelicans in our area, but because of hot summer and warm fall they were temporary residing in the Starved Rock Park before migrating to the warmer places. We were lucky to see them, because it's uncommon to see these kind of birds in the Midwest areas. We have not seen any wild animals, but that September day more than 2,000 visitors were hiking and animals just simply moved to more quiet areas.
You have to walk a lot! So it's good to have several bottles of water to drink and light clothes. Take a river trail or a bluff trail and you will enjoy the most beautiful piece of nature. The air is fresh and fragrant, the rocks so huge and powerful, that this Park looks like a miracle. We did not see any waterfalls, because of hot summer and dry fall. People were hiking with their pets, they are allowed. The most interesting place to me was French canyon, but it was slippery from the fallen leaves and moisture, however people were climbing the cliffs anyway. Brave ones! We hiked only half of the Park, about 6 miles. It was time for us to go home, so we returned to the gates of Starved Rock Park. We had the best ice cream that day, which we have purchased in the store. There you can find souvenirs, something to eat and some tasty ice creams. We have to admit that prices were affordable. We had an outstanding and interesting day. The life looks better, when you have a feeling of a peace and serenity in the nature. In 2007 Starved Rock has been chosen as one of "Seven Wonders of IL". 2011 Park will celebrate its 100th anniversary. If you have never visited the Starved Rock, then plan to visit it today, you'll have a fantastic time, fun and adventure.
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