More Trails Reopen At Starved Rock State Park!

Parkman's Plain parking lot and Campanula Trail are now open

By Ryan SearlOct. 5, 2020

Just in time for Fall Colors to arrive at Starved Rock State Park, a major trail and convenient new parking lot have reopened to the public. Here's an inside look at the new developments!

August's powerful derecho storm closed numerous trails and parking areas throughout Starved Rock State Park. Now, more than a month after the windy event, one of the park's most accessible trails will be reopening to the public.
The Campanula Trail, which runs from the top of French Canyon to the top of Wildcat Canyon, is a convenient route between two of the park's most beautiful photo-ops. Primarily a wood-lined boardwalk, this trail is much easier of the legs than the paralleling Bluff Trail. Located only .5 miles from the visitors center and another .5 to Wildcat Canyon, this recently reopened trail is an excellent way to see a large swatch of the park in one easy trip. — August's powerful derecho storm closed numerous trails and parking areas throughout Starved Rock State Park. Now, more than a month after the windy event, one of the park's most accessible trails will be reopening to the public.

The Campanula Trail, which runs from the top of French Canyon to the top of Wildcat Canyon, is a convenient route between two of the park's most beautiful photo-ops. Primarily a wood-lined boardwalk, this trail is much easier of the legs than the paralleling Bluff Trail. Located only .5 miles from the visitors center and another .5 to Wildcat Canyon, this recently reopened trail is an excellent way to see a large swatch of the park in one easy trip.

Parkman's Plain parking lot, one of the newest and most convenient parking areas for exploring some of Starved Rock's most popular canyons, has also reopened to the public for the first time since early August!
This large parking area spills out into a beautiful forest trail, which eventually gives way to a series of large wooden stairs (a dizzying photo-op that can't be missed), before taking guests down the park's north eastern riverbanks. From there, you can easily hike to popular sights like LaSalle Canyon (previously accessible only through a long hike bluff hike) and the nearby Owl Canyon. — Parkman's Plain parking lot, one of the newest and most convenient parking areas for exploring some of Starved Rock's most popular canyons, has also reopened to the public for the first time since early August!

This large parking area spills out into a beautiful forest trail, which eventually gives way to a series of large wooden stairs (a dizzying photo-op that can't be missed), before taking guests down the park's north eastern riverbanks. From there, you can easily hike to popular sights like LaSalle Canyon (previously accessible only through a long hike bluff hike) and the nearby Owl Canyon.

Looking for an even easier trip? The IDNR are offering FREE guided tours at Starved Rock every Wed-Sun through November 1st. Masks are required on these socially distant excursions, each group will be capped at only 15 attendees. Pre registration for these events is required, visit eventbrite.com to reserve your space today! Simply serach 'Starved Rock State Park' to see all the upcoming tours.

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2020 Tour Schedule:

• Wednesday & Thursday Options: 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. indoor history tour of exhibits with Park Interpreter.

• Friday Options: 8:30 a.m. guided hike from Ottawa Canyon to Kaskaskia Canyon 1 mile. 3 p.m. indoor history tour of exhibits with Park Interpreter.

• Saturday Options: 8:30 a.m. guided hike from Starved Rock Lodge to St. Louis Canyon. 3 mile hike. 3 p.m. indoor history tour of exhibits with Park Interpreter.

• Sundays: 8:30 a.m. to Starved Rock from the Visitor Center. .5 mile hike. 3 p.m. indoor history tour of exhibits with Park Interpreter.

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Starved Rock State Park

Parkman's Plain Parking Lot

Route 71

Oglesby, IL 61348