Plan a trip this weekend to discover the untouched winter beauty of the sprawling park, with the help of a knowledgeable trail guide who will take you to some of the most scenic locales on the property. On this informative and socially distant guided hike, you may even spot some bald eagles soaring above the tree canopy. Every year, a multitude of eagles use the lock and dam across the river as a winter fishing spot. The path of the guided hike affords you some of the best eagle-watching vantage points in the park. With the proper weather, you may even see a few of Starved Rock's famed frozen waterfalls along your trek.
Taking place both Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 2 and 3, the tours will start at 10 a.m. in the Starved Rock Lodge's hotel lobby for a socially distant meet-up with your trail guide and fellow hikers. You'll be given a Starved Rock backpack with a snack, bottled water and a voucher for a small hot chocolate or coffee from the Cafe, to be used upon your return.
On the guided hike, you'll visit popular sightseeing and photo-opportunity spots like Wildcat Canyon, Eagle Cliff and even the Lover's Leap overlook. Participants are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather, including proper footwear. Masks are required on the park trails. Capacity for the popular hikes is limited; call 815-220-7386 to make reservations.
Looking for something a little less chilly? Take a narrated trolley ride to see some of Starved Rock's best winter wildlife in their natural habitats. The trolley bus tour will depart from the Lodge at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Jan. 2 and 3, taking you on a tour through nearby Buffalo Rock State Park to visit three live bison up close and personal. The trolley then will travel to the Illinois Waterway Visitors Center observation deck to see if the group can spot a few bald eagles nesting above the lock and dam.
The whole tour will be narrated with history and legends of the region, creating an entertaining and educational trip you'll be sure to remember for years to come. Each ticket includes a sack lunch as you board the trolley. The meal includes your choice of a turkey or veggie wrap, a bag of chips, granola bar, piece of fruit and bottle of water. Masks are required on the trolley at all times. No restrooms will be available on the tour. Capacity for the trolley tours is limited; call 815-220-7386 to make reservations.
For more information, visit: starvedrocklodge.com/events/
Starved Rock Lodge & Conference Center is at 1 Lodge Lane in Oglesby.