Things to Do

Here are 10 great things you can experience in Starved Rock Country from the comfort of your car! From roadside attractions to beautiful natural vistas, there's something for everyone in this guide.

As dusk falls, come out and hear about the ghostly tales of the I&M Canal on the haunted boat tour this weekend from October 25-27. This Halloween adventure is filled with legends, mystery and horror. Let their talented tour guides divulge the many secrets, spirits, and scandals …

There's still plenty to see and do in Starved Rock Country! Here's the first installment in our series of 100 activities you can take part in, either remotely or at a distance! Support small business, get some fresh air and learn more about what Starved Rock Country has to offer!…

Head out to the Starved Rock Lodge to take part in the Owl Prowl Weekend! This weekend long celebration of all things Owls will feature guided night hikes with an expert ornithologist and live owl presentations! Here's everything you need to know!Owl Prowl Night Hike: On this hik…

Born from Ottawa's Wallace Hall, the home of WRWO 94.5 FM Community Radio, the Song + Story concert series began as a monthly showcase of Starved Rock Country musicians. Now, it's grown to include a roaming concert series, that's pairing talented local acts with with touring perf…

With all the accomidating resturants, hotels, parks and dog runs, Starved Rock Country is the perfect place to take a trip with your furry friend. Here's a convenient guide to some of the best dog-friendly locations in the region.Jump to: Dog Friendly Restaurants In SRC : Starved…

This Sunday, the Starved Rock Visitors Center will host a free lecture on the history of maple syrup, followed by a live demonstration of how to tap for sap yourself!This all ages instructional class will end with a live maple tree trapping demonstration out in the park. After th…

Calling all history hounds and architecture aficionados, here's a rare opportunity to explore the entire Hegeler Carus Mansion, from top to bottom!For more information, and to learn more about this historic home, visit: hegelercarus.org/whole-house-tours/

UPDATE: Registration for this event is closed, but Prairie Fox Books will be hosting another Murder Mystery in the near future! Be sure to follow www.facebook.com/prairiefoxbooks/ to stay up to date!This show is geared toward adult audiences, and may feature some mature themes. T…

Beautiful downtown Utica played host to their annual Mardi Gras Day celebration this past Saturday. From floats to festive masks, here's an inside look at this cajun celebration!Wearing a Mardi Gras-themed hat that was more than appropriate for the occasion, Dan Bittner, of Ottaw…

Located just two minutes to the north of Starved Rock State Park, the Village of North Utica will once again be playing host to one of the most exciting Mardi Gras Parades that Illinois has to offer! Here's what you need to know, before you go!Big fun comes to North Utica's small…