Starved Rock Parks and Outdoor Activities

One of the most scenic drives in Starved Rock Country can be found on the long winding roads leading up to Starved Rock State Park. This drive is particularly beautiful around sunrise and sunset, plan an early morning trip to see it for yourself! Produced by in partnership with S…

Spring Valley was founded in 1884 in the heart of the coal fields of Northern Illinois primarily for the purpose of mining coal. By 1888, the booming town of Spring Valley already had over 3,000 people and was referred to as the “Magic City”. Produced in partnership with Starved …

There's no question the sunflowers at Matthiessen State Park have become a part of the Starved Rock experience. Visitors from across the state, including the Chicago and Peoria areas, wandered through the 60-acre sunflower field Monday.

Take a quick video hike with Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center's Marketing Director Kathy Casstevens, as she visits one of the State Park's hidden gems: Aurora Canyon! Conveniently located less than 10 minutes from the lodge, you'll be immediately greeted by the sounds of …

Mule pulled canal boat rides have returned to the I&M Canal! Guests will board the “Volunteer,” a replica 1840’s canal boat, for a trip up and down the historic Illinois waterway. Here's everything you need to know to plan your visit!Every trip on The Volunteer begins with “Mule …

Expert trail guide Joe Jakupcak takes you on a guided hike of Starved Rock State Park, a sample of the full tour that is offered every weekend at the park!Guided hikes and lunch, offered by Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center, have officially returned! These tours are offere…

In recent years, kayak fishing has grown from being a niche corner in the world of sport fishing to a near worldwide phenomenon! Join us as we take a look at this growing hobby."Kayak fishing has really evolved from a niche thing to a mainstream park of the fishing world. There a…

Calling all photographers and plant lovers: The sunflowers at Matthiessen State Park are expected to bloom some time near the end of July!This will be the sunflower field’s return to Matthiessen State Park after not being planted in 2019 because of the large amount of rain.

Enjoy a relaxing, social distance-friendly, float down the Dells of the Lower Fox River! Sheridan's Fox Hollow River Tubing Company makes spending a day with your family and friends on this beautiful stretch of water a simple, and convenient, process.

Starved Rock State Park is normally closes it's doors to visitors at dusk, but on rare occasion the park's naturalists host special guided night hikes, giving guests a truly unique look at the park's ecology and geology! Shaw Media's Scott Anderson was lucky enough to tag along o…