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Starved Rock State Park is in Northern Illinois, in the United States.

Understand

History

The region was periodically occupied by a variety of native tribes, such as the Potawatami, until they were forced westward by the expansion of European settlements and the Beaver Wars.

There are many local legends regarding how Starved Rock got its name. Most popular is a tale of revenge for the assassination of Ottawa leader Pontiac, who was killed in Cahokia on April 20th, 1769. According to legend, to avenge his death, the Ottawa and their allies the Potawatami attacked a band of Illiniwek who sought refuge on the butte. Their pursuers besieged the rock until the tribe died of starvation, hence the name "Starved Rock". Some variations of this legend falsely state that this resulted in the extermination of the Illiniwek. Apart from oral history, there is no historical evidence that such an event happened.

Landscape

A flood known as the Kankakee Torrent, which took place between 14,000 and 17,000 years ago, before human occupation of the area, helped create the park's signature geology and features, which are unusual for the central plains. The park is located on the south bank of the Illinois River, a major tributary of the Mississippi River.

Starved Rock is known for its outcrop of St. Peter Sandstone, which is typically buried. The sandstone is pure and poorly cemented, making it workable with a pick or shovel. Similar geological features can be found near the Rock River, between Dixon and Oregon, Illinois, within Castle Rock State Park.

Flora and fauna

There are approximately 150 different types of plants growing at Starved Rock. The stretch of the Illinois River that goes through the park contains several types of fish that can be caught by anglers, including catfish, white bass, walleye, and carp.

Climate

Northern Illinois has a humid continental climate, with mild summers and cold winters. The highest recorded temperature at the park was 112° F (44° C) in 1936, and the record low was -25° F (-32° C) in 1985. Typically, January is the coldest month, July the warmest, and June the wettest.

Do

There are over 13 miles (21 km) of hiking trails in Starved Rock, and a total of 18 canyons and 18 waterfalls in the park. On the far western side of the park, there are horseback riding trails as well. Among the many other activities offered at the park include boating and fishing. During the winter, ice skating, tobogganing, cross-country skiing and sledding are allowed in various parts of the park, however, snowmobiling is not allowed. Select canyons allow ice climbing in the wintertime, and many waterfalls transform into scenic ice falls as well.

Sleep

Lodging

• Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center (The Lodge), 1 Lodge Ln, ☏ +1 (815) 667-4211. Check-in: 4:00PM, check-out: 11:00AM. The Starved Rock Lodge and Cabins, also known as the Starved Rock Lodge and Conference center, is a popular way to stay in the park. Live music on the veranda every Friday night, 8:00-11:00 pm. (updated Nov 2023)
• The Cabins at Starved Rock Lodge (Starved Rock Lodge and Cabins), One Lodge Ln, ☏ +1 (815) 667-4211. (updated May 2023)

Camping

There are 133 campsites at Starved Rock, of which 100 can be reserved.