Trip Planner: USA / Illinois / Utica / Starved Rock State Park

Starved Rock State Park, Utica

4.5

#1 of 10 in Things to do in Utica

Must see · State Park · Hiking Trail

An ancient home of the Kaskaskia tribes, Starved Rock State Park is now famous for canyons and waterfalls and welcomes over 2 million guests annually. Nestled along the banks of Illinois River, the park offers cruises and water activities, 21 km (13 mi) of hiking trails, and organized activities throughout the year. Start at the visitor center, which has educational displays and maps. Take a trolley tour of the area, or participate in a guided tour of the 1874 Victorian mansion. Ask about tasting locally produced wines. Check out the gift shop's offerings of nature-related merchandise, such as birdhouses, nature games, binoculars, and books on wildlife. Inspirock's itinerary builder makes planning a Utica trip simple and quick.

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Starved Rock State Park reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating

1,561 reviews

Google

4.7

By Laura G

The visitor center was very helpful in guiding us to the trails that would fit our time frame and abilities and we were not disappointed. Highly recommend exploring many of the different trails... more »
By tigrr49

Took about 3 - 3.5 hours to hike from visitor's center down to LaSalle Canyon while hitting Starved Rock, French Canyon, Wildcat Canyon, LaSalle Canyon, Eagle Cliff Overlook, and Lover's Leap... more »

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Google

By Christian Whiting

Great place to visit and hike. Get there early if you want to avoid the crowds and get decent parking. If having a picnic tables and grills are available but again will require you to get there early. Admission and parking are free, park is dog friendly. Be prepared for lots of stairs, steeper steps by canyons. 5 miles here is like 10 miles on flatter ground.

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By Chetan Srinivas

Was a great experience for my girls. Perfect weather to hike but unfortunately no water to be seen on Day 1. Next day at the St Louis Canyon, we got lucky with a small stream of water falls and my 8 year old had fun in the water. Directions placed very well all along the trails and the ice creams were yummy at the store located near the Visitor Center!!!!

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