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.

Create an itinerary including Starved Rock State Park

Starved Rock State Park reviews

Rate this attraction

TripAdvisor traveler rating

1,541 reviews

Google

4.7

facebook

4.7

47 likes

By mark m

Late summer weekday with dwindling crowds. Nice shady trails lead to beautiful views and postcard canyons. A few water bottles cast about- I don’t understand that but otherwise great place. more »
By ElaineA710

I'm going to defend Starved Rock even though I was pissed to be turned away after a long drive and without warning on their website. I would recommend to come back to Starved Rock early and during a.... more »

See more on TripAdvisor »

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.

more less
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!!!!

more less

See more on Google »

Plan your trip to Utica

Get a personalized plan

A complete day by day itinerary
based on your preferences

Customize it

Refine your plan. We'll find the
best routes and schedules

Manage it

Everything in one place.
Everyone on the same page.