Trip highlights

96-mile historic trail along the Illinois and Michigan Canal
Part of the Grand Illinois Trail system
Follows Route 66 from Chicago to Joliet
Connects state parks, historic sites, and natural landscapes
Bluffs, rolling hills, and river views
Scenic towpath along Des Plaines and Illinois Rivers
Great for multi-day trips with hiking and camping options

What you'll discover

A flood from a melting glacier, approximately 14,000-17,000 years ago led to the topography of the site and its exposed rock canyons. Diverse forest plant life exists in the park and the area supports several species. For those willing to brave the winter, you'll be rewarded with bald eagle sightings.

Starved Rock is characterized by the many canyons within its 2,630 acres. Located just southeast of the village of Utica, in Deer Park Township, LaSalle County, Illinois, along the south bank of the Illinois River, the park hosts over two million visitors annually, the most for any Illinois state park.

Things to do and see

Chicago Portage National Historic Site: Preserved within the park is the western end of the historic portage linking the Chicago River to the Des Plaines River, thereby linking the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River. A memorial depicting the portage of French explorers. explorers understood the importance of the easiest crossing of the continental divide between the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean watersheds.

Starved Rock Visitor Center: Illinois State Beach Park has a Nature Center in the southern unit located at the start of the hiking trail head, which contains exhibits, guides, restrooms, and classroom space.

Hiking: There are 13 miles of trails to explore with 18 beautiful canyons. Best time to go is when it has just rained.

Joliet & Route 66 Museum: Free, interactive Route 66 Experience exhibit, located at the crossroads of Route 66 and Lincoln Highway. Visit the award-winning, two-story permanent exhibit with the Route 66 guide that identifies Route 66 items in the main gallery. Get help planning the rest of your trip along the Mother Road at the Route 66 Information Center, and browse the Gift Shop's large selection of Route 66 items. Closed Mondays.

Chicago River Museum: The Tropics Yacht Bar located in the North unit is a great ride from camp to catch a harbor style drink, lunch, play some darts or a game of pool.

Aux Sable House: The Chicago Botanic Garden is a 385-acre living plant museum situated on nine islands in the Cook County Forest Preserves. It features 27 display gardens in four natural habitats.

Matthiessen State Park: Is an Illinois state park located a few miles south of the more famous Starved Rock State Park. The main entrances to both parks are located on Illinois State Route 178. The park is more primitive in nature.

Live Music: Every Friday and Saturday night during the summer there is live music on the Veranda located at the Starved Rock Lodge.

Camping and lodging

Camping can be had at the Starved State Park or at various surrounding private campgrounds. Both provide a variety of camping options and amenities. You can also stay in a nearby Grizzly Park Resort & Hotel, the Starved Rock Lodge Cabin or stay in a nine person Villa for a more comfortable stay.

State Park Campground:The campground provides 133 Class-A premium sites, complete with electricity. The bath house has showers and flush toilets. Aside from the scenic beauty and flourishing wildlife, people enjoy the way the park is laid out with open grassy areas that are conducive to pitching a tent. Weekend reservations for the Starved Rock campground fill up fast, so plan well in advance

The Starved Rock Lodge: Provides a variety of rustic hotel rooms, and log cabins in the woods with indoor fireplaces to choose from. You can also relax and unwind in their indoor pool, hot tub and sauna. The Lodge boasts its own Main Dining Room restaurant, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.

Papa Murph's Tavern & Campground: A privately owned open field campground equally near both state parks, which allows drinking and has a bar on premise. Could be noisy/fun at night.

Camping along the Trail: The I&M canal Trail offers camping spots along the trail.

Dinners and Drinks can be had at the Starved Rock Back Door Lodge no matter your lodging Camping preference. Firewood and ice are sold at the State Park campground and local areas.

Note: Firewood and ice are sold at the State Park campground and local areas.

Trail Notes

We have done this trip in 2 days and in 3 days. If you really want to hike the amazing landscapes, canyons, and waterfalls then do a 3 day trip and spend a full day/night hiking the area trails. You won't regret it.

To see the best waterfalls go just before massive rain storms are in the forecast. More rain equals better waterfalls. And may your campfire shine bright and warm.

An idea to cut your return trip 40mi shorter is to take the Rock Island Line Metra in Joliet.

See Full metra Train Schedule

Important Reminders:

Take care to ensure whatever you bring onto the trails is taken out. Be sure to stay on the established trails to not disturb the fragile ecosystems and cause damage. Be a part of legacy created by conservationists and protect this natural treasure