Park & Route Description
Park & Route Description:
History buffs, cyclists, nature lovers, and cliff dwellers will thrill to the sights and sounds of the 96-mile route of the Illinois and Michigan Canal (I&M Canal). Along its banks are numerous state parks, restored historical sites, an abundance of wildlife and distinctive landscapes; ranging from bluffs to rolling hills. This trail is part of the Grand Illinois Trail.
The route is 110 mile from the city of Chicago and is a challenge for cyclists who wish to bike there. The route follows along the Historic Route 66 road until you you get further from the city near the Joilet area. From the there you are on the I&M canal Trail.
Visitors can follow the I & M Canal State Trail beginning at Rockdale along the old towpath to LaSalle and experience 61.5 miles of scenic views of the canal and the Des Plaines and Illinois rivers. At every turn, trail users will find something of interest. One can spend an afternoon or several days exploring the wonders along this picturesque and unique area.
West of Ottawa, the I&M gets pretty gnarly. So we recommend popping off at Buffalo Rock State Parkand onto Dee Bennet Road. The Illinois River will come back into view as will your first glimpses of the cliffs of Starved Rock.
You're nearly there, but it ain't over yet! There is one long, steep climb crossing the river and up the hill to the park. After this hill congratulate yourself. You made it! Time to set up camp, grab a brew if that's what your into, and plan the nexts day's hike in Starved Rock or Matthiessen State Parks.
History buffs, cyclists, nature lovers, and cliff dwellers will thrill to the sights and sounds of the 96-mile route of the Illinois and Michigan Canal (I&M Canal). Along its banks are numerous state parks, restored historical sites, an abundance of wildlife and distinctive landscapes; ranging from bluffs to rolling hills. This trail is part of the Grand Illinois Trail.
The route is 110 mile from the city of Chicago and is a challenge for cyclists who wish to bike there. The route follows along the Historic Route 66 road until you you get further from the city near the Joilet area. From the there you are on the I&M canal Trail.
Visitors can follow the I & M Canal State Trail beginning at Rockdale along the old towpath to LaSalle and experience 61.5 miles of scenic views of the canal and the Des Plaines and Illinois rivers. At every turn, trail users will find something of interest. One can spend an afternoon or several days exploring the wonders along this picturesque and unique area.
West of Ottawa, the I&M gets pretty gnarly. So we recommend popping off at Buffalo Rock State Parkand onto Dee Bennet Road. The Illinois River will come back into view as will your first glimpses of the cliffs of Starved Rock.
You're nearly there, but it ain't over yet! There is one long, steep climb crossing the river and up the hill to the park. After this hill congratulate yourself. You made it! Time to set up camp, grab a brew if that's what your into, and plan the nexts day's hike in Starved Rock or Matthiessen State Parks.
THE ROUTE
-Trail & Route Composition-
|
40%
Crushed Limestone |
60%
Paved routes |
What You'll Discover...
|
Starved Rock State Park 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. Joielt & 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 & Lodging Reservations
|
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.
Camping: http://www.reserveamerica.com/ Starved Rock Lodge: https://www.starvedrocklodge.com/ Papa Murph's: http://www.papamurphs.com/ 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. |
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
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
Restore. Protect. Preserve.
The Lower Lake Rim Preserve | The Out Our Front Door Organization | #BaseCampChicago
The Lower Lake Rim Preserve | The Out Our Front Door Organization | #BaseCampChicago
SHARE THIS TRIP/ROUTE
