Starved Rock State Park, A World Apart!

Illinois

March 2022

Our Adventures at Starved Rock State Park

We decided to take a short drive southwest of Naperville to visit Starved Rock State Park after several parents had recommended it to us. The moment we arrived, we immediately understood why so many people had urged us to go. It felt as if we had stepped into another world. Instead of Naperville’s familiar grasslands, we were greeted by towering sandstone cliffs, deep canyons, and expansive views of the Illinois River.

What we didn’t expect was that Starved Rock, with its mix of breathtaking scenery, fascinating history, and trails for every season, would become our go-to destination for showing visiting friends and family the beauty of Illinois.

The Legend of Starved Rock

Starved Rock State Park got its name from a tragic legend. In the 1760s, after Chief Pontiac of the Ottawa was killed by the Illiniwek, a band of Illiniwek sought refuge atop a 125-foot sandstone butte. Surrounded by Ottawa and Pottawatomie forces, they died from starvation. This haunting story of conflict and survival gave the park its memorable name.

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Today we went to Starved Rock State Park, about 70 miles South West from Naperville. The weather was terrific, sunny but not too warm.

Starved Rock State Park has beautiful well-marked trails. We loved to see the bluffs and canyons and he magnificent view from the Starved Rock over the Illinois River in the park. We will certainly come back in the winter when the American Bald eagle fly in. Eagles normally come to this spot on the Illinois River by late October to early November, and by mid-March start their journey back to their breeding grounds in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Canada.