Weekend Adventures: Starved Rock State Park

I’ve been feeling a bit restless in the city lately, so Keith and I went on a little adventure Saturday to Starved Rock State Park in Oglesby, IL, just 2 hours southwest of Chicago.

I have to admit, I’ve been fairly disappointed with the couple Illinois outdoor adventures we’ve taken compared to places in Wisconsin, Michigan, or other states. Specifically, I’m referring to a river tubing trip that wasn’t (we got there and the river had dried up!). I much prefer woods and mountains to prairies and corn fields, but we gave it a shot. And Starved Rock did not disappoint.

We spent a lovely couple of hours hiking LaSalle Canyon. Pro tip: do NOT start your hike from the main visitor’s center–way too crowded! I suggest parking in one of the other lots either south or north, and start your hike from there.

Sadie looking happy as can be, while Keith looks a bit sullen. The humidity was a beast that day.

I look tiny compared to the rock formations!

A trickling waterfall greeted us at the end of the route.

I certainly don’t think “canyons” when I think of Illinois landscape, but this place made a believer out of me. A definite must-do day trip for Chicagoans craving a decent hike.