Fall/Winter 2010

Love to hike? Then Starved Rock State Park, located in Utica, Illinois, on the south bank of the Illinois River, is the place to be. One of the best places in the Midwest to enjoy fall colors, the park boasts more than 13 miles of hiking trails — through canyons and past cascading waterfalls. Best of all, you can tailor your trip based on your skill level, from beginner to advanced, by following well-marked trails and free maps.

This area has been home to humans from as early as 8000 B.C. Hopewellian, Woodland and Mississippian Native American cultures have all thrived here. The park name comes from a legend about a band of Illiniwek, who, under attack by a band of Potawatomi, sought refuge atop a 125-foot sandstone butte. The Ottawa and Potawatomi surrounded the bluff until the steadfast Illiniwek died of starvation.
Set off from the Visitors Center, where you’ll find detailed trail maps. Colored posts along the trails, corresponding to colors on the maps, will keep you oriented, as will the yellow dots on trees or posts that indicate you are moving away from the Visitor Center — while the white dots mean you are returning.

Although you can see waterfalls in 14 of the 18 canyons, the most scenic waterfalls are found along the St. Louis, French, Wildcat, Tonty, Ottawa and Kaskaskia canyon trails.

The River Bluff Trail, located at Buffalo Park, is a must-see. You’ll walk high above the Illinois River to two observation decks with spectacular views. The park and trails are open year-round — and the winter icefalls are especially amazing.
Make it a long weekend by checking into Grizzly Jack’s Grand Bear Resort, a fun, North Woods-style resort with villas offering breathtaking views as well as log cabins for up to 18 people.

- State - Illinois

- Type - Outdoor Adventures

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