Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center - Oglesby, Illinois

Gina B.

Beautiful time of year to explore Starved Rock. Cool and clear. Stunning views. Lots of stairs but most staircases had a place to stop & catch your breath. Use those times to stop & catch your breath 😉 Enjoy.

Chas A.

The fella answering questions at the information desk was very personable and offered plenty of good information. Unfortunately the gift shop was closing early because it was new years eve. They pretty much rushed my wife out of there and discouraged purchasing because they were doing a year end audit. But the park and trails were very well kept. And due to the recent rains and snowfall the waterfalls were very nice to see. We took in Ottawa Canyon, French Canyon and Kaskaskia Canyon. All relatively short hikes. It was an excellent way to round out the year.

andy G.

Hands down one of the best state parks I have ever been in. This is up there with some national parks in my opinion.

I can't stress this enough. Get there early for parking.

Park staff was amazing and helpful. Nice little gift shop and snack area. There is also a lodge for more of a sit down meal as well.

Trails and Canyons are gorgeous. Yes there are lots of steps and inclines but they are definitely worth it. There are a couple loops if you don't want to go too far. But all trails are worth it. I intended to spend 2-3 hrs here. But spent about 6 hrs hiking all the trails and am so glad I did.

I will definitely be coming back. I can't recommend this park enough.

Tom C.

Nestled along the Illinois River, Starved Rock State Park offers an enchanting escape into nature's wonders. My wife and I recently spent a few days here, and the park's beauty did not disappoint. We camped in a wooded area, and though the sites were equipped with 30-amp electric hookups, there was no water or sewer—so come prepared! The campground was peaceful, and the absence of city noise allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the surrounding forest.

The real magic of Starved Rock reveals itself on the trails. We explored the La Salle and Owl trails, which led us to a breathtaking sandstone canyon, shaped by centuries of water carving through rock. The sight of the giant sandstone bowl was awe-inspiring. While the waterfalls were dry during our visit, the experience was no less magnificent with the vibrant fall foliage and the sound of rustling leaves beneath our feet.

The park’s wildlife added to the charm. We saw squirrels, woodpeckers, a large turtle, and even encountered a tick and a snake along the way. The trails are well-marked and offer a mix of scenic views, from towering sandstone bluffs to quiet, forested paths. The colors of autumn painted the landscape in shades of red, orange, and yellow, creating a calming, almost magical atmosphere.

Our stay at Starved Rock was a perfect balance of adventure and tranquility. Whether you're looking for a challenging hike or just a serene place to enjoy nature, this park has something for everyone. It’s a gem worth exploring, especially during the fall season.

Thomas Corrao
Stray Compass life

Grace

Absolutely gorgeous! The views were breathtaking and I will 100% go back. The trails are mainly uphill so be prepared with comfortable footwear. Other than that it’s amazing.

Lisa H.

Ive always loved Starved Rock. We used to visit when I was a kid. We went camping and fishing. I visited with my hubby amd we went hiking. Those trails are beautiful and involved. I think i lost 3 lbs. Lol. Beautiful scenery and nature.

The G. S.

Not great. I guess if you're from the city and you've never been around that many trees it might be okay for you but for someone who's travel to a lot of parks this one is crap. Tons of stairs and massively long and wide paths that you can literally drive your vehicle through

Becky C.

Great for a day trip to see waterfalls!
Free parking.
Decent restrooms.
Dog friendly
Some food on site available with ample picnic tables for you to pack your own.
>NO PAPER MAPS. they have gone paperless and provide a QR code to download your own.
Trails are well marked and we were able to do most of it without needing to access an online map.
* green market trails lead to water(waterfalls).