EXPLORE STARVED ROCK

Written By Joe Arendt

Starved Rock State Park, located about two hours from Chicago, offers a unique outdoor adventure unlike anywhere else in Illinois. The park boasts 13 miles of scenic hiking trails with stunning canyons, beautiful waterfalls, and breathtaking views. Nestled along the Illinois River, it provides ample opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife watching. In addition to the park's natural beauty, nearby charming small towns feature excellent dining, local shops, and inviting spots to unwind after a day of exploration. Check out our favorite places to eat, drink, stay and play around Starved Rock below and let us know your favorite local spots here.

EAT

  • John and Rina’s (Utica), breakfast and lunch spot focused on homemade food and friendly service

  • Lodi Tap House (Utica), great spot for burgers, cheese curds, Bavarian pretzels and an impressive selection of craft beer

  • The Rootbeer Stand (Oglesby), carhop style diner with burgers, hot dogs, ice cream, homemade root beer, and more (cash only)

DRINK

  • August Hill Winery (Utica), explore one of the few wineries in Illinois which has its vineyard on repurposed corn and soybean fields

  • Star Union Spirits (Peru), taste their hand-crafted brandy, vodka and light whiskey in their tasting room or through a distillery tour

  • Tangled Roots Brewing (Ottawa), home of their original brewery and restaurant where you can sample their tasty beers and grab lunch, dinner or brunch

STAY

  • Camp Aramoni (Tonica), a boutique campground offering lavish safari-style tents, luxury amenities, gourmet meals, on-site activities and more

  • Grand Bear Resort (Utica), all-inclusive resort with a restaurant and bar, indoor waterpark, mini golf, and cave arcade for the kids

  • Starved Rock Lodge (Oglesby), historic lodge with hotel rooms, private cabins, indoor pool, sauna, hot tub, and an open-air bar overlooking the state park

PLAY

  • Starved Rock State Park (Oglesby), hike one of Illinois’s most beautiful state parks featuring 13 miles of trails, waterfalls, canyons and extraordinary views

  • Skydive Chicago (Ottawa), enjoy a fun and low-pressure jump with their certified tandem skydive instructors and view Illinois from the clouds

  • Cedar Creek Ranch (Cedar Point), 60 acre ranch where you can ride horses, go fishing, sleep in a teepee and reconnect with nature

Joe Arendt
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EXPLORE TRAVERSE CITY