Short Getaway from Chicago: Starved Rock State Park

Less than 2 hours from Chicago, Starved Rock is Illinois’ second state park. Featuring 18 sandstone canyons, rock formations, waterfalls and 13 hiking trails, it’s a short getaway from Chicago.

Open year round and free to enter, the best time to see the waterfalls are in spring or after a rain storm. In winter, the waterfalls freeze and offer climbers the opportunity to ice climb.

We hiked 3 canyons listed below on our visit:

French Canyon

Hike 0.4 miles one way, French Canyon is the closest to the visitors center. This is a popular hike and one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the park, measuring 45′ in height.

St. Louis Canyon

Hike 1.5 miles from the visitors center, this canyon was my favorite! Featuring one of the highest waterfalls, at 80′ high, it’s one of the most popular hikes in the park.

Ottawa Canyon

From the visitors center, hike 3.9 miles to this canyon which is much less visited than the others. One thing that I liked most is that you’re able to walk behind the waterfall for another perspective of the canyon.

Be sure to dress for the weather. It rained off and on while we were there. Water proof boots are a must as we crossed several streams on our hikes.

The canyons are made of St. Peters sandstone which were formed by glacial meltaway and stream erosion. Due to the fragile nature of the rock, there is no camping or rock climbing allowed in Starved Rock State Park. Visitors can stay at Starved Rock Lodge or camp outside the park. We stayed at Camp Aramoni, a luxury glamping spot located 10 minutes from Starved Rock. Click here to learn more about our stay at Camp Aramoni. It was a one of a kind experience!

If you are looking for a short getaway from Chicago, this is the perfect escape! For more information about Starved Rock, visit Illinois.gov website.