Starved Rock State Park

On the second day of our road trip to Wisconsin, we stayed at the Starved Rock Lodge, Oglesby, Illinois. I chose this location mainly because it was southwest of Chicago and in Central Illinois. Whenever we take a trip to Wisconsin, we try to avoid Chicago traffic if possible. Starved Rock State Park is situated along the south bank of the Illinois River about 100 miles from Chicago, it was first opened to the public in 1912. The park attracts more than 2 million visitors each year and was voted the Best Tourist Attraction in 2019. It has 13 miles of scenic trails and 18 canyons to explore. In the spring or after a heavy rain, the Park has many waterfalls to enjoy. Unfortunately, this fall was quite dry there, and we did not see any waterfalls but the canyons were beautiful just the same.

• 

• 

Starved rock state park

Soon after we arrived, we boarded a Trolley for a scenic and historic ride. The Trolley ride was only $10/each. The driver took us to the Starved Rock Lock & Dam, and the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center, this is where we saw the actual “Starved Rock”!

The “Legend” of Starved Rock

The incident that gave Starved Rock its name allegedly occurred in 1769. According to the legend, after an Illiniwek Brave murdered the Ottawa Chief, Pontiac, the Illiniwek Indians sought refuge from their enemies atop a 125-foot sandstone rock. They were soon surrounded by the Ottawa & Potawatomi tribes at the base of the rock. Since they could not get down without being slaughtered, they died of starvation.

Starved Rock Lock & Dam, Illinois Waterway Visitor Center

• 

• 

The Visitor center had some great information about this area. From the back patio, you can see the lock & dam and watch the boats pass through. We were there in September and I was very surprised to see a large group of white Pelicans on the Illinois River. I didn’t know that they migrated through that area each year.

Continuing our tour..

Our tour guide also took us to the little town of Utica, Illinois, which had a lot of shops and restaurants as well as the LaSalle County Historical Society Museum. The Illinois & Michigan (I&M) canal also runs through Utica. This historic canal connected the waters of the Illinois River with Lake Michigan. It was Abraham Lincoln who approved the construction of the I&M canal in 1835. I&M canal We were surprised to find so much history in this small town!

The Hotel

The hotel has several choices for lodging. You can stay in a rustic room in the Lodge Wing of the hotel, a more modern room in the Hotel Wing, or you may want to choose a cabin in the woods. This hotel has won many “Best of 2019” north-central Illinois awards; Best Hotel, Best Fine Dining, Best Prime Rib, Best Live Music Venue, and Best Place to Work. We chose a room in the modern Hotel Wing of the Lodge. Our room was great! It was just right for us, we had a small wooden table with 2 chairs, a comfy oversized chair, 2 queen beds, and a nice bathroom. The pool and hot tub were just down the hall. What I liked about the Lodge is that it was smaller than most hotels, with 41 rooms in the lodge wing and 28 rooms in the hotel wing.

The history of the Starved Rock lodge

The Lodge and 16 cabins were built in the 1933 by the CCC(Civilian Conservation Corps.) The CCC was a work relief program from 1933-1942, that gave young men employment during the Great Depression, it was part of President Roosevelt’s, “New Deal” program. The Lodge wing rooms are part of the original construction as is the Great Hall of the Lodge with it’s massive, two-sided limestone block fireplace.

Hotel Lobby & Cafe

• 

• 

In addition to the full menu at the Lodge restaurant, the Starved Rock Cafe offers breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks. We had our meals in the restaurant.

Pool and Hot Tub

The pool and hot tub were located in a great lodge-type building. This particular morning, we had this area all to ourselves!

• 

• 

Lodge & Restaurant

The dining room was very nice, our food was good and so was the ambiance. Terry had fish tacos, and I had a tenderloin sandwich, the prices were a little higher than we expected but the food was good. Our room included a breakfast voucher that covered most of our breakfast.

• 

• 

The Lodge building had a Great Hall with a massive, two-sided fireplace. I think conferences are sometimes held in this area. The doors in the back, lead to an outside patio with nice views of the park, this is also where you will find the Back Door Lounge. We also visited the gift shop, which had some great items!

• 

• 

Hotel Grounds

The grounds around the hotel and lodge were very well kept, and you will find over 40 wood carvings throughout the property. This started in 1988 when the lodge CEO commissioned some carvings from a few downed trees on the property, it has since grown to over 40 wood carvings!

I highly recommend Starved Rock State Park and Lodge if you are in Central Illinois. The rates are very reasonable and it has a very relaxing atmosphere. I can’t wait to go back! Have you ever found a place that was unexpected? I would love to hear about it. Please comment and share!

---