Starved Rock State Park travel guide

Starved Rock State Park travel guide

National Airports

Starved Rock State Park does not have its own airport as it is a state park located in Utica, Illinois. However, the nearest airports to Starved Rock State Park are:

Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW): located approximately 90 miles northeast of Starved Rock State Park.

Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD): located approximately 100 miles northeast of Starved Rock State Park.

General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport (PIA): located approximately 50 miles west of Starved Rock State Park.

Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI): located approximately 60 miles south of Starved Rock State Park.

From any of these airports, visitors can rent a car or take a taxi or shuttle service to get to Starved Rock State Park.

Trains in Starved Rock State Park

There are no trains directly serving Starved Rock State Park. However, the closest Amtrak station is the Princeton Station located about 18 miles south of the park in Princeton, Illinois. From there, visitors can take a taxi or rental car to reach Starved Rock State Park.

Another option is the Union Station in Chicago, which is served by Amtrak and provides connections to various other cities across the country. From there, visitors can rent a car or take a taxi to get to Starved Rock State Park, which is approximately 100 miles southwest of Chicago.

Buses in Starved Rock State Park

There are no direct bus services that go to Starved Rock State Park. However, there are several bus companies that offer transportation to nearby cities such as Peru, Ottawa, and LaSalle, which are all within a short distance of the park.

Greyhound and Illinois Valley Shuttle are two bus companies that operate in the area and offer connections to other cities in the region. Visitors can take a bus to one of these nearby cities and then rent a car or take a taxi to reach Starved Rock State Park.

Alternatively, some tour operators offer guided tours of the park that include transportation from nearby cities. Visitors can check with local tour operators for more information on available tours.

How to get to Starved Rock State Park

Starved Rock State Park is located in Utica, Illinois, about 100 miles southwest of Chicago. The best way to get to the park depends on your starting location and mode of transportation. Here are some options:

By Car: The park is easily accessible by car, and visitors can use Google Maps or other navigation apps to get driving directions. The park is located near the intersection of Interstate 80 and Illinois Route 178.

By Air: Visitors can fly into one of the nearby airports, such as Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport (PIA), or Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI). From there, visitors can rent a car or take a taxi or shuttle service to get to the park.

By Train: Visitors can take an Amtrak train to the Princeton Station, which is located about 18 miles south of the park in Princeton, Illinois. From there, visitors can take a taxi or rental car to reach Starved Rock State Park.

By Bus: Visitors can take a Greyhound or Illinois Valley Shuttle bus to one of the nearby cities, such as Peru, Ottawa, or LaSalle, and then rent a car or take a taxi to get to the park. Alternatively, some tour operators offer guided tours of the park that include transportation from nearby cities.

What is the best time to travel to Starved Rock State Park

The best time to visit Starved Rock State Park depends on the activities you want to do and your preferences for weather and crowds. Here is an overview of the different seasons:

Spring (March-May): Spring is a great time to visit the park if you enjoy hiking and wildflowers. The weather can be unpredictable, but temperatures are generally mild, and the park is less crowded than in the summer months.

Summer (June-August): Summer is the busiest time of year at Starved Rock State Park, with the park receiving the most visitors during this time. The weather is warm and sunny, making it a great time for swimming, boating, and other outdoor activities.

Fall (September-November): Fall is a popular time to visit the park because of the beautiful fall foliage. The weather is cooler, and the park is less crowded than in the summer months.

Winter (December-February): Winter is a quieter time to visit the park, with fewer visitors and the possibility of snow and ice. The park offers cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, and visitors can enjoy the frozen waterfalls.

Overall, the best time to visit Starved Rock State Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild, and the park is less crowded. However, each season offers unique experiences, so it’s worth considering what you want to do before planning your trip.

How to get around Starved Rock State Park

The best way to get around Starved Rock State Park is by walking or hiking. The park has over 13 miles of trails that offer scenic views of the Illinois River, canyons, waterfalls, and forests. Here are some options for getting around the park:

Hiking: The park has over 13 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy to difficult, and offering a variety of terrain and views. Trail maps are available at the park visitor center, and guided hikes are offered seasonally.

Biking: Biking is allowed on certain designated trails in the park. Bikes are not available for rent at the park, so visitors must bring their own.

Car: Visitors can drive through the park and park at designated parking areas to access trails and overlooks.

Trolley: A trolley service runs through the park, offering visitors a guided tour of the park’s main attractions. The trolley service is available seasonally and requires a fee.

Horseback Riding: Horseback riding is allowed on certain designated trails in the park. Horse rentals are not available at the park, so visitors must bring their own horses.

Overall, walking and hiking are the best ways to get around and explore the park. Visitors can enjoy the scenic views at their own pace and take in the natural beauty of the park.

Accommodations in Starved Rock State Park

Starved Rock State Park offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different needs and preferences. Here are some of the options available:

Lodge Rooms: Starved Rock Lodge offers rooms with rustic decor, modern amenities, and scenic views of the park. Room options range from standard to deluxe and can accommodate up to six people. Rates vary depending on the season and room type.

Cabins: The park offers several cabins for rent that can accommodate up to six people. The cabins are equipped with a kitchen, bathroom, living area, and outdoor deck. Rates vary depending on the season and cabin type.

Campsites: The park offers several campsites for tents and RVs, with amenities such as water, electricity, and fire pits. Rates vary depending on the season and campsite type.

Starved Rock Inn: The inn offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities, including a microwave and mini-fridge. Rates vary depending on the season and room type.

Camping Cabins: The park offers camping cabins with a rustic feel that can accommodate up to six people. The cabins are equipped with electricity, air conditioning, and heat. Rates vary depending on the season and cabin type.

It’s important to note that accommodations fill up quickly during peak seasons, so it’s recommended to book in advance.