Reviews

Kaushik Mandal

Starved Rock State Park is a beautiful getaway with stunning canyons, scenic waterfalls, and great hiking trails. The views from the overlooks are breathtaking, especially in the fall when the colors are vibrant. It’s well-maintained, with clear trail markings and plenty of spots to rest or take photos. A perfect place for nature lovers and a great day trip from Chicago.

Sarah Weber

Great hike. You can go a little or a lot. We chose a lot. 12.22 miles. We didn't even see all of it. Fall colors were beautiful. Lots of stairs. By the visitor center there is paved walking or boardwalk. Lots of maps and very well marked. Morning is best if you want less crowds. Fall was beautiful for colors but waterfalls were dried up. Canyons are fantastic views.

Michelle Brown

Beautiful park with challenging hiking trials. There was a lot of stairs to reach high elevation points of the canons and cliffs. Be prepared to get your heart rate up. The fall hike was very picturesque as the foliage colors were very beautiful. A perfect time of year to visit.

Alex Antonijevic

Starved Rock has always been an amazing experience for me and my family. The campgrounds are great, and the visitor center is really nice, it has good food and easy access to the trails. The hiking paths are absolutely beautiful and make for a perfect escape from city life to enjoy fresh air, nature, and some incredible rock formations. Some areas feel like a glimpse into what the Earth looked like ages ago. I definitely recommend exploring beyond the main trails especially along the riverbanks and past French Canyon, for even more hidden rock formations and views.

Baramee Chindavong

Great place to spend the day. Lots of options for trails. More stairs than I expected but a nice little workout. The trails were all good, scenic. Different levels of difficulty. Next time...I've got to go when the waterfalls are flowing. Wasn't too crowded for a weekday.

Patrick Jackson

Went on a whim and ended up walking/hiking about 6 miles in a few hours. Plenty of beautiful nature and views. The waterfalls were a highlight. Just went you think you've gone far enough there is a sign for another place to see.

Jeannine Lacy

Not a bad location for the most part. We originally put directions in Google maps for Ottawa Canyon. It put us in the middle of the road. Not cool. We finally found a place that was a trail down to the lake with parking and area for seating and grilling. The trail is about a 10 minute hike downhill with steps. So, yes, you must co.e back up. Great views. There are portable restrooms. They were not clean when we got there. See videos and pics. Parking for about 40 cars max. Only 1 grill available.

Conor Cook

It’s a very beautiful place! We camped at the Youth Campground from Friday, April 25 until Sunday, April 27, 2025! We were training for our trip to New Mexico in June and the hiking trails here are beautiful to explore. I had so much fun during my stay here, my first time back in 8 years, and I hope there’s less gap between coming back again! (Written 5-5-25)

Grandpa Ricardo

Beautiful place! The landscape is gorgeous with lots of hiking trails and awesome views from the upper trails. And if you want to do the lower trails then you can see the canyons up close and explore the caves. Early spring is the best because it’s easier to admire the views through the trees that are just starting to bud. However, the grounds are covered with small pink and white flowers.

tiago santos

Great park to have lots of fun hiking and enjoy nature! Big parking lot, nice welcome center and very well maintained area. It has a gift shop (slightly expensive), restaurant and restrooms. They offer different hiking trails that you can pick, and have plenty of signs and color pins fixed in the trees so you know which way to follow. I don’t remember seeing a printed map that you can take with you, but you can download on your phone or just take a glimpse at the ones they have along the way. The environment is stunning, you will definitely feel close to nature and if lucky, see some wild life up close. Plan to stay all day long or at least four to five hours to truly enjoy the area. Definitely a very beautiful and relaxing experience.