Starved Rock State Park, Illinois

Starved Rock State Park has an interesting history. First, consider its name, which was derived from a popular Native American legend of injustice and retribution. Apparently, in the 1760s, Pontiac, who was the chief of an upriver Ottawa tribe, had the misfortune of being slain by a member o the Illiniwek Native American tribe while attending a tribal council in southern Illinois. This proved to be a bad move on the part of the Illiniwek.According to the legend, during one of the battles that subsequently occurred to avenge his killing, a band of Illiniwek, who were under attack by a band of Pottawatomie, took their refuge at the top a 125-foot sandstone butte. The Ottawa and Pottawatomie surrounded the bluff until the Illiniwek died of starvation. This inspired the name "Starved Rock."

Hikers will love exploring the majestic bluffs and canyons at Starved Rock State Park. In fact, hiking is the most popular activity in the park. Fortunately, Starved Rock State Park has 13 miles of well-marked trails to help you enjoy them. off season hikers will be pleased to discover that the trails at Starved Rock State Park Illinois are open all year round. However, keep in mind that Starved Rock State Park officials advise hikers to exercise extreme caution and to stay on official trails. In order to stay oriented at Starved Rock State park Illinois, it is suggested that you make use of the trail maps that you can find at all of the trail access points, intersections and points of interest. There are colored posts along the trails of Starved Rock State Park Illinois, which c correspond to colors on the maps. Additionally, the helpful yellow dots on trees or posts indicate that you are moving away from the lodge or visitor center, and the white dots mean you are returning.

Due to the fragile ecosystem of the park, Starved Rock State Park camping is prohibited in unauthorized areas, as well as all rock climbing, rappelling or scrambling off trails. Biking is also prohibited on the hiking trails of Starved Rock State Park.

If you do plan on a Starved Rock State Park camping trip, you will need to reserve a spot at the Starved Rock camping area. Starved Rock State Park Camping Site is set in a semi-wooded area with 133 Class A campsites. Each campsite at the Starved Rock State Park camping area provides a gravel parking space, a picnic table, and a metal burn grill. Only wood fires arepermitted in the camping areas. All campers are provided with trash bags that need to be deposited in dumpsters. Firewood is available at several areas near the campground and at some stores in nearby Utica. Since fallen trees and branches provide cover for animals of the park, you are not allowed to collect wood within the park for firewood. All of these rules are strictly enforced