This page provides maps, photos and directions for visiting Starved Rock State Park and its lesser known southern neighbor, Matthiessen State Park

Located at Box 116, Utica, Ill., 60441: tel (815) 667-4726

Brought to you by the Outdoor Club which is sponsored by
Union Board on the IIT Campus

I hope my photos © give you a feeling for the area.
They can be purchased by contacting me. If you use these materials to plan a trip, let me know how it went.

These two parks and the and the lock at the Waterway just across the river at the dam have many great trails to day-hike, cool picnic areas, ample camping spots, and slow and fast water canoeing. Canoes can be rented at the boat dock. As you can see from the map of the area, the I & M Canal goes goes just north of Utica. The hearty can bike this trail back to access points at Gebhart Woods or Lockport which is just outside of Chicago , nearly the full range of the National Heritage Corridor, You can make this ride in either direction. If you enjoy fishing, you can fish the Illinois river which cuts through the Starved Rock Park. The canyons in both parks were carved by many small rivers and runoff streams. Depending on the time of year, most of the canyons contain waterfalls with clear pools of water at their base. While some of these falls dry up during the dry fall season, those with water in them often freeze in the winter to form icefalls. The spring greens and the fall reds and yellows provide a stark contrast to the white which blankets the area after a big snow. The park is exciting in any season. In the winter bring your cross country skis or snow shoes. In the heat of the summer make sure to bring drink as the park has over 15 miles of trails to explore. Expect to see wildlife at the water's edge or in the canyons. Pack a lunch, bring a camera. While this page is mainly about Straved Rock Park, I have included the Matthiessen Park trail map so you can find your way to Cascade Falls. While in the area, try out some Starved Rock Ale.

. From Chicago go south on the Stevenson (I-55) to the I-80 interchange (click left). Go west on I-80 towards Morris (click right) and get off at Ottawa. Go south through town over the bridge crossing the river and turn right going west towards Starved Rock Park on rt. 71. (see east trail map below)

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. There are roads from Ottawa to Starved Rock along both sides of the river. If you go past Ottawa on I-80 to Utica and exit south on rt. 178, you can enter Starved Rock from the west entrance. From the north, you can pass several other parks on your way by taking Dee Bennett road west from Ottawa.

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. Trails near the visitor center are well maintained. As you set out east to the first overlook known as Starved Rock in honor of the Indians who parished there, you will climb high above the river. To the west is the dam. Across the river from the dam is the Illinois Waterway Vistor Center and lock.

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. Groomed trails go east to the first overlook. The trail map has been broken into two pieces: The west map which includes the boat ramp and main parking lot as well as the visitor center and the east map shows the canyon trails on the less visited east side of the park.

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. The views from the overlooks, such as this at Lover's Leap, survey the entire area. As you hike down from the rock tops you will end up at canyons opening into the river trail. My son and I carry ultra light fishing tackle with us and fish those spots below the dam where the white bass hang out.

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. The river trail heads east for miles. Looking back, you can see Beehive Overlook jutting into the river. Off the river trail are many forest and canyon trails (see maps above). Keep an eye out for animals and the little creatures, such as this monarch butterfly resting on a clover flower, that call the park home.

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. The trails also climb to the top of the ridges where you can get a great view, particularly in the fall after the leaves have fallen. In many cases there are stairs to help make the ascent. These also help to cut down on erosion Check out the reflections of trees in this small flooded area.

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. As one hikes the river path, entrances to the many canyons appear. In the spring, these canyons can be flooded. In the fall, many are dry and you can hike between the steep walls to their origins. On the river you will see barge traffic. These barges and tugs must go through the many locks to carry cargo on the river.

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. After visiting Starved Rock park, take the time to visit Matthiessen Park just to the south. You can hike its bluff or go down into the canyon to view Casade Falls. This park also has a stable with trail horses and a model airplane field. When time permits, this park will get its own page.

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