Sunflowers are back at Matthiessen State Park, IL. Here's all the details you need to make your next trip to the sunflowers a success...

Days are getting longer, the sun is shining, and it's the middle of summer. While summer is a great time to hit the trails, it is...

Whether you’re here for a quick photo op or a full-day adventure, here’s how to find the best spot for your plans.

Starved Rock Hikers has a new home in Starved Rock Country. Meet Hike + Camp, our first store and a new basecamp for everyone who loves spending time outdoors. For years, Starved Rock Hikers has helped people discover the trails, waterfalls, overlooks, and experiences that make this area so special. Now, for the first time, we have a physical place where that experience can continue before and after the hike. On June 12, 2026, we officially opened the doors to Hike + Camp in

French Canyon is temporarily closed for trail improvements, but Starved Rock State Park is still open for spring hiking. Starting the week of March 23, 2026, a small section of trails around French Canyon will be closed through June while construction is underway. It can sound like a lot when you read the official updates, but the good news is simple. This is a limited area compared to the full trail system, and there are still plenty of great waterfalls, overlooks, and sceni

Springtime is the best time for seeing waterfalls in Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks. Snowmelt and increased rainfall help the...

Everything you need for mud season; spring trail conditions, what to wear, how to protect the trails, and where to check current updates. Spring at Starved Rock doesn’t start with sunshine. It starts with thaw. March into early April is mud season : frozen ground softens, snowmelt runs off the bluffs, and rainfall becomes more frequent. Waterfalls start flowing again, the first greenery appears, and the trails can go from “totally fine” to “how is my boot still on?” in a sing

Together, we reached new milestones. We welcomed thousands of new members, introduced tools that helped visitors in every season, and gave back in meaningful ways. But most of all, we proved that the best way to care for these parks is by sharing them. Here are just a few of the moments that made 2025 unforgettable:

Recommendations to enhance your Winter hiking experience!

Non-slip shoes do not provide enough traction when on the icy trails. Adding extra traction to your boots with Yaktrax, Microspikes, or ...

Discover exciting Starved Rock events in 2026! From hikes to art shows, explore nature's beauty. Don't miss out on these Starved Rock events

Waterfalls are flowing, flowers are starting to bloom, greenery is appearing, and rainfall is occurring more often. This leads to muddy...

The most anticipated questions around hiking at Starved Rock during Fall to help make your day a breeze.

How do you capture your best photos on your next hike? Hear from a local photographer to help make your next photography hike a success...