Go outside, your mind and body will appreciate it! The days are getting longer, the sun is shining, and...

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

On any given weekend, Starved Rock State Park is full of life. Hikers line the trails, cameras point toward canyon walls, and voices echo through the trees. It is hard to imagine that this same landscape once stood largely untouched, with no paths to follow and no signs pointing the way. Long before it became a state park, Starved Rock was a place of movement, shelter, and strategic importance, shaped by glaciers, water, and thousands of years of human presence. Vintage Star

Starved Rock State Park is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. It's also perfect for observing wildlife in the winter!

Snow is falling, and you’re excited to take a roadtrip to Starved Rock State Park to experience the beauty of winter. But time is limited...

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

It’s no secret that Starved Rock State Park receives millions of visitors every year. School is out, temperatures are rising...

At Starved Rock Hikers, we’ve always believed the park has more to offer than what’s seen from the trails. And now, for the first time...

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.

Earth Day is April 22, 2025, and the global theme this year is "Our Power, Our Planet". his theme focuses on the crucial role of renewable energy…

Ice Climbers of Starved Rock officially available to stream — for FREE. This 28-minute film captures the passion, grit, and awe-inspiring...

How to enjoy a hike at Starved Rock State Park in the midst of winter...What you need to know before hiking at Starved Rock this winter...

Eagle Watch Weekend offers free, family-friendly fun for nature lovers at Starved Rock! Bundle up for an unforgettable winter adventure...

The ultimate fall colors viewing guide for Starved Rock. Leaves are falling and colors are starting to burst!

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

It's the middle of summer and families are looking for ways to go outside and make memories, even in the summer heat...