2025 Highlights | Stewardship, Growth, and New Perspectives
- starvedrockhikers
- Dec 26, 2025
- 4 min read
Dear Starved Rock Hikers Community,
As we reflect on 2025, one thing stands out above all else. This was a year shaped by all of you.
What began as a simple idea to help others explore the parks has grown into something much more. With every question answered, every photo shared, and every trail revisited, this community continues to redefine what it means to hike with purpose.
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:
A Record-Breaking Calendar Fundraiser
The annual park calendar fundraiser reached new heights in 2025, generating an incredible $15,000 in support of Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks. That’s nearly triple the previous record.
Each photo in this calendar was donated by a local photographer, and every calendar purchased helped fund conservation, education, and recreation within the parks. We’re grateful to everyone who supported this campaign, including our featured photographers and the many individuals and businesses who helped spread the word.
Introducing the Icefalls Tracker
New this year, we launched the first Icefalls Tracker in the State of Illinois. This is a digital tool designed to help park visitors find frozen waterfalls during the winter season.
The response has been overwhelming. With support from tourism partners and thousands of winter visitors, we anticipate this tracker will become a trusted seasonal guide for exploring Starved Rock’s most awe-inspiring frozen sights.
“Ice Climbers of Starved Rock” Available for Free Online
Our 2024 documentary Ice Climbers of Starved Rock became available to stream online for free in 2025, reaching a wider audience and giving viewers across the country a glimpse into the frozen side of the park.
This short film follows a dedicated group of winter athletes who climb Starved Rock’s frozen waterfalls, highlighting a unique seasonal experience that many visitors never get to see. Since going live, it’s been viewed in businesses, parks, and homes across the United States.
Community Reaches 5,000 Members
This year, the Starved Rock Hikers community surpassed 5,000 members, a major milestone in our mission to connect first-time visitors, local experts, and park supporters together.
From sharing trail conditions to posting photos, asking questions, or offering advice, our members are what make this space so valuable. It’s a true exchange of knowledge and enthusiasm, and we’re excited to keep growing alongside all of you.
Sharing More, Reaching Further
In 2025, we continued to see strong growth across social media allowing us to share important park updates and helpful visitor info with an even wider audience.
From trail reports to safety reminders and seasonal features, these platforms help visitors plan smarter, hike safer, and get more out of their experience. If you’ve liked, shared, or commented this year, thank you! Your voice helps others find their way.
Giving Back to the Park
In addition to the calendar, proceeds from our puzzle, beanies, and other unique products allowed us to make a $415 donation to the Starved Rock Foundation.
These funds directly support preservation and programming at the parks, helping ensure that programming remains free, signage is maintained, and visitors continue to learn about the natural and cultural history of this incredible region.
A New View of the Park
This year, we introduced something entirely new: aerial views of Starved Rock State Park, captured and shared year-round to offer a fresh perspective of the landscapes we love.
Featuring snow-covered canyons and golden summer sunsets, these views helped spark wonder in both seasoned hikers and first-time visitors alike. This was a special experience at the annual Jr. Ranger Day event with hundreds of attendees, held on-site at Starved Rock.
As we look back on 2025, it’s clear that Starved Rock Hikers continues to grow as the trusted place to plan, explore, and share all things Starved Rock, Matthiessen, and Buffalo Rock State Parks. And it’s only possible because of you.
The photos you share, the advice you offer, and the stories you tell are what make this community thrive. Every conversation, every recommendation, every moment captured contributes to something bigger: a shared connection to the park and to each other.
But with that connection comes something more; a responsibility. A responsibility to protect the trails we love, to educate others with kindness, and to leave the parks better than we found them.
Through thoughtful exploration, meaningful conversations, and continued support, we’re showing what it means to care deeply about these places not just for today, but for the generations that follow.
Thank you for being part of it.
See you on the trails,
Matthew Klein & Kyle Petersen
Co-Founders | Starved Rock Hikers
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