Seven Starved Rock Waterfalls Featured in New Hat Collection from Starved Rock Hikers
- starvedrockhikers
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Expanded leather patch collection introduces seven waterfalls and new hat styles.
OTTAWA, IL — After the strong response to its original true-to-life sketch hats, Starved Rock Hikers is expanding the collection with new styles, additional canyon designs, and fresh ways to represent Starved Rock State Park.
Since launching in 2021, the brand’s leather patch hats have featured authentic sketches created from real photographs captured inside the park. What started as a single design has grown steadily over the years in conversations on the trails, local coffee shops, and throughout the region.
“We’ve always created items that are true to the place,” said Kyle Petersen, Co-Founder of Starved Rock Hikers. “The original hats were real sketches from our hikes. This time we went further to include more canyons, more styles, and more options for people who love this park.”
Designed From the Trails We Hike
Every hat features a custom leather patch engraved with a Starved Rock Hikers original sketch. To bring those designs to life, the team partnered with Sauber Design in Ottawa.
Known for his obsession with detail, Patrick Sauber worked directly from Starved Rock Hikers photography to capture the texture of sandstone walls, the flow of the waterfalls, and the layered depth of each canyon.
“Some of my favorite days are exploring these trails with my kid,” Sauber said. “When you’re out there, you notice the little details, like how the light hits the rock, the shape of the canyon walls. I wanted the sketches to feel exactly like the place.”
Each patch is made from authentic American Bison leather sourced from American tanneries, then laser engraved and individually stitched in Maine. Every patch is sewn on by hand, built to last through seasons of hikes, road trips, and everyday wear.
Behind every finished hat were multiple design drafts, sample patches, and real-world testing. The collection you see today is the result of years spent refining the quality the community has come to expect.
Introducing the Waterfall Collection
This expanded lineup includes multiple Richardson silhouettes, new colorways, and a first-of-its-kind Waterfall Collection.
Richardson 112 – Classic Trucker (Loden)
A mid-profile trucker built with the Richardson fit and finished with an engraved and stitched American Bison leather patch. Adjustable snapback with cotton-poly front and nylon mesh back.
Richardson 112 – Waterfall Collection (Navy Series)
For the first time, seven iconic waterfalls are being released as individual designs within a cohesive navy series:
St. Louis Canyon
French Canyon
Wildcat Canyon
Ottawa Canyon
Illinois Canyon
LaSalle Canyon
Kaskaskia Canyon
Each hat features its own dedicated sketch, allowing hikers to represent the canyon that means the most to them. It is the most expansive sketch release Starved Rock Hikers has produced to date.
Richardson 256 Rope Hat – Loden with Gold Rope
A five-panel performance cotton-nylon blend with UPF 50+ protection. Lightweight and built for long days on the trail or along the river.
Richardson 326 – Premium Unstructured (Army Green)
A relaxed, unstructured fit designed for everyday comfort with a clean leather patch finish.
Custom Beanies
Available in Navy, Dark Heather Grey, Maroon, and Loden. Each features a leather patch engraved with an eagle, Starved Rock, and Starved Rock Lodge. These are designed for colder months on the trails or around the firepit.
Built for the Trail. Designed From the Real Thing.
These are not generic or computer-generated outdoor graphics. They’re real places you’ve visited. Trails you’ve hiked. Waterfalls you’ve waited to see all-year long.
Every purchase also helps give back. A portion of annual proceeds is donated to the Starved Rock Foundation, supporting Starved Rock State Park and Matthiessen State Parks through educational programs, park improvements, exhibit updates, and events.
“When someone wears one of these hats, they’re carrying a reminder of why they love this place,” Petersen added, “And they’re helping protect it at the same time.”
Availability
The expanded leather patch hat collection is available starting today:
Le Rocher Bookstore & Gift Shop at the Starved Rock Visitor Center
Bruce & Ollie’s at the Bickerman Building
Starved Rock Country Welcome Center by Heritage Corridor Destinations
Online at www.starvedrockhikers.com
About Starved Rock Hikers:
Starved Rock Hikers was established by a group of locals passionate about enhancing the hiking experience in the Starved Rock area. Today, they continue to share their love for the parks through a vibrant community of hikers, curated adventures, and commitment to preserving these natural wonders.
Start your adventure at www.starvedrockhikers.com
