Starved Rock State Park 2026 Event Calendar & Program Guide

Starved Rock Events: 2026 Lineup

Every season at Starved Rock State Park brings new opportunities to explore, learn, and connect with nature. 2026 is packed with immersive experiences for all ages. From live wildlife encounters and guided hikes to hands-on art workshops, history programs, and seasonal celebrations, this year’s event calendar offers something for everyone.

Here’s your program-verified guide to 2026 events at Starved Rock.

Winter & Early Spring (Jan - March 2026)

• Exploring Starved Rock’s Past (Jan 3)

  • Discover the rich history and legends that shaped Starved Rock.

• Eagle Watch Weekend (Jan 24–25)

  • Celebrate winter wildlife and spot bald eagles along the Illinois River.

• Trek Through Time: Ice Age & Icefall Hike (Jan 31)

  • A guided hike exploring the ancient forces that carved the park.

• Hogging the Spotlight: Meet Wanda the Groundhog (Feb 1)

  • Meet Wanda and learn about groundhogs in this fun family program.

• Starved Rock Art Show (Feb 7 – March 6)

  • Local artists showcase nature-inspired works throughout the Visitor Center.

• Owl You Need is Love: Live Owl Program (Feb 14)

  • Get up close with live owls and learn about their habits and habitats.

• Owl Prowl (Feb 14)

  • Experience the mystery of owls on a guided nighttime hike.

• Art in the Park Workshop: Zentangles (Feb 28)

  • Learn the relaxing art of structured doodling with a nature twist.

• Starved Rock Art Show Award Reception (March 7)

  • Join us as we celebrate and honor this year’s featured artists.

• Exploring Starved Rock’s Past (March 14)

  • Another chance to explore the stories, legends, and history of the park.

• Art in the Park Workshop: Artisanal Clay (March 28)

  • Create your own clay artwork inspired by the natural world.

Spring Awakening (April - May 2026)

• Nature Sleuths (April 8–10)

  • Young explorers investigate nature through fun, hands-on discovery.

• Early Pioneers of LaSalle (April 11)

  • Learn about the early settlers who helped shape the Illinois Valley.

• Chasing Spring Hike (April 25)

  • A guided hike through blooming wildflowers and flowing waterfalls.

• Explore the World of Reptiles: Live Animal Program (April 26)

  • Meet live reptiles and learn what makes them unique.

• Animals Around the World: Live Animal Program (May 2)

  • Travel the globe through an interactive wildlife presentation.

• Springtime Symphony (May 9)

  • Experience the sights and sounds of spring in full bloom.

• Nature’s Tribute Memorial Day Hike (May 25)

  • Honor the holiday with a reflective guided hike through the park.

Summer Adventures (June - August 2026)

• June Nature Quest for Young Explorers (June 6–7)

  • Kids explore nature through guided activities and outdoor games.

• Casting Memories Family Fishing Clinic (June 13)

  • Learn fishing basics and enjoy quality time along the water.

• Summer Solstice Hike (June 21)

  • Celebrate the longest day of the year with an evening hike.

• Junior Ranger Day (June 27)

  • A day of activities designed to inspire the next generation of park stewards.

• From Quarry to Conservation Holiday Hike (July 4)

  • Explore the park’s transformation from industry to protected land.

• Nature’s Make & Take: Edible Wild Plants & Wild Wine (July 11–12)

  • Learn how to forage and create natural flavors from wild plants.

• Starved Rock Saplings Program (Aug 1–2)

  • Interactive educational programs specially designed for kids.

• Journey Through Time: Tallgrass prairie hike (Aug 9)

  • Guided hike with naturalist

• Art in the Park Workshop (Aug 16)

  • Nature’s Palette: Create your own Paint from Nature!

• Bats in the Spotlight (Aug 29)

  • Learn about bats before heading out on a guided nighttime hike.

• Honoring the Hands That Built Our Parks: Holiday Hike (Sept 7)

  • A guided hike recognizing the people who helped build and preserve our parks.

Fall & Winter Wonders (Sept - Dec 2026)

• 3 Hots and a Cot! The CCC at Starved Rock (Sept 12)

  • Discover the story of the Civilian Conservation Corps and their impact on the park.

• Engage with Nature: Bird Migration and Banding (Sept 19)

  • Witness bird migration research in action.

• The Matthiessen, Hegeler, and Carus Connection (Sept 26)

  • Explore another chapter in the park’s fascinating past.

• Brew Your Own Bliss-Illinois Herbal Teas and Coffee from Native Plants (Oct 3)

  • Experience peak fall color on a guided hike with a naturalist.

• Ho-Chunk History, An Illinois Indigenous Tribe (Oct 11)

  • Learn about the Ho-Chunk people and their cultural history.

• Leaf Peeping Hike with a Naturalist (Oct 17)

  • Experience peak fall color on a guided hike with a naturalist.

• Ghosts of Starved Rock’s Past Guided Night Hike (Oct 24)

  • Step into eerie legends on this popular nighttime hike.

• Howloween Family Fun Pet Event! (Nov 1)

  • Bring your costumed pets for a night of safe, family-friendly fun.

• Nature’s Beat: Drum Circle Harmony (Nov 8)

  • Connect with nature through rhythm, movement, and sound.

• Finding Thankfulness in Nature Hike (Nov 28)

  • Reflect on gratitude with a peaceful guided hike.

• Starved Rock Photography Show – Entries Due! (Dec 1)

  • Final chance to submit photos for the annual photography show.

• Starved Rock Photography Show (Dec 8–31)

  • Browse stunning nature photography from local and regional artists.

• Art in the Park: Nature Journaling (Dec 13)

  • Learn creative journaling techniques inspired by nature.

• Winter Solstice Silent Night Hike (Dec 21)

  • Experience the quiet beauty of winter on the shortest night of the year.

Plan Your Next Trip!

Many programs require advance registration and have limited capacity. Be sure to watch the official Starved Rock Eventbrite page for signups and program updates.

Download the full 2026 events brochure below

2026 Program Brochure final draft.pdf

Download PDF • 6.82MB

For more details and updates on Starved Rock events, visit https://www.starvedrockhikers.com/events.

Events made possible by the Starved Rock Foundation

Funding for Starved Rock’s events, guided hikes, interpretive materials, signage, and educational programming is made possible through the Starved Rock Foundation, a volunteer-run friends group dedicated to enhancing park experiences for future generations.

Want to Help?

You can support these programs by donating, volunteering, or becoming a member of the Starved Rock Foundation. Your involvement directly fuels education, conservation, and outdoor access.

Visit www.starvedrock.org to learn more.

See you on the trails.