Starved Rock State Park in Illinois offers a variety of boat tours that allow visitors to discover the natural beauty of the park from the perspective of the Illinois River. From the popular Starved Rock Land and Water Cruise Tour to the Autumn on the River Cruises, there are options to suit different interests and activity levels.
Starved Rock Land and Water Cruise Tour
The Starved Rock Land and Water Cruise Tour is a popular option among park touring enthusiasts, with 1,620 traveler reviews and 1,672 candid photos on Tripadvisor. This tour allows visitors to explore the natural wonders of the park from the comfort of a boat on the Illinois River.
Eagle I River Boat Cruises
The Eagle I river boat runs from June to October, offering several types of cruises:
| Cruise Type | Duration | Price (Adult/Child) | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Land & Water Cruises | Varies | $60/$55 | Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays (June to September) |
| Autumn on the River Cruises | Varies | $60/$55 | October |
Reservations are required for all Eagle I river boat cruises, and capacity is limited.
Illinois River Boat Ride
The Illinois River Boat Ride is a narrated trolley tour with history and legends of the area, followed by a river boat ride to see the east end of Starved Rock State Park by water. This tour costs $60 for adults and $55 for children, and reservations are required with limited capacity.
Illinois River & Ottawa Canyon Hike
For a more active experience, the Illinois River & Ottawa Canyon Hike includes a guided hike to one of Starved Rock’s most scenic canyons, followed by a boat ride on the picturesque Illinois River. This tour costs $55 for adults and $50 for children, and reservations are required with limited capacity.
Waterfowl Cruises
In addition to the above options, Starved Rock Lodge also offers Waterfowl Cruises, which are one-hour boat rides on the Illinois River. These cruises cost $37 per person and run from June to October on Saturdays and Sundays.
Booking and Reservations
Reservations are required for all Starved Rock State Park boat tours, and capacity is limited. Prices range from $37 to $60 per person, depending on the tour. It’s recommended to book your tour in advance to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.
Conclusion
Starved Rock State Park offers a variety of boat tours that allow visitors to explore the natural beauty of the park from the perspective of the Illinois River. Whether you’re interested in a leisurely cruise, a guided hike and boat ride, or a chance to see the area’s abundant wildlife, there’s an option to suit your interests and activity level. Book your tour in advance to ensure availability and make the most of your visit to this stunning Illinois state park.
References:
– Starved Rock State Park on Tripadvisor
– Starved Rock Lodge – Water Cruises
– Starved Rock Lodge – Autumn on the River Cruises
– Starved Rock Lodge – Land & Water Cruises
– Starved Rock Lodge – Water Cruises