Starved Rock State Park in December is a true winter wonderland, offering visitors a unique and unforgettable experience. With frozen waterfalls, snow-covered trails, and a variety of activities, this Illinois state park is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Exploring the Frozen Wonders
Starved Rock State Park boasts 13 miles of hiking trails, including eight canyons and several waterfalls that transform into stunning ice formations during the winter months. The most impressive frozen waterfalls can be found in St. Louis Canyon and Wildcat Canyon, attracting both ice climbers and photographers.
To access the trails, visitors can follow the green-marked trails and obtain trail suggestions and a map from the DNR website. Guided Winter Hikes are also available every Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 1 pm, allowing visitors to explore the scenic canyons and frozen waterfalls while learning about the park’s history and legends from experienced guides. Reservations are required for these hikes, and visitors should dress warmly and bring binoculars and cameras.
Wildlife Watching and Indoor Activities
In addition to the stunning frozen landscapes, Starved Rock State Park offers other winter activities, such as the Winter Wildlife Trolley Tours. These tours run on Saturdays and Sundays from January to March, taking visitors through Buffalo Rock State Park to visit three resident bison and the IL Waterway Visitors Center observation deck, where they may spot bald eagles. Guests will receive a sack lunch upon boarding the trolley, and tickets are $33 per person.
For those who prefer indoor activities, the park offers a movie theater that is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm, with the last viewing at 3:30 pm. The theater shows videos on demand about the history, geology, and ecology of Starved Rock State Park.
Overnight Accommodations
Visitors to Starved Rock State Park can also choose to stay overnight at the Starved Rock Lodge, which offers a variety of rooms, including lodge rooms, hotel rooms, and cabins. The lodge has winter packages and hot rate days to make the stay more affordable and enjoyable. The Main Dining Room is open with limited seating, and the Back Door Lounge is open for drinks, but bar seating is not available at this time.
Nearby Events and Festivals
In addition to the activities within Starved Rock State Park, there are several events and festivals in the nearby area that are worth checking out. The Ottawa Ice Odyssey is a popular event that features ice sculpting at the Chris Kringle Market, where visitors can watch artists create amazing sculptures. The Rotary Festival of Lights in LaSalle is another holiday event that features a dazzling display of light and color, with beautiful Christmas lights in a variety of scenes.
Conclusion
Starved Rock State Park in December is a true winter wonderland, offering visitors a unique and memorable experience. With frozen waterfalls, snow-covered trails, guided hikes, wildlife trolley tours, and indoor activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Visitors should dress warmly, bring binoculars and cameras, and make reservations for guided hikes and overnight stays in advance to ensure a seamless and enjoyable visit.
References:
– Visit a Winter Wonderland – Starved Rock Lodge. (2021, January 22). Retrieved from https://www.starvedrocklodge.com/2021/01/22/visit-a-winter-wonderland/
– Starved Rock State Park. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.starvedrocklodge.com/starved-rock-state-park/
– Discover A Winter Waterfall Wonderland At Starved Rock State Park. (2023, October 17). Retrieved from https://ilfbpartners.com/family/travel/discover-a-winter-waterfall-wonderland-at-starved-rock-state-park/
– Starved Rock State Park. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/Pages/StarvedRock.aspx
– Winter Fun for Everyone at Starved Rock. (2024, January 15). Retrieved from https://www.starvedrocklodge.com/2024/01/15/winter-fun-for-everyone-at-starved-rock/
– Top 9 Starved Rock Winter Activities for an Illinois Getaway. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://kishauwaucabins.com/blog/starved-rock-winter-activities