Fall is such a beautiful time of year. The leaves are changing, the air gets crisp, and time seems to slow down. I always like to go out and enjoy some outdoor activities during the fall before we are trapped inside our homes for the winter.
Today, I am so excited to work with Starved Rock Lodge to share everything it has to offer including the lodge, restaurants, activities, and of course their hiking trails. Starved Rock is located in Oglesby, IL which is about a half hour from my hometown. As soon as you step foot onto the grounds, it feels like you are a world away. It is quite amazing that these canyons, overlooks, seasonal waterfalls, and bluffs are right in the middle of this small, Midwestern town that is filled with so much history and charm.
Since we are still in the middle of the COVID pandemic, I do want to say that Starved Rock Lodge is committed to guest’s safety. They do require masks inside the lodge and restaurant area, and they do enforce social distancing as well. The staff is cleaning regularly, and hand sanitizer is out in common areas for people to use. They have even extended seating on their outdoor Veranda and have pop up heaters to encourage people to eat outside.
My first stop on my trip was to meet up with Kathy Casstevens, the Marketing Director at Starved Rock Lodge. She wanted to take me to the East end of the park because 1) I haven’t been out there before and 2) the scenery is incredible.
As we head down the winding Canyon Drive (Route 71), we see that the colors are just starting to change. While the photos have a lot of green leaves, don’t be discouraged. The fall colors are appearing very quickly, and peak colors are usually the third week in October.
When we started to make our way toward Ottawa Canyon, I was stunned that I was surrounded by so much beauty. The St. Peter’s sandstone is so extraordinary, and I couldn’t stop saying “wow” as I admired its natural beauty. What really made me speechless was walking to the back of Council Overhang and seeing the huge arch. Can you see where I’m standing in the picture below?
After our hike, we headed East on Dee Bennett Road to check out Buffalo Rock which is another state park right next to Starved Rock. What is really cool about his park is that there are 3 buffalos on site. Their names are Cocoa, Pebbles, and Hope. Be sure to say hello to them if you get the chance to stop by.
I was pretty hungry after exploring so I could not wait to stop at the Back Door Lounge at the Lodge. They just came out with fall drink specials and I knew I had to try the Apple Cider Margarita and let me tell you it is SO GOOD. All of their items on the menu are so delicious so you can’t go wrong. Be sure to order the Sweet Potato Fries!
After a long day of hiking and enjoying some good food, you could just go home, but why not use the next day to explore some more? Starved Rock Lodge also has lodge rooms, hotel rooms, and cabins available to stay overnight. I stayed in one of their cozy Sunset cabins which is right on the back bluff of the lodge. It looks very bare in the room because the big comforter was removed due to COVID but rest assured that linens and blankets are provided for you or feel free to bring your own.
The next day, I wanted to experience the park from another point of view. Starved Rock Lodge offers many activities that change during the season. You can take a guided hike, a river cruise, a trolley tour, or even a ghost tour! I chose the Autumn on the River which comes with a lunch in the Main Dining Room and then you hop on a trolley that takes you around the park and the surrounding area. Then, you board the Eagle 1 to experience the Illinois River and see the fall foliage and lookout spots including Beehive, Eagle Cliff, and Lover’s Leap. Being on the river and seeing the other side of trails really puts these natural structures into perspective. It’s also crazy to think that without the Illinois River, Chicago would not be what is today, and this critical link is right in my own backyard.
Starved Rock Lodge is open every day and the trails are open from sunrise to sunset. Why wait for the weekend? Come to the park and the lodge midweek to avoid the crowds and take in the fall beauty at your own pace. You really can’t see the whole park in one day, so be sure to make reservations in the lodge, hotel, or a cabin so you can stay and play!
Thank you so much Starved Rock Lodge for sponsoring this post. I have a whole new appreciation for this hidden gem and this experience has made me want to explore more of this natural beauty. Be sure to check out Starved Rock Lodge’s website to get more information about lodging, dining, and activities.
