Starved Rock- Adventure Through History and Nature

While I often recommend the quieter Matthiessen State Park for its serenity and smaller crowds, Starved Rock felt like the better option for this particular adventure. Its accessible trails were ideal for our wagon stroller, and with a wider array of amenities, it promised convenience and comfort. Starved Rock offers two main starting points—the Lodge and the Visitor’s Center—both equipped with restaurants, gift shops, clean bathrooms, and mini museums that celebrate the area’s rich history.

Starved Rock doesn’t just attract visitors for its natural beauty; it also has deep historical roots. Centuries ago, the Illiniwek people called this forest home. The park’s name comes from the tragic legend of the Illiniwek being besieged by the Iroquois. Trapped on a high cliff, they were cut off from escape and supplies, eventually starving to death. Their spirits are said to linger still.

In the 19th century, settlers were drawn to the park's stunning waterfalls and unique rock formations. By 1911, it officially became a state park, shifting from a place of tragedy to a beloved retreat. Yet, in 1960, another dark chapter unfolded when three women, Frances Murphy, Mildred Lindquist, and Lillian Oetting, were brutally murdered during a bird-watching trip. Their story is still debated today, with the 2021 HBO Max documentary The Murders of Starved Rock exploring the case, featuring insights from my friend and author Steve Stout.

But despite its turbulent past, Starved Rock holds a special place in the hearts of LaSalle County locals, many of whom grew up learning to ski there, cooling off under the waterfalls in the summer, or sneaking kisses in the caverns.

Our day started a bit confusingly when I accidentally pulled into the parking lot for the Visitor’s Center instead of the Lodge. While I prefer the Lodge for its veggie burgers, cozy gift shop, and comfortable seating, the Visitor’s Center had its own charm. Starved Rock has become a haven for Chicagoans looking to experience the wilderness, so parking was packed, and the overflow lots were already filling up.

Once we lathered on sunscreen and unfolded the wagon, we began our journey up the incline. Our first stop was the gift shop. Every trip we take, I try to find a sticker for my son to add to my suitcase—a collection of his travels I’ll one day gift him. Though the shop was short on treasures, we found our sticker, mission accomplished.

Next, we visited the fudge and ice cream counter, skipping the long line for hot food. After our two-and-a-half-hour drive, ice cream seemed like the best reward. This was a special moment—Reve’s first taste of ice cream. Until now, he’d only had pureed fruits and veggies. As the chocolate dripped down the cone, onto the wagon, and all over me, he cautiously tasted it. His initial hesitation gave way to delight as he experienced the cold, sweet chocolate, and every time I tried to take it back to prevent a mess, he screamed, demanding more. It was clear he had inherited my sweet tooth. By the time we finished, both of our faces were covered in chocolatey bliss.

We wandered through the historical exhibits depicting the expedition of Louis Joliet and Father Jacques Marquette, who explored this region in the 1600s. Their peaceful interactions with the Illiniwek and exploration of the Midwest helped pave the way for French settlements and fur trading routes.

The trails at Starved Rock were perfect for our wagon, with hard-packed dirt that was easy to navigate. As I admired the towering canyons, listening to birds chirp and leaves rustle, Reve was more fascinated by the people around us. He watched children respond to their parents in Telugu, laughed as a teenage girl rode piggyback on her first crush, and giggled at the dogs darting ahead of their owners.

After about an hour, we reached a tricky part of the trail. I navigated the wagon over roots, rocks, and crevices until we found a spot where the trail leveled out. In front of us, a stream poured down a small dip, and families were leaping across to continue their hike. The jump was too risky for us, so we found a quieter spot where the water flowed shallowly over stone.

I sat Reve down to splash in the water. Though he humored me with a few splashes, his real fascination was with the sticks and acorns that collected at the edge of the stream. He examined each one carefully, feeling the smooth acorn and the rough texture of the sticks. Watching him, I let myself be fully present, feeling the cool water on my hands, breathing in the scent of wet earth, and enjoying the moment.

Starved Rock may be steeped in history, but on that day, it became part of our own story. Growing up, I used to run, climb, and splash my way through the park's trails and waterfalls. But with Reve by my side, I experienced something new—peace, serenity, and a sense of awe.

Watching him carefully study foliage along the stream, I was reminded to slow down and was able to be fully present. As we shared our first hike, his first taste of ice cream, and the beauty of Starved Rock’s trails, the park transformed from a childhood playground into a place of deeper connection—a space where we could explore together and create new memories.

Starved Rock, with all its rich history and breathtaking scenery, offered not just a day out, but a moment of rediscovery, a chance to see the world through my son’s curious eyes.

Pinpoints:

Starved Rock

One Lodge Lane, Oglesby, IL 61348

Visitor Center 9 am - 4 pm.

Park 7 am to sunset.

https://www.starvedrocklodge.com/starved-rock-state-park/