Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center

Hours: Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center is a great place to start exploration of the park and trails. The staff is always helpful, well informed, courteous, and personable, offering plenty of good information. The visitor center has a neat little gift shop with several different items to purchase, as well as some food and ice cream available on site. The park and trails are very well kept, nice, and good, not too intense for first-timers. Trails are well marked with green markers leading to water and waterfalls, which are very nice to see after recent rains and snowfall. The canyons, like French Canyon, are wonderful. There are lots of steps to the overlooks, so good grippy sneakers or hiking boots are recommended. It is dog friendly with decent restrooms, free parking, and ample picnic tables. It is busy on weekends, so visiting on weekdays means less people.

1. Oglesby, Illinois