Starved Rock Spring Getaway

10 Miles…12 Waterfalls…16 Canyons…1,000’s of Wildflowers. Countless Memories.

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Starved Rock Spring Getaway

On our getaway:

  • Stand behind cascading waterfalls
  • Explore 100-foot-deep canyons
  • Delight in the abundant wildflowers
  • Marvel atop towering cliffs
  • Discover magnificent history and beauty

Woodland bluebells in Kaskaskia Canyon

Day 1

10:45 am: Meet at the parking lot by Starved Rock’s Visitor Center (not the Lodge) and get ready for our hike.

11 am: We’ll carpool to our hike’s starting point at magnificent Council Overhang. From there, our 6-mile hike takes us along the Illinois River where we’ll spot barges passing through locks, white pelicans that arrive with spring, and signs of the resident beavers. We’ll stand beside — and behind — some of the waterfalls that cascade up to 80 feet. We’ll explore 12 sandstone canyons whose cliffs tower 100 above us. Along our path, we’ll be greeted by woodland wildflowers adorning the trail.

5 pm: Check into your room and freshen up. 6:30 pm: Enjoy delicious dining and warm camaraderie at Starved Rock’s historic lodge.

Rock-hop through
Matthiessen State Park

Follow a magical path at
Matthiessen State Park

8 pm: Savor free time to swim, soak tired muscles in a hot tub, join in group games in the great room, or simply relax.

 
Day 2

9 am: You’ll love this fabulous 3-mile morning hike past three canyons on our way from Starved Rock Lodge to gorgeous St. Louis Canyon, its 80-foot waterfall, and its tragic story.

11 am: We may have saved the best hike ’til last. This 3-mile path at Matthiessen State Park rock-hops back and forth over a stream, past 3 charming waterfalls, and through two 100-foot high sandstone dells. Wildflowers and happy frogs abound here!

1:30 pm: Head home, relaxed, and with a great sense of accomplishment … and with wonderful memories of waterfalls, canyons, and friendship.

Lodging

Tues: Starved Rock Lodge, 800-868-7625; Rt. 178 & 71, Utica, IL 61373.

Dip your toes into the pool at Cascade Falls

This historic park lodge offers a wonderful great room, delicious food, and indoor pool/ whirlpool. Each of our rooms in the new wing features two queen beds, flatscreen TV, DVD players/free DVD loans, WiFi, alarm clocks, hair dryers, iron/board, and toiletries.

Saturday: Best Western in Oglesby, 815-883-3535; 900 Holiday St., Oglesby 61348 (Starved Rock Lodge cannot accommodate us Saturday.)

This great hotel offers an indoor pool/hot tub, complimentary hot breakfast, WiFi, and fitness center. Each room has 2 queen beds, a frig, micro, cable TV, iron/board, coffeemaker, hair dryer, clock radio, and toiletries.

Hike past Giant’s Bathtub, Matthiessen

Registration

Registration cost covers:

  • Two leaders throughout the getaway.
  • Guided hikes by experienced, knowledgeable guides.
  • Trip photos.
  • Packet with area info, packing list, driving directions, and a roster of fellow hikers.

Registration cost doesn’t cover meals and lodging.