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About UsStarved Rock Lodge is located in Utica, IL on a bluff across the Illinois River Valley from the park's legendary "Starved Rock". There are two entrances to Starved Rock State Park. The first is off of Route 178, just south of the Illinois River Bridge and the second is off of Route 71, just east of Route 178. The Starved Rock Visitor Center is located on the riverfront and has a parking lot on the west side. The Lodge has a large parking lot on the east side and a smaller parking lot on the west side.
CLICK HERE TO SEE A MAP OF THE PROPERTY. Experience the fun of outdoor adventure at Starved Rock State Park. There are 13 miles of trails to explore here. Canyons and waterfalls are found nestled into the woods and the views from the top of Starved Rock, Lover's Leap and Eagle Cliff are remarkable. The picturesque Illinois River brings life to the land that surrounds it. From fishing and boating to eagle watching, there's so much to do that you'll come back again and again. Click HERE to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and WordPress! NATURE Each season brings a new kind of beauty to Starved Rock. The 18 canyons here were formed by glacial meltwater and stream erosion. They slice dramatically through tree-covered, sandstone bluffs for 4 miles at Starved Rock State Park, which is located along the south side of the Illinois River, one mile south of Utica and midway between the cities of Utica and Ottawa. The park is best known for its fascinating rock formations, primarily St. Peter sandstone, laid down in a huge shallow inland sea more than 425 million years ago and later brought to the surface. While the areas along the river and its tributaries still are predominantly forested, much of the area is a flat, gently rolling plain. The upland prairies were created during an intensive warming period several thousand years after the melting of the glaciers. The Illinois River Valley in the Starved Rock area is a major contrast to the flatland. The valley was formed by a series of floods as glacial meltwater broke through moraines, sending torrents of water surging across the land and deeply eroding the sandstone and other sedimentary rocks.
During early spring, when the end of winter thaw is occurring and rains are frequent, sparkling waterfalls are found at the heads of most of the 18 canyons, and vertical walls of moss-covered stone create a setting of natural geologic beauty uncommon in Illinois. Some of the longer-lasting waterfalls are found in French, LaSalle and St. Louis canyons.
Other sights can be seen from the bluffs themselves, which provide vantage points for enjoying spectacular photo opportunities. The porous sandstone bluffs allow water to soak quickly through, only to collect in greater quantities on the slopes below.
The resulting lush vegetation supports an abundant wildlife and bird population, including woodchucks, fox, white-tailed deer and squirrels. Wood ducks that nest in hollow trees occasionally can be seen paddling along the river's edge. Evidence of beavers and muskrats can be seen as you walk along the River Trail. Most spectacular are the bald eagles which come to the Starved Rock area in the winter. They live and feed here when waters to the north become frozen.
Lodging, Dining, Shopping & Much More...
The Lodge has a variety of meeting rooms for corporate meetings and special events. The Lodge has 70 hotel rooms and 13 comfortable cabins in the woods. All rooms have wireless internet and feature flat-screen TVs. Check out the Lodge Special Getaway Packages HERE ! The Lodge itself is a sight to behold. Aged log walls, a 2-sided stone fireplace and rustic charm are hallmarks of this impressive and historic 1930s-era landmark. Combining yesteryear tranquility with modern-day amenities, it is the perfect choice for family vacations, couples' getaways, weddings, meetings and special events.
Visitors can enjoy charming guest rooms, cabins in the woods, on-site dining, an enticing gift shop, an indoor swimming pool and hot tub, saunas, a casual Café, the Back Door Lounge... plus great views and seasonal entertainment on the outdoor Veranda, which overlooks the picturesque Illinois River below. Guests may also choose to stay at our affiliate motel, Starved Rock Inn, which is located at the corner of Routes 6 & 178 in Utica. The Starved Rock Inn is a seasonal lodging facility (open from March to November) nestled in the Starved Rock Marketplace retail complex, where you'll find Cattails Gifts & Wine as well as the charming Cottage Boutique, offering unique designer fashions at affordable prices. Starved Rock Inn is a rustic eight-room country motel in a relaxed private atmosphere with many modern amenities. INN guests may use all of the Lodge amenities free of charge. Check here for special getaway package opportunities at the INN. The original Great Hall still has its original furniture and a massive, 2-sided stone fireplace made of Joliet limestone. The Main Dining Room is open seven days a week and offers many house specialties.
Open year-round, Starved Rock Lodge & Conference Center is the ideal place for a tranquil getaway, a dream wedding, an affordable team meeting, a family vacation, or simply a walk in the woods. |
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The newest venue at Starved Rock is the  |
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