Discover the Wonders of Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center
Explore the natural beauty and rich history of Starved Rock State Park at the Visitor Center, your gateway to adventure in Illinois.
Nestled in the scenic beauty of Illinois, the Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center stands as a gateway to a stunning natural landscape. Ideal for tourists, this center offers invaluable insights into the park's rich history, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking trails. With knowledgeable staff and a wealth of resources, it’s the perfect starting point for your adventure.
A brief summary to Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center
- 2678 East 873 Road, Oglesby, Illinois, 61348, US
- +1815-667-4726
- Visit website
- Monday 9 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-4 pm
- Thursday 9 am-4 pm
- Friday 9 am-4 pm
- Saturday 9 am-4 pm
- Sunday 9 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the serene beauty of the park.
- Check the visitor center's schedule for guided tours and special events.
- Dress in layers; weather can change quickly in the park.
- Bring your camera for stunning photo opportunities along the trails.
- Don’t miss the educational displays inside the visitor center that highlight the park’s natural history.
Getting There
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Car
From Matthiessen State Park, exit the park and head south on IL-178. Continue for about 2 miles until you reach the intersection with IL-71. Turn left onto IL-71 and follow it for about 4 miles. Then, turn right onto IL-2 and continue for about 3 miles. After that, turn left onto East 873 Road, which will lead you directly to the Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center located at 2678 East 873 Road, Oglesby, IL 61348. The total driving distance is approximately 9 miles and should take about 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic.
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Public Transportation
If you are using public transportation, you will first need to get to a bus stop that services the area. Start by taking the local bus from Matthiessen State Park to the nearest major town, which is Oglesby. This may require transferring buses at a central hub. Once in Oglesby, you can take a taxi or rideshare service to the Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center at 2678 East 873 Road. Please check the local bus schedule for the most current routes and times, as they may vary. The total cost for public transportation will depend on the bus fare and the taxi or rideshare service, which may range from $10 to $20.
Discover more about Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Starved Rock Family Campground
5.9 km
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Westclox Museum
9.8 km
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Starved Rock Country
13.0 km
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Wild Bill Hickok State Memorial
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Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial
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Indian Creek Massacre Historic Site
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Owen Lovejoy House
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Gebhard Brewery Building
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Robert Waugh House
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Edith Farnsworth House
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Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area
52.2 km
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Oughton Estate Windmill
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Strevell House
57.4 km
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Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park
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The Kendall County Historical Society - Lyon Farm
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Unmissable attractions to see
Starved Rock Lodge & Conference Center
0.2 km
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Starved Rock
0.3 km
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Saint Louis Canyon Trailhead
0.3 km
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French Canyon
0.4 km
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Lover's Leap Overlook
0.4 km
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Pontiac Canyon
0.6 km
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Eagle Cliff Overlook
0.6 km
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Plum Island Eagle Sanctuary
0.7 km
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Illinois Waterway Visitors Center
0.7 km
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Beehive Overlook Beach
0.8 km
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Wildcat Canyon
1.0 km
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St Louis Canyon Falls
1.1 km
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Sandstone Overlook
1.5 km
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Lonetree Canyon
1.6 km
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Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock
1.6 km
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Essential places to dine
The Back Door Lounge
0.1 km
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Starved Rock Lodge Restaurant
0.1 km
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Main Dining Room at Starved Rock Lodge
0.2 km
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Jack's Place Restaurant & Bar
1.6 km
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Bear Island Outdoor Bar & Grill
1.7 km
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Año Del Gallo
1.9 km
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Lodi Tap House - Utica
2.6 km
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Canal Port
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Joy and Ed’s Bar and Grill
2.7 km
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Skoog's Pub & Grill
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Captain's Cove Bar & Grill At Starved Rock Marina
4.0 km
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Mr. Salsa's, Inc.
6.0 km
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Claudette's
6.0 km
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Brennan's
6.2 km
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CortiLeno's
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Starved Rock River and Trail Supply
2.1 km
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Jamie's OutPost
2.3 km
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Bakery & Cafe Nonies
2.3 km
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The Rock and Soul
2.5 km
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The Bickerman Building
2.7 km
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Bruce & Ollie's Ice Cream, Specialty Coffee & Deli
2.7 km
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Jack's Camp Store
3.1 km
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Love's Travel Stop
5.7 km
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Guitar Junkyard & String Instrument Museum
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Nina's Market
8.4 km
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Green Thumb Industries
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Scout Outdoor Apparel
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That Guy's Secret
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Country Cottage, Inc
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E & B Tobacco & Liquor
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
J.H. Higby's
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Red's City Limits/ Clarks Run Campground
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Kasap's Tavern
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Laura's East End Tap
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Bulldogs Bar
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Mercer's Rooftop
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Lizzie's Lounge
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Archway Tap
6.5 km
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Morts
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Greg’s Dew Drop Inn LLC
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Doc's Pub
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Speakeasy on 1st
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The Camden Bar and Lounge
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Buzzy's
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the Dugout tavern
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