Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center
Discover the history, geology, and trails of Starved Rock State Park at the visitor center, your gateway to Illinois' natural beauty.
The Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center is the ideal starting point for exploring the park's stunning natural beauty. Here, you can discover the park's history, geology, and ecology through interactive exhibits and displays. Friendly staff are available to provide maps, guides, and recommendations.
A brief summary to Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center
- 2678 East 873 Road, Oglesby, Illinois, 61348, US
- +1815-667-4726
- Visit website
Local tips
- Arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a parking spot. The park's busy season is from mid-March to early November.
- Check the visitor center's movie schedule to learn about the park's history, ecology, and wildlife.
- Pick up a trail map at the visitor center and ask staff for recommendations based on your interests and fitness level.
- Consider visiting during different seasons to experience the park's changing beauty, from spring waterfalls to fall foliage.
Getting There
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Driving
The Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center is located at 2678 East 873 Road, Oglesby, IL 61348. From Interstate 80, take Exit 81 for IL-178 and head south. Follow IL-178 for approximately 8 miles until you reach the park entrance. The visitor center is located near the main parking lot along the Illinois River. Parking is free, but lots can fill up quickly during peak season. Consider using the overflow lot across from the Starved Rock Lodge if the main lot is full. Waze provides realtime driving directions to Parking - Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center.
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Walking
If you're staying at the Starved Rock Lodge, you can access the visitor center via a metal staircase behind the east portion of the Lodge. Follow the signs for the Illinois River and the main parking lot. The walk is approximately 0.3 miles. Note that visitors cannot walk the steep, windy road from the Lodge to the lower area.
Discover more about Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Starved Rock Family Campground
5.9 km
A family-owned campground near Starved Rock State Park, offering a peaceful retreat with modern amenities and a welcoming community.
Westclox Museum
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Explore the history of timekeeping at the Westclox Museum, located in the original factory in Peru, Illinois. A fascinating look at an iconic American company.
Starved Rock Country
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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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Oughton Estate Windmill
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Strevell House
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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
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Starved Rock
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Explore the breathtaking Starved Rock in Deer Park Township, Illinois, where stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures await at every turn.
Saint Louis Canyon Trailhead
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French Canyon
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Explore the enchanting landscapes of French Canyon in Oglesby, Illinois, where stunning rock formations and serene waters await your adventure.
Lover's Leap Overlook
0.4 km
Experience the stunning views of the Illinois River at Lover's Leap Overlook, a must-visit scenic spot in Oglesby, Illinois.
Pontiac Canyon
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Eagle Cliff Overlook
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Plum Island Eagle Sanctuary
0.7 km
Experience the beauty of nature at Plum Island Eagle Sanctuary in Oglesby, Illinois, where majestic eagles soar and tranquility reigns.
Illinois Waterway Visitors Center
0.7 km
Explore the Illinois Waterway Visitors Center for breathtaking views, fascinating exhibits, and a chance to connect with nature along the Illinois River.
Beehive Overlook Beach
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Wildcat Canyon
1.0 km
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St Louis Canyon Falls
1.1 km
Experience St Louis Canyon Falls, a tranquil hiking area in Oglesby, Illinois, featuring breathtaking waterfalls and serene natural beauty.
Sandstone Overlook
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Lonetree Canyon
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Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock
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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
Experience exquisite dining surrounded by nature's wonders at Starved Rock Lodge Restaurant in Illinois.
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
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Año Del Gallo
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Lodi Tap House - Utica
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Canal Port
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Joy and Ed’s Bar and Grill
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Skoog's Pub & Grill
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Captain's Cove Bar & Grill At Starved Rock Marina
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Mr. Salsa's, Inc.
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Claudette's
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Brennan's
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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
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The Rock and Soul
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The Bickerman Building
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Bruce & Ollie's Ice Cream, Specialty Coffee & Deli
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Jack's Camp Store
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Love's Travel Stop
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Guitar Junkyard & String Instrument Museum
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Nina's Market
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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
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Kasap's Tavern
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Bulldogs Bar
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Lizzie's Lounge
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Archway Tap
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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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