Starved Rock State Park is often called “the Grand Canyon” of Illinois. I’d only begun hearing about five or so years ago. The name always intrigued me. It seemed like such a sullen name for what was supposed to be a beautiful place. From their website, the name derives from “a Native American legend. In the 1760s, Chief Pontiac of the Ottawa tribe, was attending a tribal council meeting. At this council of the Illinois and the Pottawatomie, an Illinois-Peoria brave stabbed Chief Pontiac. Vengeance arose in Pontiac’s followers. A great battle started. The Illinois, fearing death, took refuge on the great rock. After many days, the remaining Illinois died of starvation giving this historic park its name – Starved Rock.”
I gathered up a posse of friends (some who’d been there, some who hadn’t) for a road trip about 90 miles outside of Chicago. And Starved Rock did not disappoint. That we have such rolling hills and cliffs and jutting rocks in the middle of Illinois was quite a surprise to me. In spite of torrential downpours on the way there, the day delivered blue sky aplenty once we reached our destination.
Starved Rock contains 10 canyons. We only made it to two: French Canyon and Wildcat Canyon. Walking through the lush greenery and hilly terrain reminded me of Southern California hiking–and even a little Costa Rica (though I feel like Starved Rock is missing out some ziplining opportunities.)