One of the Most Beautiful Parks in the Midwest Is 1.5 Hours From Chicago-With 18 Sandstone Canyons and Pretty Waterfalls

"Established in 1911, Starved Rock is Illinois' second state park and a popular destination among those who love the outdoors, history, and photography. Its name comes from a Native American legend that recounts a 1760s battle in which members of the Illinois Confederation fled to the top of the park's now eponymous 125-sandstone bluff for refuge."

"Over 14,000 years ago, the 18 sandstone canyons within the park were shaped by meltwater from glaciers. Today, these canyons are filled with small creeks, wildlife, and one of the park's highlights: waterfalls."

"While Starved Rock State Park is open all year-round, its waterfalls are seasonal. For the most part, they occur from March through June. Come June (and typically lasting through October), there's a chance the waterfalls will have dried out."

"When January arrives, the waterfalls often transform into icefalls. According to the park, there are usually around eight visitor-accessible icefalls. Most visitors simply hike to the icefalls and admire their beauty, but there are also those who choose to go ice climbing."

Starved Rock State Park, located 100 miles west of Chicago on the Illinois River, is undergoing an $18 million trail improvement project while remaining open to visitors. Established in 1911, the park's name derives from a 1760s Native American legend involving the Illinois Confederation. The park's 18 sandstone canyons were shaped over 14,000 years ago by glacial meltwater and now contain creeks, wildlife, and seasonal waterfalls. These waterfalls are most active from March through June, fed by rain and snowmelt. During winter months, particularly January, waterfalls transform into icefalls, with approximately eight visitor-accessible formations available for hiking and ice climbing.

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