When Is the Best Time
The best time to visit Starved Rock State Park for spotting the eagles is in January and February. The most comfortable weather conditions can be experienced between April and September.
However, Starved Rock is a magical year-round destination for hiking and sightseeing. In summer it’s very special to see the waterfalls after a hard rain, in winter when the falls are frozen.
Tip: Read about the best time to spot bald eagles below.
Spring offers the beauty of wildflowers. Fall shows its beauty with yellow, golden, and red leaves that are present on the trails.
Opening Hours | What Time Does Starved Rock Open
- Starved Rock Park Trails:
Open from 7:00 a.m. – sunset - Starved Rock Visitor Center:
Open daily from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Closed on Federal holidays from November to March. - Starved Rock Campground:
The ggtes open at 8:30 a.m. Gates close at 10 p.m. daily.
Always check the official site with potential temporary closures: Starved Rock State Park – Illinois.
Why It Is Worth Visiting | The Perfect Day Trip from Chicago
- Natural Beauty: Starved Rock State Park is a stunning natural oasis that contrasts sharply with the urban landscape of Chicago. It’s famous for its beautiful sandstone canyons, lush forests, and over 13 miles of well-marked trails leading to waterfalls, especially enchanting after rainfall or during spring thaw.
- Wildlife Viewing: The park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Visitors might spot deer, eagles, and a variety of birds, especially near the Illinois River.
- Seasonal Splendor: Each season brings a unique charm to the park – vibrant autumn leaves, frozen waterfalls in winter, wildflowers in spring, and lush greenery in summer.
- Hiking and Recreational Activities: It offers a range of activities from easy to challenging hikes, fishing, boating on the Illinois River, and picnicking. The park caters to all, from serious hikers to families looking for a leisurely outdoor experience.
- Proximity to Chicago: Being just a short drive away, it’s an ideal escape from the city for those seeking nature and tranquility. It’s perfect for a day trip, offering a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of city life.
How to Get to Starved Rock State Park from Chicago
- By Car: The most straightforward way to reach Starved Rock State Park from Chicago is by car. It’s approximately a 1.5 to 2-hour drive depending on traffic. Take I-55 S from Chicago, then merge onto I-80 W towards Iowa. Exit at IL-178 and follow the signs to the park. This route offers scenic views and the flexibility to stop at small towns along the way.
- Public Transport: While there are no direct public transportation options to the park, you can take a train or bus to nearby towns like Ottawa or LaSalle and then take a taxi or a rideshare service to the park. This option may take longer but allows you to enjoy the journey without driving.
- Guided Tours: Some companies offer guided tours from Chicago to Starved Rock, which include transportation and a guided hike. This is a good option for those unfamiliar with the area or who prefer a structured itinerary.
Weather | Seasons
The climate of Starved Rock State Park is fairly typical of Illinois, with warm summer temperatures and winters which are dominated by cold, often snowy conditions. The height of summer can sometimes bring very muggy weather and this can make the conditions uncomfortable for physical activities such as hiking.
The summer season is also the wettest, with a high chance of thunderstorms. One benefit to this is that the wet weather results in many waterfalls forming among the park’s canyons and these can make for some impressive views.
Precipitation is much lower during the winter, however, a few waterfalls usually remain and they are known to freeze solid on occasion.
The spring months are generally characterized by warming temperatures and moderate rainfall, with the conditions being perfect for wildflowers to bloom in large numbers. Spring can therefore be a very attractive time to visit, although the same can be said for the fall months when the trees react to the cooling temperatures by turning beautiful shades of orange and red. Fall in Starved Rock State Park is a time of moderate rainfall, but there are often clear days with high levels of sunshine.
Monthly Weather
January
- Temperature: January is a cold month with high chances of freezing temperatures and snow.
- Average Highs: 29ºF (-2ºC)
- Average Lows: 12ºF (-11ºC)
- Clothing: It’s recommended to wear suitable winter clothing.
- Precipitation: This month typically has the lowest precipitation.
February
- Temperature: The weather remains cold.
- Average Highs: 36ºF (2ºC)
- Average Lows: 18ºF (-8ºC)
- Wildlife: One of the best times to see the park’s bald eagles.
- Precipitation: Low precipitation continues through this month.
March
- Weather Conditions: Can be windy with occasional stormy days.
- Temperature: Beginning of a rise in temperatures.
- Average Highs: 47ºF (8ºC)
- Average Lows: 28ºF (-2ºC)
- Spring Approach: March marks the beginning of spring with gradually increasing temperatures.
April
- Temperature: Comfortable weather starts setting in.
- Average Highs: 61ºF (16ºC)
- Average Lows: 38ºF (3ºC)
- Precipitation: About a 30% daily chance, unlikely to be snow.
- Weather: April marks the transition into more spring-like weather.
May
- Temperature: Warm conditions dominate.
- Average Highs: 73ºF (23ºC)
- Average Lows: 49ºF (9ºC)
- Weather Pattern: Chilly mornings but warm afternoons.
- Precipitation: One of the wettest months of the year.
June
- Temperature: Warm and humid.
- Average Highs: 82ºF (28ºC)
- Average Lows: 59ºF (15ºC)
- Rainfall: High chance of rainfall, be prepared.
- Climate: The onset of summer weather patterns.
July
- Temperature: Peak summer heat.
- Average Highs: 85ºF (29ºC)
- Average Lows: 63ºF (17ºC)
- Humidity: High levels can make some days uncomfortable.
August
- Weather Events: Characterised by late afternoon thunderstorms.
- Temperature: Continuation of hot summer weather.
- Average Highs: 83ºF (28ºC)
- Average Lows: 61ºF (16ºC)
- Wind: Wind speeds are generally at their lowest.
September
- Temperature: Pleasant weather begins to set in.
- Average Highs: 76ºF (24ºC)
- Average Lows: 52ºF (11ºC)
- Sunny Days: High number of sunny days in September.
October
- Temperature: Cooler and drier climate starts.
- Average Highs: 65ºF (18ºC)
- Average Lows: 41ºF (5ºC)
- Transition: Marking the transition into the cooler autumn months.
November
- Temperature: A return to colder weather.
- Average Highs: 48ºF (9ºC)
- Average Lows: 30ºF (-1ºC)
- Weather: Commonly sunny days despite the cold.
December
- Temperature: Very cold, marking the start of winter.
- Average Highs: 36ºF (2ºC)
- Average Lows: 18ºF (-8ºC)
- Clothing: Warm clothing is highly recommended.
- Wildlife: Arrival of many bald eagles in the park.
Avoiding Tourist Crowds
The park is less busy in the winter months (December, January, February). Otherwise, it’s often heavily crowded in spring, summer, and fall. Even more on weekends and national holidays. To beat the crowds: Avoid weekends and be there early. The visitor center opens at 9 AM but you can arrive and park earlier.
The parking lots usually fill until 11 a.m. in the peak season and on weekends. When full they get closed and open again in the afternoon around 3 p.m. Be early if you don’t plan to stay one night. Another way to avoid the crowds is to hit the trails that are not located in the main hub. The park is large and has many trails where you can ‘hike away’.
Bird Watching Months | Eagles
Every year, thousands of eagles migrate to the area, they come for the fish found in the cold waters of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers.
The birds begin arriving in late December and stay until March. To spot the eagles and be on the safe side, visit in January or February.
💡 Park administration says that depending on the weather, most of the birds are gone in March already.
As one of the most iconic birds of North America, the bald eagle is also one of the largest, with a wingspan averaging over 2 meters. Bald eagles are powerful predators with a strong taste for fish – a preference that brings them to the Illinois River in large numbers.
Hotels near Starved Rock State Park
We highly recommend staying one night in a hotel near Starved Rock State Park. That way you can avoid the crowds during the busy months and weekends. Also, it takes away the headache of dealing with full parking lots (see above), as you can arrive much earlier.
The closest place is Utica (check the map below). The most booked hotel and our absolute favorite is the Starved Rock Lodge (via booking.com with best-price guarantee). Also close are Oglesby and Peru.
At least in the northern parts of Illinois, it can be challenging to find a spot to hike with rigor. Starved Rock offers visitors many ways to encounter the great outdoors. It’s best known for being a prime spot to view North American Bald Eagles.
History
Historically, The park derives its name from a Native American legend of Starved Rock. In the 1760’s, Chief Pontiac of the Ottawa tribe, was attending a tribal council meeting, at this council of the Illinois and the Pottawatomie, Kinebo, the head chief of the Illinois tribe 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.
Hiking
There are 16 miles of well-marked hiking trails, where you can view waterfalls in 14 of the 18 canyons. The lodge on the premises boasts several massive fireplaces in common areas to warm up in between hikes or stay overnight in one of their onsite cabins (including pet-friendly cabins) or in their historic lodge. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built the present-day Lodge during the 1930s; its white pine logs were brought from Indiana. Besides building the Lodge, the CCC built many stairways, shelters, and bridges in the park.
