Starved Rock Spring Getaway

10 Miles…12 Waterfalls…16 Canyons…1,000’s of Wildflowers. Countless Memories.

Next Trip: April, 2019
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Starved Rock Spring Getaway

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On our getaway:

  • Stand behind cascading waterfalls
  • Explore 100-foot-deep canyons
  • Delight in the abundant wildflowers
  • Marvel atop towering cliffs
  • Discover magnificent history and beauty

Rock-hop through
Matthiessen State Park

Day 1

10 am: Meet at the parking lot by Starved Rock’s Visitor Center (not the Lodge), ready for our hike.

11 am: We’ll carpool to our hike’s starting point at magnificent Council Overhang. From there, our 6-mile hike takes us along the Illinois River where we’ll spot barges passing through locks, white pelicans that arrive with spring, and signs of resident beavers. We’ll stand beside — and behind — waterfalls that cascade up to 80 feet. We’ll explore 12 sandstone canyons whose cliffs tower 100 above us. And... we’ll be greeted by woodland wildflowers adorning our trail.

4:30 pm: Check into your room and freshen up. 6:30 pm: Enjoy delicious dining and warm camaraderie at Starved Rock’s historic lodge.

Hike past Giant’s Bathtub, Matthiessen

8 pm: Savor free time to swim, soak tired muscles in a hot tub, join in group games in the great room, or simply relax.

 
Day 2

Breakfast on your own.

9 am: This lovely 3-mile hike takes us past three canyons as we hike from Starved Rock Lodge to St. Louis Canyon, its 80-foot waterfall, and tragic story.

11 am: We may have saved the best hike ’til last. This 3-mile path at Matthiessen State Park rock-hops back and forth over a stream, past 3 charming waterfalls, and through two 100-foot high sandstone dells. Wildflowers and happy frogs abound here!

1:30 pm: Head home, relaxed, and with a great sense of accomplishment … and with wonderful memories of waterfalls, canyons, and friendship.

Dip your toes into the pool at Cascade Falls

Lodging

Best Western in Oglesby 815-883-3535; 900 Holiday St, Oglesby, IL.

Our great hotel offers an hot tub/indoor pool, complimentary hot breakfast, WiFi, laundry & fitness center. Rooms have two queen beds, mini frig, micro, cable TV, clock radio, hair dryer, iron/board, and toiletries.

Registration

Registration Form

Online Registration

Registration cost covers:

  • Two leaders throughout the getaway.
  • 2 days of guided hikes by experienced, knowledgeable guides.
  • Online trip photos.
  • Packet with area and getaway info.
  • Double-occupancy room at the Best Western
  • Hot breakfast

Prefer to room solo? Add $45. (Registration cost is nonrefundable.) Don?t wait; these getaways fill quickly!