Starved Rock Getting Some Lovin’ from Springfield

By Connie Schmidt

For years and years, River Prairie Group Outings leader Ed Max has taken members on hikes through the nearby Starved Rock State Park. Wildflowers, rambling creeks with waterfalls, ridges and overlooks, and meandering trails make this a perfect destination. So much so that Ed has reported, “It is being loved to DEATH.”  Litter, erosion, and off-trail wandering all make for human impact on this special place. 

Thank heavens we recently learned that Springfield has heard the call and is responding with an $18 million dollar trail-improvement project. The following is from the press announcement sent out by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources:

SPRINGFIELD – Starved Rock State Park, including the Starved Rock Lodge and other park amenities, will remain open to visitors during an $18 million trail improvement project that is expected to get underway this winter and continue through 2026.

The work will allow the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) to reopen several closed trails and expand the hiking and recreational opportunities at Starved Rock, which is Illinois’ most visited state park, attracting more than 2 million visitors annually.

The park, in LaSalle County, features numerous timber trail bridges, stairways, boardwalks and retaining walls that have deteriorated over the years and require repairs or replacement. In addition to making trails safer and more accessible, the project will enable IDNR to better control erosion and protect plants and habitat from excessive foot traffic.

“It’s been 30 years since Starved Rock has benefited from a significant trail improvement project like this,” said IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. “The park, the lodge and other amenities will never close during this project. Even if a specific trail is temporarily unavailable, there will be other beautiful trails to explore, as well as the Starved Rock Lodge and additional nearby state parks for visitors to enjoy.”

To watch a local YouTube personality describe the announcement, click here.

Visitors planning trips to Starved Rock are encouraged to visit the park’s website and Facebook page in advance to confirm trail availability and plan accordingly. Updates will be posted weekly. Trails within the park west of the lodge and east of Parkman’s Plain will not be affected by the project.