Illinois' most visited state park - Hunger Rock Park

Located more than 90 miles from Chicago and less than two hours by car, it is the most visited state park in Illinois and ranks 11th in the number of national parks in the United States. The park is located in the heart of the Mississippi Great Plains, on the south bank of the Illinois River, the largest tributary of the upper Mississippi. There are 18 beautiful canyons in the park, with dense jungle between the canyons, towering cliffs and occasional waterfalls.

The park has 13 miles of hiking trails along the river and connecting the canyons, with many routes designed for people of different physical abilities, ranging from a few miles to more than 10 miles back and forth.
Recommended day trips are the French, Wildcat, LaSalle, and Tonti Canyons Trail

Distance: About 4 miles round trip from the visitor center
Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
Walking time: about 3 hours
The Back Door Lounge has a great dining environment and is delicious and inexpensive.
2678 E 875th Rd, Oglesby, IL 61348

Depart from Hunger Rock State Park

Visiting Hunger Rock definitely involves hiking (there's no other way to conquer the sheer majesty of a glacier-formed canyon). The park offers 21 kilometers of trails for hikers of all skill levels, as well as year-round guided hikes, an outdoor gear shop, and a hiker's club. If you choose the historic tram tour, you can see all the natural beauty and then enter the waterfall canyon tour.

You can spend a leisurely evening at Belle of the Rock, or hire a motorboat to ride the Illinois River rapids. When you go for a picnic lunch, bring binoculars so you can enjoy bird-watching on a full stomach - eagles are often spotted here. In winter, the park is as vibrant as it is during the warmer months, and you can try ice climbing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and hiking. The Starved Rock Lodge is located within the park and offers rustic-style rooms and wooden houses (some with fireplaces). Sunday brunch in the main restaurant is not to be missed.

More Parks

Two nearby wilderness areas, Buffalo Rock State Park and Matthiessen State Park, both have unique natural features that are also worth exploring. Ottawa's Buffalo Rock State Park is steep and overlooks the Illinois River, with high-elevation trails that give hikers sweeping panoramic views.

Those who want to open their eyes should enjoy a picnic where they can see the bison herd. Two subspecies of this huge animal live here. Mathewson State Park, once a private park, is a haven for deer and showcases the region's unique geology. The long, deep canyons (often called "little valleys") and the amazing rock formations are worth seeing.

Explore the depths of the canyon for colorful moss and ferns, or explore the steep peaks at the canyon rim. You can also go horseback riding, mountain biking, or visit Lake Falls. This is a fascinating waterfall that rises from Lake Mathewson.

Off the park

After a tour of the park, you can explore other treasures of the land around Hunger Rock - from LaSalle's rafting on the Illinois River and Michigan Canal to visiting ranches, museums and estates; From visiting Ottawa's charming downtown to tasting wine in Utica; From entering the Hegeler Carus Mansion and admiring Victorian design to learning about the region's history at the LaSalle County Historical Museum; From walking through many of the existing buildings, including the Carbon Hill Museum & Historical Society and the Ottawa Toll House, To seeing how the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center's lock control system works and trying a rafting trip on the Vermillion River...