Located 90 minutes southwest of Chicago is one of Illinois’ most popular state parks, Starved Rock. Nestled along the banks of the Illinois River, hundreds of thousands of visitors travel from around the country to explore the canyons, hike 13 miles of marked trails, and in the fall, watch as the colors light up the sandstone canyon walls. With 18 canyons and more than 3,200 acres to explore, it may take more than just one trip to experience everything the park has to offer. A convenient stone lodge, built in the 1930s, offers 72 luxury hotel rooms, 22 cabin rooms as well as a whirlpool and sauna. If the lodge is booked, various hotels are located in nearby Utica, Peru and Oglesby. As a year round park, Starved Rock offers a unique visit during any season. Summer brings warm temperatures and families with children on break filling up the park's campground. Autumn brings its own rewards with trails carpeted in fallen leaves. Spring rains create magnificent waterfalls and in winter those same waterfalls become frozen walls of ice where the experienced can practice their ice climbing skills. So take a free weekend and head a few hours west of St. Joseph, you won't be disappointed. Don Campbell / HP staff
The sun breaks through the trees near Illinois Canyon at Starved Rock State Park during a recent fall afternoon. Sandstone overhangs, formed from rivers and streams undercutting cliffs, make this a popular park trail. Don Campbell / HP staff
Hikers explore the St. Peter sandstone formations in Starved Rock State Park's LaSalle Canyon, one of the park's 18 canyons formed by glacial water and erosion over millions of years. Don Campbell / HP staff
Fall foliage frames the sandstone rock formations during an autumn weekend at Starved Rock State Park, located south of I-80, southwest of Chicago. Don Campbell / HP staff
October is the perfect time to hike any of the numerous trails at Starved Rock as a variety of trees from white oak to black walnut to northern red oak can be found throughout the park. Don Campbell / HP staff
Autumn color begins to peak at Starved Rock State Park in Illinois. The popular park attracts thousands of visitors during its Fall Colors Weekend in October. Don Campbell / HP staff
A lone hiker walks along a trail as a late afternoon sun illuminates the walls of LaSalle Canyon. The canyon, located two miles from the visitor center is popular with photographers and is one of 18 that can be explored at Starved Rock State Park. Don Campbell / HP staff
A setting sun is reflected with a fallen leaf in a small pool at Starved Rock State Park.