Stunning Snowy Weather Must-See Stops in Starved Rock State Park, Illinois

Jan 17, 2024

There’s never a bad time of year for a road trip! Sometimes a change in season is just what was needed to bring a fresh perspective to a place you’ve been to before, too. Let’s check out one of our favorite warm weather haunts and see what’s in store for fun during the winter season. Who says winter has to be boring, dull and gray? There’s no shortage of excitement when it comes to winter in the area of Starved Rock State Park! Today’s blog is all about discovering amazing snowy season activities for all year fun.

Let’s start with exploring the State Park area!

You can’t go wrong with a winter wonderland hike at Starved Rock State Park. Those verdant grounds and rock outcroppings are transformed into a snowy seasonal paradise when the temperature drops. You’ll want to dress in layers and wear nice warm, waterproof boots, because the trek is more than a little chilly. Here’s some things to try while you’re there! If you’re looking for a memorable experience, if the weather is cold enough, you may even be able to try climbing a frozen waterfall! You’ll find the easiest access is through the French Canyon Trail (and make sure you have your camera to capture these unforgettable sights!) For those not up to the challenge quite yet of climbing them yourself, you may even spot some of the professional ice climbers in the area. If you’d like a birdseye view, follow the long climb (80 stairs!!) up the Bluff Trail in Starved Rock itself for an incredible perspective on the sparkling snowy landscape. There are guided hiking tours of the 18 canyons in the area as well as winter trolley tours. There’s even options to hike across the park trails with snowshoes or cross country skis. Wildlife lovers will delight in doing a little nature watching and bird spotting in the park as well, and may even catch a glimpse of a bald eagle flying through! When all is said and done, you can head on back to the Starved Rock Lodge and cozy up by the fire with some cocoa or a delicious dinner.

If you’ve had your fill of chilly outdoor exploring, there’s plenty more fun and enjoyment in store even indoors. Let’s check out what else there is to do in the nearby towns:

You can check out the Himalayan Salt Caves at Salt Tree Yoga for some cozy meditative therapy and relaxation. You can even request a special private group yoga class and salt session as a package for you and your family or friends.

Balanced Spirit Wellness Center is a holistic and spiritual retreat you must try while you’re in the area! Enjoy a salt water float, a therapeutic massage, a relaxing Reiki session, or one of the weekly evening yoga classes.

View the art at local shops and galleries such as Starved Rock Hot Glass, Open Space Art Gallery & Studios, 3 Graces Farm Art and Hidden Gifts, City Folk Urban Decor, My Abstract Art & Apparel, North Central Illinois ARTworks, and more.

Enjoy some belly-warming libations and local craft beverages at establishments such as Tangled Roots Brewing Company, CatsEye Wine Bar, Star Union Spirits, Fox Valley Winery, Clarks Run Creek Gifts and Wine, and August Hill Winery.

If you’re looking to get in touch with local history, you can check out the LaSalle County Historical Society, Ottawa Historical and Scouting Heritage Museum, the Norsk Museum, and the Illinois Waterway Visitors Center.

Sit back and enjoy the show at venues like Stage 212 Performing Arts Theater in La Salle, the vintage VIP Roxy Cinemas movie theater in Ottawa, Engle Lane Theatre in Streator, and the River Valley Players Inc, in Henry.