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Wildcat Canyon boasts many superlatives. It has the tallest waterfall in the park, at 70 feet. It is in the deepest canyon in the park at approximately 90 feet. It has TWO overlooks at the top, interior access to the canyon, and is only one of three spots in the park where ice climbing is allowed. The canyon is worth visiting year round (as is all of the park.)

Tonti Canyon is closed until further notice due to hazardous trail conditions. Signs are posted and violators who disregard signs will be fined. Please check back for updates.

St. Louis Canyon is a favorite amongst park visitors. It has the only waterfall in the park that is spring fed, thus ensuring a longer lasting waterfall, and was the site of a spectacular canyon wall collapse in 2004. The pile of sand and boulders on the eastern wall of the canyon near the waterfall is evidence of nature in action. Kids love to play on this natural sand pile! St. Louis canyon is a must see!

This is by far the most popular site in the park. Nowhere else does history, geology, and biology combine with incredible views within the park’s boundaries.

Legend has it that in the 1760’s a band of Illini were trapped at the top of the rock, being cut off by the Potawotomi and Fox tribes, who blamed the Illini for murdering Chief Pontiac, who was negotiating trade agreements with the French to the south. This is how the park got its name. There are no written or archaeological records of the incident.

Later, around 1682, the French built Fort Saint Louis des Illinois on top of the rock. The fort lasted nine years. It provided protection, and a place of commerce for explorers and traders, as well as being a major military outpost in itself.

In the 1970’s, due to concerns of erosion, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources constructed the boardwalks on top of Starved Rock. If one looks down from the walkway, you can see how far down decades of visitors have eroded the sandstone away – in some places as much as a foot! This erosion is just one reason why it’s important to stay on park trails.

While the rock is always in demand by bird watchers, it’s especially popular with birders in January when Bald Eagles make their return to the park. When the waters of Minnesota, Wisconsin, the upper peninsula of Michigan and Ontario freeze over, Bald Eagles migrate south to areas that have not frozen over to fish, and there’s no better area for eagles to fish than the base of Starved Rock dam. Some years, upwards of 40 eagles can be seen on Plum Island, just across from the rock. These majestic hunters are a special treat for the park’s winter guests.

For those wanting to hike a little bit further than Wildcat Canyon, visitors can follow the brown trail signs along the Brown Bluff Trail to Sandstone Point. Hikers can enjoy a seat along the sandstone escarpment while relaxing a bit before heading back to go down into Wildcat Canyon along the Red River Trail or continue on to Basswood and Lonetree Canyons for canyon views from above.

A favorite to visit for those staying overnight at the lodge. Just a short distance from Aurora Canyon, where the visitor has access to Aurora Canyons interior view but not Sac’s due to hazardous conditions. Sac’s waterfall can be viewed from above and on both sides of the bridge if rainfall or snow melt conditions are just right. The picture above was taken by the park’s Natural Resource Coordinator, Lisa Sons in March of 2019. The canyon was named after another local Native American tribe that frequented the areas of Illinois and Iowa several hundred years ago.

One of the few icefalls in the park that professional ice climbers are allowed to climb if conditions are suitable. For those who like a more rugged and natural hike, you will find it getting back to Ottawa Canyon through the creek bed! Make sure to wear waterproof hiking boots or bring a change of shoes. This canyon and fall are about the same size as French Canyon and depending on the icefall formation sometimes hikers can walk behind the fall.

Lover’s Leap is a smaller viewpoint on the way to Eagle Cliff, but is still worthy of a stop. From this vantage point, visitors are rewarded with the best viewpoint of Starved Rock and Devil’s Nose (just to the south of Starved Rock) in the park. Just beyond Lover’s Leap, visitors pass the top of Starved Rock dam – watch for it!

Lone Point Shelter provides boat access and fishing for small boats, canoes, and kayaks. Waterfowl hunting season begins in October through the end of January or call park office for further information on access, 1-815-667-4726.

Kayak Starved Rock provides kayak rental for those who cannot bring their own. Visitors may visit Kayak Starved Rock at http://www.KAYAKSTARVEDROCK.com or call 1-630-567-4653.

For those who would like to take a relaxing as well as educational boat tour of the park and Illinois River you can reserve a spot on the Eagle 1 through the Starved Rock Lodge at http://www.starvedrocklodge.com or call 1-815-220-7386.

Just before the trail into the canyon, visitors should stop on the bridge over the LaSalle Canyon Creek. This bridge is historic as it is scenic; it was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

The waterfall in LaSalle Canyon is nowhere near the tallest in the park, at only 25 feet in height, but this is the only waterfall in the park in which visitors have the unique experience of being able to walk behind the waterfall! About 3/4 the way into the canyon, look at the canyon wall for a sign that reads “TO BOATS,” a reminder of the park’s past when there was ferry service to many spots along the river trail.

This is a perfect spot for a picnic — remember to take your trash with you!

>>> NO ACCESS TO TONTI CANYON FROM LASALLE CANYON OR RED RIVER TRAIL AND TONTI BRIDGE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE <<<

One of our Natural Resource Coordinator’s favorite locations in the park! Kaskaskia Canyon is a short trek from the Canyon parking lot off of State Route 71 at the eastern edge of the park. Signified by the large tree trunks guarding the 20 foot waterfall cascading into a small pond. Another log lies just across the ground in front of the fall to provide visitors a spot to rest and enjoy the sounds and sights of nature. Named after the Native American sub-tribe of the Illinois confederation. The Kaskaskia lived in the Grand Village across the river from Starved Rock in the 1600’s.

Spring is a wonderful time to visit this smaller canyon on the eastern edge of the park’s boundaries. Spring brings a bounty of wildflowers to the canyon in a hues of blue, lavendar, and pink Virginia Bluebells. Some visitors have spotted baby Barred Owls fledging for the first time and birders have rejoiced at the songs of Hermit and Wood Thrushes along the creek banks.