Park Events

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Eagle Watch Weekend

Date:

Start Time

January 24, 2026

9:00 AM

Eagle Watch Weekend has returned for another year in Starved Rock Country! Starved Rock State Park, Starved Rock Lodge, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at the Illinois Waterway, and the Utica Welcome Center are all participating in this years live bird of prey presentations, educational stations, and activities for all ages. Please visit the Starved Rock Lodge website for a full schedule of events at www.starvedrocklodge.com.

Hogging the Spotlight: Meet Wanda the Groundhog

Date:

Start Time

February 1, 2026

1:00 PM

Join us for a special Groundhog Day celebration where we explore the science and stories behind this famous tradition. Discover fun facts and meet Wanda, the groundhog.

Owl Prowl

Date:

Start Time

February 14, 2026

6:30 PM

Come join us for a thrilling night of owl watching at the Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center! Our expert guides will lead you on a nighttime adventure to spot these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Bring your flashlight and sense of wonder as we explore the park under the moonlit sky

Exploring Starved Rock’s Past

Date:

Start Time

March 14, 2026

1:00 PM

Discover the turn of the 20th century events that created the foundation for the second state park in Illinois-Starved Rock State Park, with historian and author Mark Walczynski.

Early Pioneers of LaSalle

Date:

Start Time

April 11, 2026

1:00 PM

Discover fascinating stories of LaSalle County's earliest settlers through the early 1800s. Elsie Armstrong, one of those early pioneers, will appear "in-person" to share her amazing journey.

Animals Around the World: Live Animal Program

Date:

Start Time

May 2, 2026

11:00 AM

Travel across 6 continents as we highlight animals like fruit bats, sloths, parrots, snakes, lizards, exotic small mammals, and more. Tickets at the visitor center the day of the program.

June Nature Quest for Young Explorers

Date:

Start Time

June 6, 2026

10:30 AM

It’s summer break, time to explore the great outdoors with our park naturalists. Register for a fun weekend of nature-based activities.

Junior Ranger Day

Date:

Start Time

June 27, 2026

10:00 AM

Explore different nature, history, outdoor, and safety stations from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to discover the wonders of the environment, wildlife, and beyond. Earn your very own Junior Ranger Badge when you complete the Junior Ranger Guide.

August Nature Quest for Young Explorers

Date:

Start Time

August 1, 2026

10:30 AM

It’s summer break, time to explore the great outdoors with our park naturalists. Register for a fun weekend of nature-based activities.

Bats in the Spotlight Program and Night Hike

Date:

Start Time

August 29, 2026

6:30 PM

Learn about the 13 bat species in Illinois and how they are studied. Join us after the presentation for an acoustic walk to locate bat species with echolocation equipment and biologists from the Illinois Natural History Survey.

Engage with Nature: Bird Migration and Banding

Date:

Start Time

September 19, 2026

9:00 AM

Engage with Nature: Bird Banding and Migration is your chance to get up close and personal with our feathered friends! Join us at the Illinois Canyon Trailhead for a hands-on experience learning about bird banding and migration. Watch as experts carefully capture, tag, and release birds, all while explaining the fascinating process of migration.

Ho-Chunk History, An Illinois Indigenous Tribe.

Date:

Start Time

October 11, 2026

10:00 AM

Gerald Savage will describe the origins of the Ho-Chunk Tribe, the removal of his tribe, relocations, current reservations and settlements, and his family’s relocation to Starved Rock.

Howloween Family Fun Pet Event!

Date:

Start Time

November 1, 2026

9:00 AM

Join us outside of the Starved Rock Visitor Center at the Eagle Roost Cabin for an exciting event packed with activities for both you and your beloved pet. Although Halloween has passed, feel free to don your costumes and dress up your pets in theirs as you enjoy a day filled with treats, fun activities, and a pet parade.

Starved Rock Photography Show - Entries Due!

Date:

Start Time

November 30, 2026

4:00 PM

Entries are accepted between 10/1 and November 30th at the Starved Rock Visitor Center. Forms can be found by scanning the attached QR code. The visitor center will be closed on 11/3, 11/11, 11/26, and 11/27.

Winter Solstice Silent Night Hike

Date:

Start Time

December 21, 2026

5:00 PM

Winter is a great time to enjoy the trails surrounded by the peace of nature with a park naturalist.

Trek Through Time: Ice Age and Icefall Hike

Date:

Start Time

January 31, 2026

10:00 AM

Join us for a journey through the icy wonders of the past. Lace up your boots and get ready to explore the frozen landscapes while learning about the fascinating history of the Ice Age. Don't miss this unique opportunity to connect with nature and discover the secrets hidden within the ice!

Starved Rock Art Show

Date:

Start Time

February 7, 2026

9:00 AM

The Art Show will be open to the public starting February 7. Visitors can view artwork and vote on their favorite piece between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. The Visitor Center will be closed on 2/12 and 2/16.

Art in the Park Workshop: Zentangles

Date:

Start Time

February 28, 2026

1:00 PM

Winter blahs? Join us for an introduction to the Zentangle Method-an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns, called tangles.

Art in the Park Workshop: Artisanal Clay

Date:

Start Time

March 28, 2026

10:00 AM

In this artisanal clay workshop, learn to find and process local clays with techniques similar to those used 1,000 years ago.

Chasing Spring Hike

Date:

Start Time

April 25, 2026

4:30 PM

Spring means waterfalls at Starved Rock State Park and what better way to see them and the blooming wildflowers than with the state park naturalist.

Springtime Symphony

Date:

Start Time

May 9, 2026

7:00 AM

Take a stroll through Illinois Canyon while learning how to identify migrating birds by sound, flight, color, and habitat. Bring your own binoculars or borrow one of ours for free!

Casting Memories Family Fishing Clinic

Date:

Start Time

June 13, 2026

9:00 AM

earn about river fishing tactics, Illinois river fish species, and ethical angling practices. Bait, tackle, and instruction provided at no cost.

From Quarry to Conservation Holiday Hike

Date:

Start Time

July 4, 2026

10:00 AM

Join one of our park naturalists for a hike to celebrate Independence Day and the fight to create the 2nd state park in Illinois.

Journey Through the Tallgrass: Prairie Hike

Date:

Start Time

August 9, 2026

7:00 AM

Soak in the sunshine in the expanse of the tallgrass prairie and discover what makes this habitat so special!

Honoring the Hands That Built Our Parks: Holiday Hike

Date:

Start Time

September 7, 2026

10:00 AM

Join one of our park naturalists to celebrate Labor Day and those who built trails, buildings, and structures at the park over the years.

A Historical Insight

Date:

Start Time

September 26, 2026

10:00 AM

The Matthiessen, Hegeler, and Carus Connection highlights the powerhouse that shaped LaSalle County’s economic and cultural landscape, focusing on the partnership between Frederick Matthiessen and Edward C. Hegeler and the M&H Zinc Company.

Leaf Peeping Hike with a Naturalist

Date:

Start Time

October 17, 2026

10:00 AM

Fall has arrived at Starved Rock State Park! Join us for an educational hike along the trails for some tree identification and fall foliage.

Nature’s Beat: Drum Circle Harmony

Date:

Start Time

November 8, 2026

1:00 PM

Come join us for an afternoon of rhythmic bliss at Council Overhang! Our Drum Circle Harmony event will bring together nature enthusiasts and music lovers for a unique experience of connecting with each other and the earth through the power of drumming. No experience necessary - just bring your drum or percussion instrument and let the beats flow! There will be a handful of drums and instruments available for participants to use.

Starved Rock Photography Show

Date:

Start Time

December 5, 2026

9:00 AM

The exhibition will be available throughout December, inviting everyone to come and appreciate the stunning photographs of nature captured by local photographers. The visitor center will be closed on 12/24, 12/25, and 1/1.

Starved Rock Photo Show Award Ceremony

Date:

Start Time

January 3, 2026

10:00 AM

Join us in congratulating our award winners of this year’s Starved Rock Photo Show.

Starved Rock Art Show Entries Due

Date:

Start Time

January 31, 2026

9:00 AM

Submit art show entires from January 3rd to 1/31 at the Starved Rock Visitor Center. The Visitor Center is closed on 1/1 and 1/19. Complete an Entry Form found online by scanning the QR code here

Owl You Need is Love: Live Owl Program

Date:

Start Time

February 14, 2026

5:00 PM

Experience a lovely evening with ambassador owls this Valentine’s Day. Northern Illinois Raptor Rehab & Education will lead an amazing live animal presentation all about owls.

Starved Rock Art Show Award Reception

Date:

Start Time

March 7, 2026

10:00 AM

Please join us in congratulating our award winners of this year's Starved Rock Art Show during with an artist reception and award ceremony open to the public, artists, and their families at the Starved Rock Visitor Center.

Nature Sleuths

Date:

Start Time

April 8, 2026

10:00 AM

Register the kiddos for a week of spring break nature workshops at the park with area naturalists! Suitable for youth of all ages.

Explore the World of Reptiles: Live Animal Program

Date:

Start Time

April 26, 2026

1:00 PM

Learn about Illinois reptiles and amphibians with a presentation featuring live, native herpetofauna.

Nature’s Tribute Memorial Day Hike

Date:

Start Time

May 25, 2026

10:00 AM

Join one of our park naturalists on a guided hike to celebrate Memorial Day.

Summer Solstice Hike

Date:

Start Time

June 21, 2026

9:00 AM

Celebrate the longest day of the year, the summer solstice, with a naturalist-led morning walk through the woodlands.

July Nature Quest for Young Explorers

Date:

Start Time

July 11, 2026

10:30 AM

It’s summer break, time to explore the great outdoors with our park naturalists. Register for a fun weekend of nature-based activities.

Art in the Park: Nature’s Palette

Date:

Start Time

August 16, 2026

10:00 AM

Create your own masterpiece using inks and paints made out of natural flower and plant materials.

3 Hots and a Cot! The CCC at Starved Rock

Date:

Start Time

September 12, 2026

10:00 AM

Who were the Civilian Conservation Corps? How many CCC camps were located at Starved Rock State Park? Discover park projects from the 1930s in a new light with Natural Resources Coordinator Lisa Sons.

Brew Your Own Bliss

Date:

Start Time

October 3, 2026

10:00 AM

Unleash the secrets of Illinois herbal teas and flavorful coffee. Learn about wild herbal teas, how to turn them into kombucha, root coffees like dandelion and chicory, and roast some green coffee beans. Taste testing will be available!

Ghosts of Starved Rocks Past Guided Night Hike

Date:

Start Time

October 24, 2026

6:00 PM

Come join us at Starved Rock State Park for a spooky evening filled with tales of the park's haunted history. Get ready to hear chilling stories from the ghosts themselves as you are guided along the trails at night.

Finding Thankfulness in Nature Hike

Date:

Start Time

November 28, 2026

8:00 AM

‘Tis the season to be thankful for what we have, and that includes natural spaces like our state parks! Join our park naturalist for a reflective hike through the woods.

Art in the Park: Nature Journaling

Date:

Start Time

December 13, 2026

1:00 PM

Join us at the Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center for an enjoyable and creative day as we connect with nature through art. In this workshop, Master Naturalists from the Illinois Extension will guide you in learning how to capture the beauty of the outdoors in your personal nature journal, writing, painting, and sketching your way through each page.

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