2027 Starved Rock & Matthiessen Calendars Now Available
Annual fundraiser returns following last year’s record sellout, with 100% of proceeds supporting Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks
OGLESBY, IL, October 6, 2026 — The 2027 Starved Rock & Matthiessen Calendar is now available at locations throughout the Starved Rock region and online, continuing an annual fundraiser that has raised more than $43,000 for the parks since 2022.
Calendars are available for $25 at participating local retailers and for $27 online through Starved Rock Hikers. One hundred percent of the proceeds are donated to the Starved Rock Foundation to support projects, educational programs, visitor experiences, and other needs at Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks.
Those interested in purchasing a calendar are encouraged to get theirs early. Last year’s edition sold out in record time, marking the earliest sellout since the fundraiser began.
“Every year, we continue to see more people connect with this project and with the parks behind every photograph,” said Matthew Klein, Starved Rock Foundation President and creator of the calendar fundraiser. “It has gotten to the point where people ask throughout the year when the calendars are coming back. I’m happy to say they are back for 2027.”
More than 350 photographs were submitted for consideration for this year’s calendar, representing a mix of professional photographers, tourists, avid hikers capturing moments on their smartphones, and photography enthusiasts.
The final 2027 calendar features images from 13 different contributors, with a mix of recreation, landscapes, nature, and a record number of wildlife photographs. Separate profiles highlighting each of this year’s contributors and the stories behind their photographs will be shared in the coming weeks. Together, the images capture the variety of experiences found throughout Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks during every season of the year.
This year’s front cover features Tonti Canyon at Starved Rock State Park, selected as the park approaches one of its most anticipated reopenings in years.
Starved Rock is nearing completion of a historic $18 million trail improvement project focused on improving access, safety, and the visitor experience throughout the park. Tonti Canyon, which has been closed to visitors for several years, is scheduled to reopen in 2027 as part of the project.
“The reopening of Tonti Canyon is something people have been waiting years to experience, so featuring it on the cover felt especially fitting for the 2027 calendar,” Klein said. “There is a lot happening at Starved Rock right now, and this calendar gives people another way to be part of what is ahead.”
The calendar is professionally printed in the United States on acid free, archival quality, FSC certified paper.
Every Purchase Has Double the Impact
Once again, the Miller Group Charitable Trust is supporting the fundraiser with a matching grant of up to $8,500.
The match doubles the impact of each calendar purchased and allows the fundraiser to provide even greater support for the parks.
The Starved Rock Foundation has now provided more than $500,000 in funding for park projects, programs, and improvements since its founding in 1991. Recent Foundation investments have included improvements to the Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center, educational programming, visitor experiences, and other needs throughout the park.
The fundraiser is also made possible by participating businesses and organizations throughout the region that sell the calendars on behalf of the project.
Where to Purchase the 2027 Calendar
Calendars are $25 plus applicable sales tax at the following locations:
Utica
Bruce & Ollies at The Bickerman Building
Grand Bear Resort
Jeremiah Joe Coffee
Hike + Camp
Starved Rock Country Welcome Center
Oglesby
LeRocher Bookstore and Gift Shop at the Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center
Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center
LaSalle
Lock 16 Café and Visitor Center
Ottawa
Prairie Fox Books
Calendars are also available online through Starved Rock Hikers for $27 plus shipping and handling. Online orders placed by Nov. 8 will ship on Nov. 9, and online orders placed between Nov. 9 and Dec. 12 will ship on Dec. 14. Click here to order online today.
About the Starved Rock Foundation
Founded in 1991, the Starved Rock Historical and Educational Foundation is the nonprofit organization supporting Starved Rock State Park. In collaboration with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the Foundation supports conservation, education, and recreation throughout the park.
Foundation volunteers support interpretive hikes, visitor center programs, trail cleanup efforts, seasonal events, and other initiatives. Funding for park improvements and programs is raised through memberships, donations, special projects, and proceeds from the volunteer run LeRocher Bookstore and Gift Shop.
The Foundation has provided more than $500,000 in support for park projects, programs, and improvements over the past 30 years.
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