Search for Sadie: New Scavenger Hunt Invites Visitors to Explore Starved Rock This Winter
Free, family-friendly program invites visitors to explore Starved Rock, learn about bald eagles, and earn a collectible patch.
OGLESBY, IL – There's a new reason to explore Starved Rock State Park this winter, and her name is Sadie.
Beginning November 1, visitors of all ages are invited to participate in Search for Sadie the Starved Rock Eagle, a new, free, self-guided scavenger hunt designed to encourage outdoor exploration, wildlife education, and winter recreation throughout the Starved Rock region.
The program, developed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) at Starved Rock State Park, challenges participants to locate 12 hidden illustrations of Sadie, a friendly bald eagle mascot, placed throughout the park and at participating visitor destinations. Those who find and photograph all 12 locations can earn a free, collectible embroidered patch.
Running from November 1, 2026, through March 1, 2027, the program offers families, hikers, and visitors an opportunity to experience Starved Rock during a season often overlooked.
Unlike a traditional scavenger hunt, Search for Sadie also introduces an educational component. Each illustrated eagle features a unique theme and interesting facts about bald eagles, their behaviors, habitats, and adaptations, allowing visitors to learn more about these remarkable birds as they explore the park.
Participants might discover Sadie dressed for a winter hike, searching for eagles with binoculars, or enjoying a warm beverage at the Starved Rock Lodge. Other illustrations highlight topics such as eagle nesting, migration, and the importance of winter wildlife habitats.
The 12 locations are spread throughout Starved Rock State Park, including select trails, scenic overlooks, the Visitor Center, and Starved Rock Lodge. Additional locations include the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center and the Starved Rock Country Welcome Center in Utica.
How to Participate
Participation is free, with no registration required. Visitors can pick up an informational card at the Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center, Starved Rock Lodge, Illinois Waterway Visitor Center, or Starved Rock Country Welcome Center.
From there, participants can explore at their own pace, photographing each of the 12 Sadie illustrations as they find them. Once all 12 have been discovered, participants can show their photographs to staff or volunteers at the Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center to receive a special three-inch embroidered, iron-on patch.
The patches are funded by the Starved Rock Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting educational programs, visitor experiences, and improvements at Starved Rock State Park.
Beyond providing an engaging activity for families, Search for Sadie aims to highlight the natural beauty of Starved Rock during winter while introducing visitors to nearby attractions and businesses. The initiative also complements the park's longstanding tradition of bald eagle education and its annual Eagle Watch Weekend.
Program Details
Dates: November 1, 2026 – March 1, 2027
Cost: Free and open to all ages
Activity: Find and photograph all 12 Sadie illustrations
Prize: Free collectible embroidered patch (while supplies last) upon completion
Information Cards: Available at the Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center, Starved Rock Lodge, Illinois Waterway Visitor Center, and Starved Rock Country Welcome Center
Patch Redemption: Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center
Visitors are encouraged to dress appropriately for winter conditions, remain on designated trails, and check current park conditions before visiting.
Program Contact
For questions or additional information about Search for Sadie, please contact:
Lisa Sons
Natural Resource Coordinator
Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks
About Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Established in 1925 as the Illinois Department of Conservation, IDNR oversees fish, wildlife, forestry, public works, state parks, conservation police, mines, permits, and more across approximately 400 sites. For the complete official overview and social media links, visit dnr.illinois.gov.
About the Starved Rock Foundation
The Starved Rock Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Starved Rock State Park through educational programming, visitor enhancements, volunteer engagement, and preservation initiatives. Since its founding in 1991, the Foundation has contributed more than $500,000 toward projects and programs benefiting the park.
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