Pre-Registration Required starting May 20th, at 8 a.m. http://starvedrockstatepark_programs.eventbrite.com

Join Natural Resource Coordinator, Lisa Sons for the one of a kind night hikes that only IDNR park staff can offer visitors! We will take a trek through the Upper Dells of Matthiessen State Park as we listen to the melody of the waterfalls and any nocturnal creatures in the forest.

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Join Natural Resource Coordinator, Lisa Sons for a spring hike through Ottawa and Kaskaskia Canyons in search of waterfalls and wildflowers while trekking through the mud and creek crossings. Saturday and Sunday, 9:30 a.m. hikes are available for registration now, just follow the link posted!

Register at http://starvedrockstatepark_programs.eventbrite.com.

Masks are mandatory at this time.

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Join park staff and volunteer naturalists for a walk in the woodlands at Starved Rock State Park in search of spring ephemerals better known as wildflowers! Your guide will point out hard to find wildflowers and reveal their historical uses as food and medicine used by local Native American tribes.

Hikes will leave from the Starved Rock Visitor Center at 9:30 a.m. Visitors are required to pre-register for the event by following the link below. Masks will be required while on tour.

Register at http://starvedrockstatepark_programs.eventbrite.com.

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January 23rd and 24th, 2021

Starved Rock State Park’s Natural Resource Coordinator, and birder, Lisa Sons and fellow Volunteer Park Naturalists, will guide visitors to the best locations at the park to view bald eagles that “flock to the rock” every winter. Discover fun facts about our nation’s symbol as Lisa delves into diet, habitat, anatomy, and more.

Two hike options and two hike times will be available to chose from upon registration. Starved Rock (.6 mile hike with one large staircase) or Eagle Cliff Overlook (1.4 mile hike with one large staircase and several smaller staircases).

Register at http://starvedrockstatepark_programs.eventbrite.com.

Masks are mandatory at this time.

January 9th and 10th, 2021

Pre-register for one of a kind guided tours to our largest canyons in the park to view icefalls! Discover the wonders of winter through the lens of mother nature while park naturalists guide you through the peaceful woodlands of the park this time of year.

Register at http://starvedrockstatepark_programs.eventbrite.com.

Two hike times and two hike options are available to chose from including Wildcat Canyon (2 mile hike) and St. Louis Canyon (1 mile from canyon parking lot). Masks are mandatory at this time.

Some may think good things come at a cost, but did you know that some of the best things in life are FREE?  The Illinois Department of Natural Resources at Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks offer FREE programs, events, tours, and guided hikes.  IDNR staff are trained and knowledgeable experts in their field and know how to bring the park’s history, geology, and ecology to life for all visitors to enjoy!

Please visit http://starvedrockstatepark_programs.eventbrite.com to register.

Pre-registration is required and masks are mandatory at this time.

Dear Teachers and Scout Leaders,

Are you looking for virtual programming during these times that can supplement your history or science unit in the classroom, or maybe a nature or science badge requirement? Starved Rock State Park can help! Contact the Natural Resource Coordinator, Lisa Sons, at lisa.sons@illinois.gov today!

Don’t forget to check out the IDNR Educational website at https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/education/Pages/default.aspx for a variety of online resources!