Park Events

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Big Wolf Run Ranch - Live Animal Shows

Date:

Start Time

Dec 1, 2024

11:30 AM

Spend the afternoon with the family and Big Run Wolf Ranch at the Starved Rock Visitor Center for a fun and educational live animal show featuring the opossum, skunk, porcupine, and the Canadian lynx. First come first serve (80 seats).

Kids Art in the Park

Date:

Start Time

Jan 12, 2025

1:00 PM

Create your own stunning artwork showcasing the magnificent bald eagle. Artwork will be displayed over Eagle Watch Weekend in the Visitor Center. Register on Starved Rock Eventbrite starting on December 12, 2024.

Starved Rock Art Show

Date:

Start Time

Feb 2, 2025

9:00 AM

The Art Show will be open he public starting February 2, 2025. Visit between 9 to 4 and place a vote for your favorite piece!

Natures Make and Take

Date:

Start Time

Apr 6, 2025

1:00 PM

Landscaping for wildlife can be beneficial for both the homeowner and the local wildlife. Learn how during this educational workshop. Participants will take home native prairie seed.

Waterfalls & Wildflowers

Date:

Start Time

May 3, 2025

7:00 AM

Take a sunrise hike with park naturalist Lisa Sons to explore the variety of spring wildflowers in bloom and the flowing waterfalls of Ottawa and Kaskaskia Canyons. Register online at Starved Rock Eventbrite on April 3, 2025.

Starved Rock Saplings - The Water Cycle

Date:

Start Time

Jun 14, 2025

10:00 AM

Join park naturalists for a fun story, game/activity, and hike to the river to learn abou he water cycle. Register by emailing lisa.sons@illinois.gov

Starved Rock Saplings - Arachnids

Date:

Start Time

Jul 12, 2025

10:00 AM

Join park naturalists for a fun adventure exploring the amazing world of spiders with stories, crafts, and a hike! To sign up, email lisa.sons@illinois.gov

Starved Rock Saplings - Crows

Date:

Start Time

Aug 9, 2025

10:00 AM

Crows are incredibly smart! Want to learn more? Joins us for fun stories, crafts, and bird-watching adventures with park naturalists. Email lisa.sons@illinois.gov to participate!

Bald Eagle and Pelican Show

Date:

Start Time

Sep 28, 2025

11:30 AM

Join Hoo Haven at the Starved Rock Visitor Center to meet a rescued bald eagle and white pelican to learn more about Illinois' largest birds. Shows at 11:30am and 1pm. Tickets available at the front desk on event day.

Reintroduction of Native Americans to Illinois

Date:

Start Time

Nov 2, 2025

1:00 PM

Gerald Savage, a road scholar from the HoChunk Nation, cordially invites you to explore the captivating narrative of Native American reintroduction in Illinois.

Natures Make and Take

Date:

Start Time

Dec 7, 2025

1:00 PM

Discover the art of crafting your own natural lip balm for the winter season. It's a fantastic idea for a stocking stuffer or a delightful winter break project to enjoy at home.

Starved Rock Photo Show Opens to the Public

Date:

Start Time

Dec 7, 2024

9:00 AM

The photos will be displayed in the Visitor Center, Kaskaskia Room. The show is open from the first weekend of December through the first Saturday of January. The Visitor Center is open daily from 9-4 (except Christmas Day and New Year's Day). Entries are due the Sunday following Thanksgiving.

Starved Rock Art Show Entries Due!

Date:

Start Time

Jan 25, 2025

9:00 AM

Complete an Entry Form found at https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.starvedrock.html Entries are due by January 25th to the Starved Rock Visitor Center. Closed on 1/2/25 and 1/20/25.

Natures Make and Take

Date:

Start Time

Mar 2, 2025

1:00 PM

Join Master Gardener Natalie Martin for a fun and educational workshop on how to create a simple countertop compost bin for home. Small changes help our planet bit by bit. Participants will take home a coffee can compost bin.

Kids Art in the Park

Date:

Start Time

Apr 13, 2025

1:00 PM

Recycle that...into a one of a kind piece of art! Art instructor Georgia Braun will teach now to harness your creativity while recycling. Register online at Started Rock Eventbrite starting March 13, 2025

Natures Make and Take

Date:

Start Time

May 4, 2025

1:00 PM

Learn how to forage, identify, and grow your own edible mushrooms for recipes and more. Participants will take home a started for oyster mushrooms.

Junior Ranger Day

Date:

Start Time

Jun 28, 2025

10:00 AM

Explore different stations from 10am to 12pm to discover the wonders of the environment, wildlife, and beyond. Don't miss the children's program at 1pm inside the visitor center.

Sunrise in the Prairie

Date:

Start Time

Jul 13, 2025

7:00 AM

Join Park naturalist Lisa Sons for a morning walk exploring the rich ecosystem of the tallgrass prairie. Be sure to register online at Starved Rock Eventbrite starting June 13

Natures Make and Take

Date:

Start Time

Sep 7, 2025

1:00 PM

Uncover the art of identifying edible wild plants, responsibly gathering them, and crafting them into exquisite wine.

Natures Make and Take

Date:

Start Time

Oct 5, 2025

1:00 PM

You might not be a squirrel but you can still relish the experience of foraging for wild nuts such as acorns, pecans, and hickories. Discover how to identify, gather, and turn these nuts into tasty meals!

Kids Art in the Park

Date:

Start Time

Nov 9, 2025

1:00 PM

As the leaves drift to the ground, art instructor Georgia Braun is eager to guide you in crafting enchanting leaf lanterns. Secure your spot by registering online at Starved Rock Eventbrite, beginning Oct 9, 2025.

Starved Rock Photography Show 2025

Date:

Start Time

Dec 8, 2025

9:00 AM

The exhibition will be available December 8 to 31, inviting everyone to come and appreciate the stunning photographs of nature captured by local photographers.

Art in the Park Workshop

Date:

Start Time

Dec 8, 2024

1:00 PM

Join Starved Rock Department of Natural Resources Coordinator Lisa Sons in a step-by-step painting on Illinois' state bird, the cardinal, in a winter wonderland.

Eagle Watch Weekend

Date:

Start Time

Jan 25, 2025

9:00 AM

Visit https://www.starvedrocklodge.com to view the weekend schedule of events and locations of live bird of prey presentations and more.

Art in the Park

Date:

Start Time

Mar 9, 2025

1:00 PM

Learn how to make simple nature sketches and create your own nature journal. Registration is required and will open online at Starved Rock Eventbrite on February 9, 2025

Amazing Animals

Date:

Start Time

Apr 27, 2025

11:30 AM

Showtimes at 11:30 and 1:00 Live animal educational presentations. Tickets can be obtained at the Visitor Center the morning of the program. Seating is limited.

Starved Rock Saplings - Dandelions

Date:

Start Time

Jun 7, 2025

10:00 AM

Join park naturalists for a fun story, craft/activity, and short hike all about dandelions. Register by emailing lisa.sons@illinois.gov

Starved Rock Saplings - the Rock Cycle

Date:

Start Time

Jul 5, 2025

10:00 AM

Join park naturalists for an adventure featuring a story, engaging games, and hike to Starved Rock to explore the rock cycle. To reserve your spot, email lisa.sons@illinois.gov

Starved Rock Saplings - Tree Hole Homes

Date:

Start Time

Aug 2, 2025

10:00 AM

There are lots of tree holes, but do you know who makes their home in them? Find out by joining one of our park naturalists. To join in, send an email to lisa.sons@illinois.gov

Art in the Park

Date:

Start Time

Sep 14, 2025

1:00 PM

Have you ever tried your hand at making art using beeswax and dye? Join Georgia Braun for a workshop on the beautiful technique of batiking. Sign up online at Starved Rock Eventbrite starting August 14.

Ghosts of Starved Rock's Past

Date:

Start Time

Oct 25, 2025

6:30 PM

Join a guided night hike at Starved Rock to encounter its haunting spirits. Register online starting September 25, 2025 at Starved Rock Eventbrite.

Starved Rock Photography Show - Entries Due

Date:

Start Time

Nov 30, 2025

12:00 PM

Don't forget to download you entry form from https://www. dnr.illinois.gove/park.starvedrock.html today! Entries are due no later than November 30, 2025.

Art in the Park

Date:

Start Time

Dec 14, 2025

1:00 PM

Create a serene winter wonderland using wet on wet watercolor, dry brush techniques, and sumi ink, inspired by Starved Rock. Register online at Starved Rock Eventbrite starting November 14, 2025.