I am going to Starved Rock tomorrow for the first time and I plan on going to Yosemite in the near future.

 

What are your guys recommendations for my to do list at Starved Rock? I am guessing we are going to rent bikes or something but I dont know if there are some must see spots there.

 

 

I am going to Starved Rock tomorrow for the first time and I plan on going to Yosemite in the near future.

 

What are your guys recommendations for my to do list at Starved Rock? I am guessing we are going to rent bikes or something but I dont know if there are some must see spots there.

 

Went to Starved Rock for the first time a couple of months ago and had a great time. We hiked several miles and saw a ton of stuff, so my memory isn't great enough to give you specific suggestions. My general thought is that there are some really nice overlooks with great views, and those are areas I'd definitely check out. There are maps all over the place with directions to certain landmarks and stuff throughout the park, so you'll catch on quick. The bike idea sounds good too.

Edited July 14, 201015 yr by whitesoxfan101

Starved Rock is a great place to hike in the winter when the small waterfalls are frozen.

Starved Rock is a great place to hike in the winter when the small waterfalls are frozen.

long time no see mreye!!

How long are you there?

 

Starved Rock is ok, but Matthiessen, like 4 miles up the road, is better. I've been to both a million times. Starved Rock is a good time, and the bluffs are cool, but at Matthiessen there normally aren't as many people, it's more "natural," and you get to hike up and down the creek (which is nice on a hot day). Assuming there's some water down there, I'd check that out too.

 

 

Yosemite is my favorite. I can't wait to go back.

 

Yellowstone is cool and Redwood national park is also cool.

As for Starved Rock, I'd do hiking instead of biking, because the cool stuff to see, you won't really see on the bike. Take the hiking paths that go do some of the waterfalls and pools, its pretty cool.

 

As far as parks and wilderness areas outside Illinois, jeez, there are so many cool ones to see. Tell me what you find interesting and I'll give you some ideas. I've done backcountry hikes and backpacking all over the west.

 

As for Starved Rock, I'd do hiking instead of biking, because the cool stuff to see, you won't really see on the bike. Take the hiking paths that go do some of the waterfalls and pools, its pretty cool.

 

As far as parks and wilderness areas outside Illinois, jeez, there are so many cool ones to see. Tell me what you find interesting and I'll give you some ideas. I've done backcountry hikes and backpacking all over the west.

NSS, have you seen Ken Burns series on the topic?

NSS, have you seen Ken Burns series on the topic?

The National Parks series, called like "Our Greatest Idea" or something like that? Yes, it was phenomenal. Highly recommended.

 

And that's just the National Parks. If you want to get away from the crowds, there are all sorts of beautiful places that are wilderness areas as well, if you are willing to use your own two legs to get to them.

 

The Great Smoky Mountains are awesome to hike, camp, etc. if anyone is ever out this way. Though, I guess that's to be expected since it's one of the largest national parks in the US.

How long are you there?

 

Starved Rock is ok, but Matthiessen, like 4 miles up the road, is better. I've been to both a million times. Starved Rock is a good time, and the bluffs are cool, but at Matthiessen there normally aren't as many people, it's more "natural," and you get to hike up and down the creek (which is nice on a hot day). Assuming there's some water down there, I'd check that out too.

I second this. Matthiessen is way better imo.

long time no see mreye!!

 

Still lurking. I've got my eye on you guys!

Dunes National Lakeshore and Dunes State Parks are about an hour from you Shipps here in Indiana, and they offer some great and challenging hiking, beautiful scenery, camping, fishing, nature walks, and a ton of other stuff. We take the kids out there a lot.

I thought Starved Rock was amazing. The Canyons were actually bigger than I thought. The water was just a trickle in most places though. I thought there would be more considering all the rain the midwest has been getting. Loved all the stories they had about the murders there back in the 50's and the whole Starved Rock history. It was really a fun time. I didnt have time to get to Mathiessen which I really wanted to get to but next time I will go there because I am surely going back.

 

Thanks for all your input guys. Mike The Dunes I will probably do next.

I thought Starved Rock was amazing. The Canyons were actually bigger than I thought. The water was just a trickle in most places though. I thought there would be more considering all the rain the midwest has been getting. Loved all the stories they had about the murders there back in the 50's and the whole Starved Rock history. It was really a fun time. I didnt have time to get to Mathiessen which I really wanted to get to but next time I will go there because I am surely going back.

 

Thanks for all your input guys. Mike The Dunes I will probably do next.

 

Let me know if you want to know anything specific!