Starved Rock Canyons
Glacially carved sandstone canyons with seasonal waterfalls and dramatic winter ice columns, hidden within an accessible Illinois state park.
About this spectacle
Starved Rock State Park in northern Illinois is home to a network of sandstone canyons carved by glacial meltwater, where waterfalls cascade into narrow gorges draped in moss and fern. In winter, the falls freeze into dramatic columns of ice, creating a blue-white spectacle prized by photographers. Spring snowmelt sends water rushing over the canyon lips, filling the air with mist and the sound of rushing water. Visitors walk wooded trails between towering canyon walls, encountering intimate grottos and plunge pools. Autumn brings vivid foliage that frames the canyon rims in gold and orange. Each season offers a distinct visual experience within a surprisingly rugged landscape just a short drive from Chicago.
When to go
Jan — Dec, peak Jan — Apr
Getting there
Nearest airport: MDW. Nearest city: Chicago.
Booking options
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