Starved Rock is Illinois most popular state park and it’s also dog-friendly!
It was a beautiful day and Starved Rock was a welcome change of scenery. No cars, no trains, no loud city sounds – just miles of trails to explore and enjoy
This dead tree was the perfect spot for Eko to hide and keep a lookout for deer
It’s the height of the dry season so we didn’t get to see any of Starved Rock’s well-known waterfalls. But we did get to explore the waterfall canyons which was a lot of fun – they definitely make you feel small
We looped back along a rolling and quiet riverfront trail. Sometimes no sound is the best sound of all
Someone was pretty pleased with himself for making the climb up to the riverfront lookout
After a long day of hiking, Eko happily relaxed in the shade with some well-earned water and treats
Starved Rock State Park is a bit of a haul from Chicago, but it was well worth the drive. It’s always fun to visit somewhere new and it’s even more fun when you have a four-legged adventurer with you!
I love trails and parks! Woooooowoooooooooo! Ku
Mom and us are adventure hiking partners, so we love finding things like that…probably too far to drive from our place for just a day hike, though. Looks beautiful and interesting!
I wish I would be there with you and Eko . The picture with the dead tree is perfect – I love it!
I don’t know why, but that photo of the “Welcome to Starved Rock” sign looks like it came out of a Scooby Doo cartoon. Must be the coloring. LOL
Cool! I’m gonna have Mom put this place on our list if we are ever in the Illinois area! Thanx scoping it out!
The hideout stump looks like fun. Nothing better than a romp in the forest with your dog, I really miss that.
What a fun day trip. Eko, you look hilarious inside the tree! Great face! And the two of you are practically microscopic in the waterfall canyon. Yikes.
Love and licks,
Cupcake
what a gorgeous park! I cannot believe how SMALL you both were in that photo. The sign to that park is reminiscent of the sign in Jurassic Park
We had always wanted to camp there, but never got a chance to. I can’t believe you put Eko into that hollowed out tree that could have bugs in it – yuck! lol
Starved Rock is our absolute favorite place to hike! My dad grew up closer to there than we are now, which is about forty minutes away. I grew up hearing stories about the famous murders there and the legends and history of the place. I just never get tired of it, but honestly, I think its best time is in the winter when the waterfalls freeze. And I adore Matthiessen, too. Usually there are waterfalls there even when the ones at Starved Rock dry up. 🙂
What beautiful photos of a fun outing. Loved Mr. Eko in the tree.
Wow! That is a gorgeous park!! Plus, it’s awesome that it’s dog friendly!
He is a lucky boy!
such a beautiful place to visit 🙂