On the Road Again (Starved Rock State Park)

The final stop in our whirlwind drive through nine states in nine days was Starved Rock State Park in Illinois.

I had never heard of the place (and I'm sure many Illinoisans haven't heard of some parks in Kentucky) until I read about it in Midwest Living's excellent Best of the Midwest Travel guide. By the way, this magazine became my primary source for planning in the weeks leading up to our 3,800-mile journey.

Eagle Cliff overlook at Illinois River 

Starved Rock got its name from an Indian legend dating from the 18th century. Members of the Illinois tribe died from starvation on one of the rocky peaks following a fierce battle with Ottawa Indians. More about it here. 

It was named a National Historic Landmark in 1962.

One of  easy trails 

The park, located less than 100 miles south of Chicago, was voted the No. 1 attraction in the state. I couldn't find the source of that ranking but it is a destination that draws 2.5 million visitors annually. I can see why it would be a great place for Chicagoans to escape from the urban hustle and bustle since it contains more than 12.3 miles of hiking trails through 18 sandstone canyons and several waterfalls.



The park also has a rustic lodge, cabins, camping grounds, visitors center, and numerous markers to keep you from straying too far off the beaten path. We had hoped to see some beautiful fall foliage like we'd viewed while driving across Minnesota and Wisconsin, but we were probably a week or two early to enjoy the colors. 

Visitors Center

Starved Rock lies on the south bank of the Illinois River so it offers water activities such as cruises, boating, and fishing (sorry, no swimming or wading). We had a nice buffet lunch in the lodge during our visit, then hiked several trails before getting back on the highway on our way back home (after an overnight stay in Bloomington/Normal).

Starved Rock State Park is certainly a place we'd return to if we're ever back in that neck of the woods. 

For more images visit my Facebook page. 

Until the next time....  

Reconnecting with Nature

Nothing relaxes me and clears my mind as a hike in the woods.

My son Justin and I visited Jefferson Memorial Forest in Louisville last weekend. We walked the Red Trail, an easy to moderate path over 4.8 miles from the Horine Trailhead.

"A periodic hike not only stretches the limbs but also reminds us: Wow, there's a big old world out there." -- Ken Ilgunas

I generally take several hikes a year, from nearby Cove Spring Park to Natural Bridge State Resort Park in Slade to Yosemite National Park in California. I like urban hikes but it's those short journeys to reconnect with nature that I enjoy the most.

"Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you." -- Frank Lloyd Wright

Hiking is such a simple escape. You don't need much other than a pair of comfortable walking shoes, casual clothing, and perhaps a bottle of water. (Of course, it all depends on the difficulty and distance of a hike so prepare accordingly.)

"Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better." -- Albert Einstein

It's great to get away from all the noise of everyday life and take in the peaceful serenity that only nature can provide. It's soothing to the soul. 

"Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit." -- Edward Abbey

I suppose most of us have time constraints but a walk in the woods doesn't have to be a marathon. You can move at your own pace and stop and take in the beauty of the surroundings. 

"Nature holds the key to our aesthetic, intellectual, cognitive and even spiritual satisfaction." -- E.O. Wilson

A hike doesn't have to be strenuous or test your physical limits. At this point in my life, I prefer moderate exercise when I journey down the paths because I know it's good for the body and mind.

I hope you will take time and experience a walk in the woods - often.

Until the next time....