Starved Rock contains many trails for all abilities--park personnel provide maps for easy boardwalk paths with access for physically challenged or easy evening amblers near the lodge, all the way to more serious treks along the bluffs or the muddy banks that require long, fairly steep climbs up and down, hanging onto trees to get past washouts, and other fun! The park provides a great winter experience. Hike for a few hours, watch the eagles, take pictures, (take care on the ice and snow covered trails!), then head to the warm, comfy lodge for some scrumptious fare from the dining room or soak up the warmth from the massive stone fireplace. You will feel comfortable there whether in your Sunday best or your sweaty, dirty hiking duds. Mattheson and Buffalo State Parks nearby also provide horse and hiking trails, but with less crowds than Starved Rock.
Pros: Beautiful, Rustic/refined choice, Friendly folks
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