Book a cozy cabin at Starved Rock State Park, and go ice climbing to see spectacular ice waterfalls. Or feast your eyes on the national bird during Bald Eagle Watch Weekend. Or discover hidden gems while shopping in downtown Ottawa. There’s plenty of treasures waiting to be found.
Make sure to check with attractions ahead of time for up-to-date operating hours, travel policies and health and safety information.
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Day 1:
Bald Eagles & Frozen Waterfalls at Starved Rock
Don’t let the cold weather keep you away from Starved Rock State Park. There’s an incredible amount of winter beauty and countless miles of breathtaking trails throughout Starved Rock Country. Try a guided hike, like the park's three-hour, 4.5-mile winter hikes every weekend through March.
Feeling a little more adventurous? There are more than a dozen waterfalls at Starved Rock State Park, many of which transform into beautiful, natural ice sculptures as winter tightens its grip on the area. Some of the ice formations are also available for climbing when there is enough ice. You must follow all safety protocols, bring your own equipment, and sign in at the park office. You can read more information on ice climbing at Starved Rock.
If you’re looking to see some majestic wildlife, bald eagles can be seen year-round, but their numbers increase in the mid-to-late winter months. Eagle Watch Weekend will be held at Starved Rock from January 25th-26th and includes family-friendly events.
With all that activity, you’ll surely work up an appetite. Walk over to grab carryout from the nearby Starved Rock Lodge Restaurantlocated in the Starved Rock Lodge or take a short drive to Cindy’s on 39 for some classic comfort food takeout. After a full day of fun, get a great night's sleep at the lodge or experience the historic charm of the cozy Starved Rock Cabins.
In the morning, get back into nature at Matthiessen State Park where you can try cross-country skiing.
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Day 2:
Ottawa, Utica & Peru
Enjoy the day shopping, sipping and eating your way through Ottawa and Utica. Walk around Ottawa’s quaint downtown and explore boutique stores like Weeta’s Boutique, Prairie Fox Books, and Rock Paper Scissors (a charming toy store). If you’re looking for a unique gift, stop by Starved Rock Hot Glassto check out their custom jewelry and other beautiful handcrafted items. For lunch, grab carryout from Tangled Roots, a craft brewery with great food. Try the decadent skillet bacon mac & cheese or the mouthwatering brewmaster burger.
Starved Rock State Park, Matthiessen State Park, Oglesby, Utica, Ottawa
get an inside look at what lies outside
Adventure awaits.
Book a cozy cabin at Starved Rock State Park, and go ice climbing to see spectacular ice waterfalls. Or feast your eyes on the national bird during Bald Eagle Watch Weekend. Or discover hidden gems while shopping in downtown Ottawa. There’s plenty of treasures waiting to be found.
Make sure to check with attractions ahead of time for up-to-date operating hours, travel policies and health and safety information.
On the western outskirts of Chicago, between the cities of Elgin and Aurora, is a scenic stretch of Fox River that might be one of the best-kept secrets in Illinois. Read more about Adventure in the Fox River Valley
