You want to experience a nice day trip, Starved Rock State Park is the place to go. As Ron said earlier in his blog entry “A Tiring Week”, we took a trip out to Starved Rock. At first the weather appeared to be somewhat rainy but it wasn’t once we arrived at the park. The day turned out to be quite beautiful, sunny and warm.

I was hoping to see some bald eagles since they have returned to Plum Island recently. I’m happy they’re no longer on the endangered species list. Ron and I took a nice stroll up to Starved Rock itself. The view from up there was breath taking. Of course, I took several pictures.

I was pleasantly surprised to see stairways and deck as we went up to the top since the last time I was out here there were none. I recall a dirt road trail and concrete/stone walls to guide us to the top. I remember being so scared going up since there were no railings to hold on to and with one badly placed footing– off and away you went– imagine falling off the side of Starved Rock plummeting to the bottom of the Illinois River. I sure went up but I was practically hugging the stone wall. Still the view was indeed well worth it.

After taking some pictures, we returned to Ron’s parents sitting near the river under a shady tree relaxing. They recommended we check out the Lock and Dam on the other side of the Illinois River. We learned that on this side of the Illinois River was much more quite and the view equally pleasing. We went up to the observation deck in hopes of seeing a boat use the locks but it was Sunday, therefore, no activities. Every so oftern, Ron and Marie shows up during the weekday for a nice pinic and watch the boats come and go while using the locks. They say it’s cool to watch the locks in action.

Overall, we had a wonderful time. Stavred Rock State Park has several trails and food court at both the lodge and vistor’s center. If you want you can do a day trip or even rent a cabin and make it a weekend get away. Either way you’ll have fun.