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What is your favorite Illinois state park? Explain why.
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 9:06 am
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Starved Rock when it is maintained…
Comment by OneMan Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 9:17 am
Sam Parr near Newton. Not the biggest or the best, but it was the first time my grandpa took my brother and I out in his bass boat. I was 6 or 7, my brother 11 or 12. I’ve still got a picture of us holding these tiny bluegill, but we had the time of our lives!
Comment by Vote Quimby! Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 9:26 am
I don’t go to many state parks, but I would pick Wolf Lake. Because it’s the only one I’m most likely to visit.
Comment by Levois Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 9:27 am
Rock Cut: great trails for biking, hiking, running. Police from 3 or more agencies doing frequent drive-throughs make it safe.
Kickapoo and Starved Rock pretty close 2nds for trails/
Comment by North of I-80 Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 9:27 am
Lowden State Park near Oregon. Beautiful, woody bluffs over the Rock.
My family went there on weekend picnics when I was a kid. Ran around like crazy in the woods and swam in the river. When I was in grade school, we went on overnight school retreats to the Lorado Taft artist’s colony.
Taft’s Blackhawk Statue at the river is an emotionally powerful work of art that celebrates the natural beauty of the land and the spirit of the Saux and Fox.
I recommend the governor take his family there for a day. No one could want to deprive others of the experience.
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 9:31 am
Starved Rock is the crown jewel of the state park system.
Your favorite beverage on the veranda - $2 to $4.
A night at the lodge - $150
The fall leaves, the trails up to the rock and thru the canyons, and the atmosphere of the lodge - priceless.
Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 9:33 am
First off, thanks for making the QOTD a non-political one. After last week, and I believe in the coming weeks, our heads will be spinning. It is nice to think about this QOTD.
I think Cave-In-Rock is my answer.
The entire area is remote and beautiful. The Ohio river is remarkable and the views over this incredible river are superb. The cave itself is crude and unlovely but very important as a historical sight for Illinois.
While I am there, I am unable to ignor how settlers to Illinois floated by this point and many decided to start pushing their way north to settle our state. I think of all the slaves who swam across that very river to freedom. I recognize the fact that Kentucky claims the Ohio as their territory so that any slave caught within in it during their flight to freedom, could be considered in that state instead of Illinois.
The lodges at Cave-In-Rock are very comfortable and inexpensive. The staff is caring and hard working.
The distance from Chicago is great, the drive into Southern Illinois dreary, but being in this state park really takes Chicagoans away from it all.
Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 9:41 am
Matthiessen State Park, located a couple miles from Starve Rock State Park is truly a treat. Beautiful deep canyons book ended by unbelievable water falls with plenty of mud for kids to wallow in and you to avoid.
For family’s with kids I have a fun recommendation for the fall. Schedule a trip to the Utica area for a long weekend. Leave on Thursday and stay at the Grizzly Indoor Water & Amusement Park Hotel. Stay there Thursday night so you can get the weekday rate-usually a little more than $100 bucks.
Friday, your kids can play in the Waterpark all morning and then hike through the area of Starve Rock till your hearts content in the afternoon. Stay at one of the many cheaper Inn’s throughout the area Friday and Saturday night.
Saturday, hike through Matthiessen State Park and take a break and rest your feet. Saturday night take the family to the drive in theatre located in nearby Earlville.
Sunday go to one of the local churches and spend the day shopping for pumpkins at one of the patches the farmers have.
There ya go, Illinois can be great fun. Please tell the Governor.
Comment by Phineas J. Whoopee Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 9:47 am
It’s a close call between Starved Rock and Kickapoo, but I would say Starved Rock primarily because of the rock outcroppings and scenic overlooks.
Comment by Squideshi Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 9:58 am
Kickapoo and Moraine View because of their topography in stark contract to the topography of the urbanized areas near them and their preservation of undeveloped lands once occupied by naitive americans.
Comment by Downstate weed chewing hick Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 10:11 am
Kankakee River State Park…I love the river!
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 10:17 am
Illini State Park - Because my family and I would go there when I was little for picnics. I remember the shelters on the hills overlooking meadows and creeks. It is a quiet park along the Illinois River that has a great history. It used to be a premier golf course co-developed by the founder of the Boy Scouts of America, WD Boyce. Two companies of CCC’s converted it to a State Park in the early ’30’s. Many of the CCC constrcted shelters are still there. It does not have the crowds and commercialism that many of the larger parks, such as Starved Rock have. The campground is one of very few state campgrounds right on the water. One can sit on the riverbank and watch towboats and barges ply their way though the Marseilles Canal to the Locks. The I & M canal bike trail is just across the river. Miles of hiking trails wind their way along the shore of the Illinois River. A very beautiful quiet relaxing place to be.
Comment by Irish Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 10:22 am
My favorite State Park is… all of them. I have never been to a state park that I did not like or did not have a good time at. Our state parks are wonderful. They are a true gem.
Comment by Southern Farmer Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 10:29 am
Starved Rock or Giant City. I love them both equally, just depends on which end of the state I am at.
Comment by leigh Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 10:33 am
Beall Woods, Wabash county. 329 acres of never cut or touched forest. Largest virgin stand east of the Mississippi
Comment by Pat Collins Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 10:33 am
Kickapoo and Kankakee River, and Fox Ridge(where I grew up, great memories of family and friend picnics, birthday parties, trails)
Comment by steve schnorf Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 10:35 am
I grew up loving Pere Marquette State Park near Alton. Like most of our state parks, it’s beautiful any time of year. It’s a great place to hike, see eagles, learn about Marquette & Joliet’s journeys and the legend of the Piasa Bird that predated them, and get a new appreciation for the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers. Oh, and you can play chess with waist-high pieces on an oversized chess board in the lodge.
Comment by Sap Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 10:36 am
I must make a confession — I have not been to any yet. I have been far too confined to Chicago (or visiting out-of-state state parks when I visit family) during the time that I have lived here. I would love to see Beall Woods, Starved Rock or Pere Marquette. Maybe ride the Hennepin Trail too.
Comment by Angry Chicagoan Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 10:40 am
When you say state park, can we throw historic sites in as well?
New Salem is hallowed ground. If you truly want to get to know Lincoln, spend a early summer morning or late fall evening at New Salem. We have a lot to be proud of in this state.
Another great one is Fort DeChartres in Randolph County. It’s just plain cool.
Comment by Old Shepherd Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 10:41 am
New Salem is hallowed ground, and Lincoln Log Cabin is close behind.
Comment by steve schnorf Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 10:47 am
In the 72nd District, Blackhawk State Park … the most beautiful setting overlooking enormous bluffs and trees and water with enormous history of Chief Blackhawk and the Sauk Fox Indian tribes … Rep. Pat Verschoore must be fired up about making sure this gem does not close.
Comment by there he goes again Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 11:00 am
Oh my goodness. Now I, LE, must make a choice. One would think that my fav would be anything south of I-64 and that would be correct. ANYTHING south of what is now I-64 is where I grew up, where my mom would take us for a Sunday drive. Cave-in-Rock was a great place to start and then drive up the Ohio River to Shawneetown and buy fresh catfish from any number of fishermen waiting for the “Sunday lookers”. However, a family tradition for several years was a Thanksgiving dinner at Giant City State Park Lodge. It is not a turkey dinner so if that’s your requirement, skip the dinner. It’s fried chicken with all the trimmings plus “punkin’ pie”. The lodge was completely updated several years ago and even though the older one-room cabins still remain, there are now about 8 larger free-standing accommodations for families. To work off those calories, after dinner go hiking on the rocks or climb up the water tower but watch out for that two year old who thinks he’s 15 and will not take no for an answer. I might add he was quite proud of himself for climbing up all of those steps all by himself with dad very close behind and mom on the ground biting fingernails. Renting a paddle boat at Pounds Hollow and swimming at the pool at Dixon Springs, oh boy, and The Chocolate Factory across the highway was a childhood family fav (thanks Maw for the memories).
However, with all that said, New Salem is our crown jewel in this State, anytime of the year. On an October weekend, there will be 2 nights of a candlelight walk (flashlights are OK but be prepared to hear some hissing and booing from purists who carry candle lanterns). The tavern serves hot mulled cider and gingerbread and the line is long so head there first.
Comment by Little Egypt Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 11:01 am
And thanks Rich for letting us all take a break from the insanity and walk down memory lane for a couple of minutes.
Comment by Little Egypt Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 11:04 am
I grew up near Starved Rock, and unfortunately took it for granted and didn’t visit it nearly enough. The lodge and its view alone are, indeed, priceless. If there were not a 2-year waiting list at the time, I would have had my wedding reception there
This whole thread demonstrates why people are so passionate about saving the parks and historic sites: these are among the very few state institutions that leave people with warm, happy memories. (I have yet to hear people reminisce about their families’ visits to the driver’s license station, public aid or unemployment office.)
Comment by Secret Square Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 11:18 am
Giant City–Love the Lodge and the cabins. The surrounding park, amid the gigantic Shawnee National Forest, is beautiful.
Same goes for Pere Marquette. The views of the river are breathtaking, and the bike trail long the river is awesome.
Comment by Fan of the Game Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 11:20 am
I have a special place in my heart for Fox Ridge State Park near Charleston, Ill. Spent a lot of time there while in college at EIU. Hey, free entertainment!
Comment by Tony Scott Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 11:24 am
In order:
1) Giant City. Great food, trails and lodging
2) Starved Rock, Great accomodations, food, scenery and veranda
3) Mississippi Palisades (Savanna) Great camping and spectacular views
4) White Pines (Oregon), Best food, quaint cabins, well-kept grounds
5) Pere Marquette, scenery and lodging
Comment by puzzler Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 11:35 am
Starved Rock State Park - I had my wedding reception there! It was great.
Comment by Gideon Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 11:40 am
Adeline J. Geo-Karis State Park (Illinois State Beach Park) in Zion, Illnois.
Right off Lake Michigan.
Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 11:57 am
Irish - thanks for the history and the memories of Illini State Park - my husband and I both grew up in the area - (Ottawa and Marseilles)
You are right about the peaceful - less commericalized area. my pick - Illini!
Comment by Scottish Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 12:06 pm
Kickapoo is my favorite. Great trails, wildlife, camping, and playgrounds. Great place to get away from the city and run, hike, fish, hunt, or just enjoy a day with nature. Truly a Crown Jewel of Illinois.
This will be a tremendous loss for the State!!!
Comment by Ultra50k Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 12:14 pm
Starved Rock for views, canoeing, bluff trails, eagles. For some reason, the depth of relaxation I attain there during a day of physical activity cannot be matched anywhere else.
Comment by yinn Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 12:27 pm
From what I see on this blog a lot of people enjoy being in the woods and outdoors and cherish their memories of those places.
Maybe the reason our Gov. is the way he is can be explained in a quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson. “…in the wilderness I find something more dear and connate than in the streets and villages…in the woods we return to REASON and faith.” (emphasis added)
And the reason we should protect and maintain these Parks and Historic sites can be explained by a quote from Henry David Thoreau, “In Wildness is the preservation of the world.”
Thanks Rich for helping us to ground ourselves in what is real.
Comment by Irish Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 12:34 pm
Giant City! I wen to SIUC and spent many, many, many weekends climbing rocks, going through fat-man’s squeeze, and playing football. Many dinners at the lodge & quality time in Makanda. Plus, I got married there!
Comment by Pot calling kettle Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 12:35 pm
It’s actually part of the U of I, but Allerton Park is too wonderful to miss, any time of year — in the snow, or during the spring blooming season, or when the leaves turn.
Comment by Excessively rabid Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 12:42 pm
Nothing in Illinois (in my opinion) is quite as beautiful as Southern Illinois in the fall…which is why Giant City tops the list of my favorite state parks.
Comment by GOP gal Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 12:44 pm
Growing up in region one’s state parks, the memories are deep and treasured there. Wordslinger, I can remember when you could go inside the Blackhawk statue. Oh, and White Pines. Favorite was driving thru the water, parking and then catching minnows as a kid as the folks hunted out the pincic site–then later down the road to horseback ride.
I can’t choose a favorite. The grown-up’s heart and soul for me and my family is the Rock Island Bike Trail and the Hennepin Canal, it’s been 27 years between these two sites for us. While not as beautiful as many other sites nor no fancy lodges, they are the two I hold most dear. Now Starved Rock may be the next site for us, but even with all it has to offer, it will never be ‘home’.
Comment by Princess Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 12:54 pm
Jubilee State Park outside of Peoria is wonderful!
Comment by IDOT Guy Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 1:15 pm
a good opportunity to see a representative sample of Illinois’ state parks is to join about 150 bicyclists on the 2009 version of the Grand Illinois Trail and Park Ride–GITAP. A week long bicycle tour of parks trails and Illinois’ best. Look at the League of Illinois Bicyclists webpage for more information.
There are a few small, quiet out of the way parks in NW Illinois I really like–Apple River Canyon and Lake Le-Aqua-Na. BOTH are worth a visit and reachable from Chicago. Two other close seconds on my all time fav’s list–White Pines State Park in Oregon and Mississippi Palisades up towards Galena. You’ll NEVER believe most of our state is covered in corn and beans after you see these gems. No. 3 on the lsit Red Hills SP near Olney. Go and you’ll see why I suggest THIS one.
Comment by rockabema Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 1:36 pm
Used to hike Beall Woods when I lived down there, and they are gorgeous.
Comment by Fan of the Game Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 1:40 pm
quite as beautiful as Southern Illinois in the fall…
While I won’t disagree, I will point out that IL 2 from Rockford to Sterling is very beautiful in fall. You go past John Deere’s home, Ronald Reagan’s home, AND Castle Rock State park. If you can’t go down south, this is a very nice substitute.
Comment by Pat Collins Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 1:42 pm
My sentimental fave has to be White Pines, dad used to drive us there from Chicago. We loved how it was utterly unlike the city, yet close by. We would always check out the Black Hawk statue on the way, as well as stop by what to me was a HUGE go-cart track nearby, then on to the park, where the lodge had this wonderful smell of old wood fires, pine sap, and time. We’d traipse all over there, try a little rock climbing and fishing, enjoy the many trails and overnight sometimes in the sturdy cabins built there by the WPA in the depression. They looked like the ones we could make with Lincoln Logs, but here we could sleep INSIDE one. The little ford over the streams was always very exotic to us city folks. The gift shop probably STILL sells those stupid rubber tomahawks and other junk, and…. you know what? I think I’m going to book a fall trip for MY kids, they are just the right age now. I know my dad would approve.
Comment by ex-Chicagoan Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 1:46 pm
Cache River in far SE IL, eerily beautiful, almost prehistoric looking…
Comment by Loop Lady Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 1:52 pm
Loop Lady,
The cypress trees are beautiful and prehistoric looking. Horseshoe Lake in that area is also gorgeous.
Comment by Fan of the Game Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 2:17 pm
psst, ex-chicagoan ” I think I’m going to book a fall trip for MY kids, they are just the right age now. I know my dad would approve. “—-if you take the kids they might enjoy the White Pines Roller Rink across the road from the Pines. So Cool. ‘Ya do the hokie pokie and ya turn ya self around, that’s what it’s all about’. I loved that place, oh and and I think the medevil event is going on at Stronghold the first part of October. I use to camp at Stronghold with the church and canoe on the river and if I keep up this little trip down memorylane, I’m going to give my age away :0
Comment by Princess Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 2:40 pm
Here’s a little secret: Matthiessen or Buffalo Rock are great places to spend a Saturday and they do not attract the throngs of people that Starved Rock attracts on the weekends. All three parks exist in the same five mile radius. There are a ton of great local restaurants in LaSalle County as well. All in all, a Saturday well spent in my opinion.
Comment by Jake from Elwood Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 2:45 pm
White Pines in Oregon! Those cabins are so cozy on a winter night after an excellent dinner at the little restaurant.
Comment by RightGirl Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 2:59 pm
Little Grand Canyon
Comment by Madison County Watcher Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 3:03 pm
I have been phaesant hunting at Chain O Lakes State Park for at least 20 years and I never miss a year. This is really a great program within 50 miles of two major metropolitan areas. I love to get out with my two Gordon Setters and just enjoy spending a day in the field with them
Comment by Pete from Antioch Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 3:04 pm
Silver Springs State Park in Yorkville. One of the few remaining state parks with free trap shooting!!
Comment by Healthcare Worker Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 3:11 pm
I’m with Puzzler and others who tout the breathtaking vistas at Mississippi Palisades.
From the top, you get a stunning view of Illinois and Iowa, too. Hawks soar below you, trains chug into the distance and the Mississippi is copper-colored at sunset. A serene spot.
Comment by cool hand Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 3:16 pm
Wrigley Field as soon as it is bought by the Sports Facility Authority!!!!!
Comment by 4% Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 3:58 pm
Here’s a little secret: Matthiessen or Buffalo Rock are great places to spend a Saturday and they do not attract the throngs of people that Starved Rock attracts on the weekends.
Jake! SSSHHHH, If you say it here, it’s not a secret anymore!
Yes, the Illinois Valley is blessed with abundant state parkage, from Stratton and Gebhard Woods in Morris; Illini in Marseilles; and Buffalo Rock, Starved Rock and Mathiessen in the Ottawa/Utica/Oglesby area. And don’t forget the I&M Canal Corridor, which is the first “linear” federal park in the U.S.
Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 4:22 pm
Definitely Starved Rock State Park in Utica! I went camping in the park with my boyfriend and was attacked by two giant-sized raccoons, but the state park’s scenery was unforgettable!
Comment by Black Ivy Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 5:09 pm
Beaver Dam.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 5:36 pm
Starved Rock and Kickapoo.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 6:51 pm
Buffalo Rock because nobody goes there and I can have some peace and quiet.
Comment by Huh? Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 9:59 pm
p.s. - Buffalo Rock’s claim to fame is the Effigy Tumuli. Here is a link for more information.
http://ludb.clui.org/ex/i/IL3128/
Comment by Huh? Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 10:02 pm
Siloam Springs for quite camping, Jim Edgar Panther Creek for bike trails, or Beaver Dam for a great state park experience.
Comment by Reformed Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 10:25 pm
As I come from a family that believed in the ideals of the “great outdoors”- but also worked for a living, we have been to most of the state parks in Illinois, as well as a handfull in neighboring states. My family has camped, hunted, fished, hiked, and mushroomed hunted in our fine Illinois state parks, as well as just sit and watch the birds fly overhead.
From our travels, the very best are at the three main Illinois lakes. Eagle Creek State Park on Lake Shelbyville, Hazlet State Park on Carlyle Lake, and Wayne Fitzgerald State Park on Rend Lake are simply the finest recreational areas in the state, and possibly in the midwest.
A person can also stay overnight in their lodges, cabins, swim in their pools, as well as eat fine food in the restaurants.
The downside- though this governor has continually understaffed their parks, raided the DNR’s dedicated funds, and made it impossible for the park staff’s to do their job as they had in the past, they continue to draw great crowds and seemingly keep things going. It should be a crime.
Comment by Roy Slade Monday, Sep 22, 08 @ 11:19 pm
1. Fox Ridge
2. Spitler Woods
3. Illini
4. Pierre Marquette
Comment by Love those parks Tuesday, Sep 23, 08 @ 6:33 am
My Favorite would be JIM EDGAR PANTHER CREEK “SITE M” It is in our back yard and we visit all the time. The best place to see wildlife and relax for the afternoon.
Comment by Antiqueranch Tuesday, Sep 23, 08 @ 10:20 am