Illinois Travel Guide 2008 - (Page 32) KAREN HIRSCH NORTHERN Starved Rock State Park, Utica Sparkling waterfalls, breathtaking bluffs and lush forests are the hallmarks of Starved Rock State Park. Hikers revel in exploring the 18 canyons that slice dramatically through sandstone bluffs, as well as spectacular rock formations created more than 425 million years ago. According to legend, Starved Rock derives its name from a Native American H SC HIR legend involving an Illiniwek tribe that was EN KAR trapped atop a 125-foot sandstone butte by bands of Potawatomi and Ottawa Indians who sought to avenge the death of Chief Pontiac. The Illiniwek eventually starved to death, giving rise to the name Starved Rock. Outdoor adventures include fishing, boating and horseback riding. Stay overnight at the Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center, built on a high bluff by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The lodge has been updated with comfy rooms and cottages, a restaurant and an indoor swimming pool. The lodge also offers narrated trolley tours of the area. For a view of the park from the water, hop aboard the Belle of the Rock and cruise the Illinois River on an authentic paddle-wheeler. Top to Bottom: Hike the canyon trails or ride the Illinois River waters at Starved Rock State Park, see sculptures from around the world and other treasures at Allerton Park and Retreat Center in Monticello CENTRAL Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Monticello Donated to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1946 by industrialist Robert Henry Allerton, son of wealthy Illinois farmer Samuel Allerton, the 1,500-acre Allerton Park estate was modeled after the 17th-century Ham House in Surrey, England. Today, the Allerton mansion is used as an elegant retreat and conference center for visitors from around the world. Designed by Allerton to ensure that the earth, sky and water are visible from all of the main rooms, it is surrounded by woodlands, exquisitely manicured formal gardens and more than 100 unique sculptures that were commissioned by Allerton (an avid art collector and artist himself) during his world travels. Allerton Park is open to the public for hiking on a network of interpretive and primitive trails, bird-watching, picnicking, cross-country skiing and leisurely strolls through its lovely gardens. Pick up maps and a gourmet picnic basket at the Visitor Center and Gift Shop, which sells unique items such as Allerton honey and replicas of the estate’s popular Fu Dog sculptures. Guided tours of the park and mansion are available by appointment. COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN 32 ILLINOIS. MILE AFTER MAGNIFICENT MILE. enjoyillinois.com COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN http://enjoyillinois.com
For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.