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Governor JB Pritzker Illinois.gov Contact IDNR DNR A to Z

Starved Rock Trail Improvement Project

Updated 7/9/2026

The State of Illinois is investing $18 million to improve trails, bridges, and stairways at Starved Rock State Park starting in late 2025 and continuing through 2026.

Construction will be staggered to minimize the number of trails affected at any given time. The park, the Starved Rock Lodge, and other amenities will remain open throughout the project. Read the news release for more information about this exciting improvement project. 

Visitors are urged to check here for weekly updates about trail availability and plan their hikes accordingly. Need suggestions? Stop by the visitor center!

Please view the trail suggestions and maps under the Activity tab for hiking options. 

Current status

Trail Project Phase 2:  Starting July 6 through the end of July, access to the trail system from the Visitor Center will be closed for construction but for the trail to Starved Rock and the staircase to the back of the Lodge from the Visitor Center.  Existing trail closures include Tonti Canyon and the green marked trail from LaSalle Canyon that connects to Tonti Canyon.  Signs will be posted. 

Trail access for the month of July, starting on July 6:

  • Access to the eastern trail system will be obtainable from the Lodge, French Canyon Trailhead found along the Lodge's parking lot by the cabins.
  • The brown Bluff Trail above French Canyon (1st bridge from the Lodge's parking lot access) will reopen with access to Lovers Leap and Eagle Cliff Overlooks, and the green Campanula Trail (2nd bridge above French Canyon) with access to Wildcat Canyon and the remaining eastern trail system.  Signs are posted as well as maps.
  • Access may also be obtained from any of the outlying parking lots along Route 71 such as, LaSalle, Hennepin, Ottawa, Kaskaskia, and Illinois Canyons.  Signs are posted as well as maps. 

Park visitors should be aware of signs, follow the Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks on Facebook for Friday updates, or plan to stop by the visitor center for assistance. 

Hikers who come upon caution tape and signage blocking a trail should stop, turn around and explore a different trail during their visit.