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Programs, Events, and Hikes 

 All IDNR programs and events are FREE, thanks to funding from our not-for-profit friends group the Starved Rock Foundation.  State park programs are not affiliated with the Starved Rock Lodge which is a separate entity and operated by a private concessionaire that offers boat and trolley tours that can be reserved at www.starvedrocklodge.com.  

Starved Rock Foundation 

Programs and events are supported by generous funding from the Starved Rock Foundation, a not-for-profit friends group of the park, along with contributions from visitors and the local community. While  programs are free to attend, donations are appreciated to assist the Foundation in covering the costs of program presenters.

The 2025 Calendar of Events 

We appreciate your understanding that dogs and other domesticated animals cannot participate in park programs, events, or guided hikes unless they are certified service animals, not emotional support animals. Thank you for your cooperation! 

Live Animal Programs: 

Seating is restricted to 80 attendees for each presentation.  Admission is granted on a first-come, firt-served basis, with seating available 10 minutes before the start of each presentation. 

  • 9/28/25 at 11:30 AM & 1 PM
    • Hoo Haven:  Join Hoo Haven at the Starved Rock Visitor Center to meet a rescued white pelican and learn about Illinois' largest birds.  

Nature's Make and Take Series:  Learn a new skill and take something home!  

  • 10/5/25 at 1 PM
    • Edible Illinois- Harvesting and Processing Native Nuts:  Join instructor Dan Fitzpatrick for an immersive nature course exploring the rich variety of edible nuts found in Illinois, including walnut, oak, hickory, and chestnut trees.  We will have hands-on techniques for harvesting and processing these nuts including recipes to try at home!
  • 12/7/25 at 1 PM    
    • Sweet Beginnings-Starting with Bees and Crafting Lip Balm:  Begin your journey into beekeeping.  Learn how to care for bees and manage a thriving hive.  We'll also dive into the art of crafting nourishing lip balm from beeswax, giving you a sweet taste of the rewards beekeeping can offer.  Instructed by Dan Fitzpatrick. 

Kid's Art in the Park Workshops:  Art programs suitable for children ages 5 and up.  Parents/guardians are asked to accompany their children throughout the workshop.  Workshops are located inside the Eagle Roost Cabin located directly behind the Starved Rock Visitor Center. 

Workshops are free but online registration is required at Starved Rock Eventbrite, and opens exactly one month before the date of each workshop. 

  • 11/9/25 at 1 PM
    • Leaf Lanterns:  As the leaves drift to the ground, art instructor Georgia Braun is eager to guide you in crafting enchanting leaf lanterns. 

Art in the Park Workshops:   Acrylic or Watercolor Workshops for those 16 years and older. 

Workshops are free but online registration is required at Starved Rock Eventbrite, and opens exactly one month before the date of each workshop.    

  • 12/14/25 at 1 PM
    • Winter Woodland with watercolors and Sumi ink:  Create a sublime snowscape using a wet-on-wet watercolor technique, dry brush feathers, and Sumi ink.  Paintings will result from an appreciative, meditative approach toward the changing seasons, using the landscape of Starved Rock as inspiration.  The workshop will be led by art instructor Georgia Braun. 

Annual Starved Rock Art Show

  • February 
    • Located at the Starved Rock Visitor Center, inside of the Kaskaskia Room. 
    • An entry form is required and can be downloaded below.
    • Entries are due to the Starved Rock Visitor Center between December and the last weekend of January. 
    • The show is open to the public from the first weekend of February through the last weekend of February.  The visitor center is open daily from 9-4 but closed on Lincoln's Birthday and President's Day. 
    • Starved Rock Art Show Instructions and Entry Form

Annual Starved Rock Photography Show 

  • December 
    • Located at the Starved Rock Visitor Center, inside of the Kaskaskia Room.
    • An entry form is required and can be downloaded below. 
    • Entries are due to the Starved Rock Visitor Center in the fall from October through the last weekend of November.
    • The show is open to the public from the first weekend of December through the last weekend of December.  The show will be closed on the second Saturday of December from 10-12 for judging.  
    • The Visitor Center is closed on  Election Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, the Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
    • Starved Rock Photography Show Instructions and Entry Form

Naturalist Hikes

Hikes are free, but registration is required.  Please email lisa.sons@illinois.gov to register at least 1 week or more before the date of the program.  Please include your name and how many are in your group. Min 10/Max 40 participants. 

  • October
    • Rise and Shine Leaf Peeping Time! Saturday, October 11.
      • Family guided hike and program at 8:30 a.m.  
        • 2-2.5-hour program that begins and ends at the Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center.    
      • Educational or interpretive hike with frequent stops to identify trees, talk about the changing colors of the leaves, and other seasonal occurrences at the park.  
      • 2-mile hike, 9 staircases, multiple trail surfaces of rock, dirt, and wooden boardwalk.
      • Stops at Lovers Leap Overlook, Eagle Cliff Overlook, and Wildcat Canyon.

Special Events

  • January
    • Eagle Watch Weekend
      •  Family Event
      • An annual event that occurs on the last weekend of January. 
      • Live bird of prey programs, educational stations, spotting scopes/birdwatching, children's programming, and more. 
      • Collaboration between the Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center, Starved Rock Lodge, Illinois Waterway Visitor Center, and Utica Village Hall.
      • The event schedule can be found online each December at www.starvedrocklodge.com 
  • June
    • Junior Ranger Day
      • Family Event
      • An annual event that occurs on the last Saturday of June. 
      • Outdoor educational stations from 10 AM-1 PM behind the Starved Rock Visitor Center. 
  • October
    • Ghosts of Starved Rock's Past
      • Adults and mature youth 12 years and older. 
      • An annual event that occurs on the last Saturday of October. 
      • Outdoor night hike to Starved Rock and down along the Illinois River by the Starved Rock Visitor Center, where participants will be greeted by the sordid tales of characters from Starved Rock's past.  
      • Registration is required online at Starved Rock Eventbrite starting September 25, at 8 a.m.