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Starved Rock ____________________ Calendar of Events Check out this site for a list of special events at Starved Rock State Park. Driving Directions From Quincy, take I-172 south for 15 miles to I-36. Take I-36 east 100 miles to Springfield. Take the I-55 North exit and stay on I-55 for 72 miles then take I-39 North for 52 miles. Exit from I-39 on State Route 71 and go north for 8 miles until you reach Starved Rock State Park. Approximately 247 miles. Starved Rock State Park Starved Rock State Park is located 1 mile south of Utica on the Illinois River. This 2,630 acre park receives more than two million visitors each year and it's no wonder why when you see the bounty of beautiful sites the park has to offer. Starved Rock itself is a sandstone butte that towers 125 feet above the river. There are six spectacular overlooks within the park for viewing the fascinating rock formations and wildlife. The park is home to 18 stream-fed canyons that sprout waterfalls in spring months. There are 16 miles of marked hiking trails that cover the park and offer scenic views of bluffs, canyons, and the river. Other activities available at Starved Rock include fishing, boating, camping, and picnicking. For additional information about Starved Rock call (815) 667-4726. History Established in 1911, Starved Rock State Park is Illinois' second oldest state park, but the majority of Starved Rock's history occurred centuries before the park's existence. There is evidence of archaic Indians having lived in the park area as far back as 8000 B.C. From the 16th century through the 17th century, five to ten thousand Illiniwek Indians were thought to have inhabited the area. The first Europeans to enter this area were Louis Joliet, Father Jacques Marquette and five companions while exploring the Illinois River in August 1673. In the 1680's, after Robert LaSalle claimed the Mississippi River Valley for France, a chain of forts was established to protect France's new territory. Fort St. Louis was built in 1682 on Starved Rock. It was abandoned in 1702 and completely destroyed by a fire in 1720. So where does the name Starved Rock come from? A Native American legend tells of a band of Illiniwek Indians who sought refuge on the butte. They were surrounded by a group of Ottawa and Potawatomi Indians, their enemies. Unable to come down alive, they eventually starved to death on the butte. back to top QuincyNet Home Copyright© 2001 - 2003 by QuincyNet, a division of HCW Ltd. All Rights Reserved