Who knew the most visited state park in Illinois is located only eight minutes away by car ride from our Bill Walsh Kia dealership? Starved Rock State Park attracted more than 2,000 visitors in 2014 due to its beautiful trails, 18 canyons, and the great fishing found in the Illinois River, where you can find catfish, sauger, and white bass.Â
THE GREAT ROCK
Starved Rock State Park got its name from a Native American legend. According to the story, Ottawa tribe leader Chief Pontiac was stabbed by Illinois tribe leader Chief Kinebo at a council meeting. A battle resulted between the tribes due to the attack. When the Illinois realized they were losing they retreated to the "great rock," where they were starved out by the Ottawa.
The State of Illinois bought the land from Daniel Hitt in 1911 and it quickly became the state's first recreational park. If you're into hiking, the park has 13 miles of marked trails and also offers guided hikes for novices. While hiking on these trails, guests have the opportunity to enjoy the diverse wildlife Starved Rock has to offer like river otters, white-tailed deer, and American bald eagles, just to name a few.
HOTELS AND CABINS
If you're not really the outdoor type, but still like the idea of getting away from it all, then you may be interested to know the park has 69 hotel rooms at Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center. There, your family can enjoy the indoor pool, dining rooms, and sauna. For a more secluded feel, guests also have the option of renting one of the 21 cabins located out in the woods.
Before you make your turn into the park, be sure to come visit us here at Bill Walsh Kia so you can talk to one of our friendly and intelligent sales representatives about our wide selection of Kia vehicles.Â
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