Starved Rock State Park, Utica, IllinoisFriday - Sunday, February 6- 8, 2004

A perennial favorite is our annual tour to Starved Rock State Park to see the ice falls, some of which we can walk behind. Well known for its geological rock formations and canyons, the area offers a variety of hiking trails. We stay in Starved Rock Lodge where you can enjoy a sauna and pool after a day on the trail. In the evening, we can gather and relax by the lodge’s large stone fireplace or in the Back Door Lounge.

ITINERARY

Friday afternoon after gathering in front of the lodge fireplace, we will walk to St. Louis Canyon to see a wondrous frozen waterfall. In the evening we will dine in the lodge dining room where excellent menu choices are available.

Saturday, an early morning walk is followed by breakfast in the dining room. A visit to Matthiessen State Park, neighbor to Starved Rock but with its own unique character, is on the morning schedule. Following a lunch break, explore some of the more distant and beautiful canyons in Starved Rock State Park. We go to Duffy’s Tavern in the nearby town of Utica for dinner.

Sunday morning, we breakfast in the lodge dining room before heading to the furthest edges of the park to explore the Council Overhang and surrounding area. We return to the lodge for a nourishing snack before crossing the river to Buffalo Rock State Park to see the Effigy Tumuli Sculpture.

The tour fee includes guided hiking, lodging, breakfasts, Saturday night dinner and Sunday snack. Tour fee: $325 ($95 add'l single occupancy). Tour Deposit: $160. Reservation deadline: January 6, at which time the full fee is due.