Things to Do
Things to DoWelcome to Starved Rock!
Scroll down to see ongoing and upcoming events & activities. The Colgate Country Showdown (CCSD) is underway every Tuesday night through August 3, 2010. We have a new "Tribute to the Stars" Series this year. Scroll down to see more about the "Andrews Sisters," "Neil Diamond" and "Patsy Cline." We're looking forward to the Vintage IL Wine Festival, Oktoberfest & Leinenkugel Dinners in the fall.

"Art in the Park" Masterful Chainsaw Carvings
24/7-365: throughout the year
A FREE art exhibit in nature. Pick up an "Art in the Park" brochure at the registration desk of the Lodge Lobby or in the brochure rack of the Great Hall and set out on a journey of discovery. 30 masterful chainsaw carvings representing wildlife, Native American subjects and even Abe Lincoln can be found throughout the Lodge grounds. Many of the outdoor carvings were created from IDNR-approved trees on site. Make a game of it with your kids, your friends, or your colleagues or use the opportunity as a teaching tool for your students.
For a video tour of the chainsaw carvings visit the video gallery by clicking HERE.
Take a Trolley Tours of the Starved Rock Area March through December
Two departures Every Sunday: 12:00-1:30 p.m. & 1:30-3:00 p.m. Tickets available upon boarding: $12 Adults, $10 Seniors, $8 Children 10 and under
Board a trolley outside of the Great Hall area of the Lodge. Enjoy a historic trolley ride with stops at the Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center (where you will see a short video of the area). Next stop: the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center (where you will see Starved Rock from across the river and watch as the river's barge traffic moves through the locks). You will also travel through the village of Utica and hear about the Illinois & Michigan Canal. While aboard, the driver will narrate the history and legends of the area. For tickets and information please call 815-220-7386. 
Join us for our new & exciting 2010 season of entertainment. Our "Musical Tribute to the Stars" takes you back in time. If you like Patsy Cline, Neil Diamond, The Andrews Sisters or local theatre, then read on.
"Patsy Cline" Lunch & Matinee: $30.00 per person Dinner & Evening Performance: $35.00 per person Matinee Dates: Nov. 15 Evening Shows: Sept. 7, Nov. 14
Mary Pfeifer has a voice that will take you back to the days of Patsy Cline. From Patsy's first recordings in 1955 to her last in 1963. Pfiefer covers Cline's famous hits, such as Crazy and Walking After Midnight. Mary recently performed the part of Patsy Cline in the highly successful Engle Lane Theater production of 'Always Patsy Cline.' Start with a delicious Homestyle Lunch Buffet or Dinner and wine tasting in the Great Hall of the Starved Rock Lodge and then relax and enjoy the show.
For tickets call 815-220-7386.
"The Legacy Girls Fabulous 50s & 60s Review" Lunch & Matinee: $30.00 per person Matinee Dates: Sept. 16
Take a trip back to the 50s & 60s and get ready to rock to the songs that shaped the decades! From the Supremes to the Chordettes, and the Beatles to Elvis Presley, The Legacy Girls will bring their own sassy style to all your favorites. Start with a delicious Homestyle Lunch Buffet in the Great Hall of the Starved Rock Lodge and then relax and enjoy the show. For tickets call 815-220-7386.

"An Andrews Sisters Musical Tribute Show" by THE LEGACY GIRLS Lunch & Matinee: $30 per person Matinee Dates: August 9, Nov. 10 12:00-2:30 p.m.
Begin your trip back to the Boogie Woogie days of the 30s and 40s with a Homestyle Lunch Buffet in the Great Hall of the Starved Rock Lodge. The vocal trio "The Legacy Girls" will entertain you with three-part harmonies, costumes and synchronized dances that are true to the Andrews Sisters' style. The Legacy Girls are dedicated to bringing the songs of the past back to life. Each show is a so much more that just a musical experience, it's a unique journey back in time. For tickets call 815-220-7386.
"Neil Diamond" (Played by Denny Diamond)
Lunch & Matinee: $30.00 per person Dinner & Evening Performance: $35.00 per person Matinee Dates: August 16 & 17, November 1 & 2
Denny Diamond is not a Neil Diamond impersonator, but rather a stylist or tribute artist. Denny is also a talented, original songwriter and most recently penned a beautiful, original ballad "Sentimental Nights. Start with a delicious Homestyle Lunch Buffet or Dinner and wine tasting in the Great Hall of the Starved Rock Lodge and then relax and enjoy the show.
This makes a great gift for the "person who has everything," so call today and reserve your tickets for a great show! For tickets call 815-220-7386.

Canal Boat and Trolley Tours Every Friday (May through October) Adults: $35.00 children 10 and under: $30 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Join us for the newest history tour that Starved Rock Lodge has to offer. Start off with a delicious Hot Lunch Buffet in the rustic dining room at Starved Rock Lodge. Next, board one of our trolleys for a ride to our State Park's Visitor Center. Your trolley will also take you on a relaxing ride to the Canal Boat, located in LaSalle. Step back in time with period-dressed interpreters on this 1-hour, mule-pulled canal boat ride (be sure to meet Moe & Larry!). Finish the tour with a final stop at the Lock 16 Visitor Center.

Only 1 Wednesdays left: August 4, 2010
Join us on the Veranda for "Wine Down Wednesday". This first-time event will be on the first Wednesday of the month (June 2, July 7 and August 4) during the summer. "Tommy & the Nitecaps" will bring their cool rhythm & blues sounds to the Lodge's great-view-venue from 6 to 8 pm with wine tasting and light appetizers. No cost! No cover! Outdoor dining is available, too.

COLGATE COUNTRY SHOWDOWN on the Veranda
Tuesday Nights from June 22-August 3, 2010
The grill opens at 5 pm and the competition starts at 7 pm. Come early to get a good seat and enjoy the show! Open to the public. No cover charge.
Last night's competition was amazing! Nate Peterson & Mark Thomas advanced to the finals, but ALL of the other contestants advanced to the WILDCARD ROUND! Be sure to join us for a great night of performances on Wildcard Night: July 27, 2010 at Starved Rock Lodge.
Click HERE to see photos from Colgate Country Showdown 2010




Week #3 Contestants (pictured above) advance to the Wildcard Round



Brought to you by America's #1 toothpaste: Colgate.
Updates will also be posted at: www.walls102.com. Starved Rock's Colgate Country Showdown runs every Tuesday night (June 22nd thru August 3rd). Start time is 7:00 p.m. on the Veranda. Grill opens at 5 pm, so come early to get a good seat. Open to the public. No cover charge.
Sponsored by: Starved Rock Lodge, WALLS 1O2 FM, Euclid Beverage, Miller Lite, and Dr. Ed Monroe and Wieb's Roadhouse Harley Davidson (Did you know we're giving away a Harley?) Many chances to win between now and August 29, 2010. Scroll down for details.

2010 Ride to the Rock Harley Giveaway
Sunday - August 29th
Don't miss out on the opportunity to win a Harley! We will begin qualifying people to win on May 2nd. This giveaway is sponsored by Starved Rock Lodge, Euclid Beverage, MillerCoors, and Wiebs' Roadhouse Harley Davidson. Qualifying will take place throughout the summer at area businesses. Giveaway date is August 29th on the Back Door Lounge's Veranda at Starved Rock Lodge. For more information, call 815-667-4211 ext. 386 or 322.

Never a cover charge! Always fun! Best Views in the County!
Great music every FRIDAY & SATURDAY night from 8-11:30 pm Grill opens at 5 pm
JULY
July 30th: Rodeo Drive (Country) July 31st: Kenny & Riley (80's, 90's & Alternative)
AUGUST
August 6th: Bagshot Row (British Revolution) August 7th: Steve Sebby (80's, 90's & originals) August 13th: Road Angel (The Valley's Favorite Classic Rock Band) August 14th: Rick Soens Band (Classic Rock) August 20th: Dave Weld & The Imperial Flames (R & B) Bike Nite August 21st: Mark Lorden & Jeff Manferdini (80's/ 90's/Alternative August 23: "Bluegrass at the Rock" on the Veranda August 27th: Steve Sharp & Wake the Sheep (Rock Favs & Originals) August 28th: Steve Sharp (Classic Rock & Originals) August 29th: Harley Davidson Motorcycle Give-Away (no band)
SEPTEMBER
September 4th: The Craigs (80's & 90's) September 11th: Brian Neumann & Mark Pyszka (80's, 90's & more) September 12th: "Paint the Rock Pink" Breast Cancer Fundraiser Steve Sharp from 2:00 to 5:00 pm. Join us and hike for the cure! September 18th: Mr. Meyers (Reggae) September 19th: Steve Sharp (2 to 5pm) Vintage IL Wine Festival

Hummingbird Workshop at the Starved Rock Visitor Center Sunday-August 22, 2010
Join us to learn about the life of one of the littlest birds in Illinois. Volunteers at the Starved Rock Visitor Center have been watching their behavior for years. A new "Hummingbird Garden" was built last year to bring many hummingbirds to one place at one time. At 11 a.m. hummingbird "banding" will take place and "counts" will be updated. August is the best time to view these amazing birds as the sip the sweet nectar from the feeders and fly around at warp speed. Stop by the Visitor Center and see it for yourself.
"Paint the Rock Pink" Hike for the Cure ... A Breast Cancer Benefit Sunday September 12, 2010 Noon to 3:00 p.m. $10 Donation requested.
All monies donated to the American Cancer Society. Check out the video from "Paint the Rock Pink" 2009 CLICK HERE

Vintage Illinois Wine Festival September 18 & 19 MATTHIESSEN STATE PARK
Saturday 11:00-6:00 p.m. Sunday 12:00-5:00 p.m.
Sponsored by the Illinois Grape Growers & Vintner's Association. Featuring 22 Illinois Wineries from around the State. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs and enjoy Illinois wine, great food, music and the atmosphere of beautiful Matthiessen State Park. For information and tickets, please go to www.vintageillinois.com
New! MEGA HIKE at Starved Rock September 25 & 26 8:30a.m.- 3:30p.m. & 9a.m.- 4p.m. Both days
Ever dream of hiking all 18 Canyons at Starved Rock State Park but didn't know where to start? Well this is the hike for you. The adventure begins by boarding a trolley that will take a small group of hikers to Illinois Canyon's parking area. From there hikers will go into all the accessible canyons and lookout points where they will experience some of the most breathtaking views Illinois can offer. All hikers will receive a T- shirt for completing the hike. Cost is $35.00 which includes T- shirt, guide, lunch and transportation to the first canyon. This will be a very rigorous hike and hikers should wear appropriate clothing, proper footwear, and bring plenty of water. There is limited space for this first- time event. So book a reservation as soon as possible by calling 815-220-7386.
Valley Carvers Woodcarving Expo in the Great Hall Sunday-September 26, 2010 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Come view magnificent wood carvings first hand as well as have the opportunity to purchase your favorites and meet with carvers from all over the Midwest! This event open to public. FREE admission. For further information, please call 815-220-7386.
Trolley Fall Colors Tours Mondays & Saturdays during October 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. & 11:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Ticket Price: $27 Adult $22 (Children under 10)
Enjoy Starved Rock during the most beautiful time of the year. Tour includes a relaxing trolley ride, a Hot Lunch Buffet in our rustic dining room, and a guided scenic walk to Council Overhang and Ottawa Canyon.
Fall Fireside Stories with Tricia Kelly Saturday Evenings in October from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Join Trish Kelly around the firepit on our Pool Patio as she shares Irish Tales, animal-related stories and a ghost story or two. It's free and suited for all ages. Popcorn and beverages available. Please bring your own lawn chairs and blankets.
Fall Colors Weekend Saturday & Sunday October 16th & 17th
Free, guided hikes to view the spectacular colors of fall at Starved Rock State Park. Meet at the Visitor Center. Hikes depart at 9:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. both days.
Oktoberfest
Two Saturdays in October this year!
October 9th (BURGOO WEEKEND) AND October 16th (FALL COLORS WEEKEND)
5:00-8:30 p.m
Come to Starved Rock Lodge to celebrate October German-style in the Great Hall!The beauty of fall will be mixed with the flavor of Oktoberfest beers. $17.95 per person for the Authentic German Buffet & a fun autumn evening! The "Doodledorfers" German band will be playing from 5:30-8:30 p.m. $6.00 to sample 10 Oktoberfest beers or $12.00 for a commemorative stein (while supplies last) and 10 free tastings. For reservations or more information please call 815-220-7386.

Leinenkugel Dinner & Pub Crawl
Friday, Nov.12, 2010: Leinenkugel Dinner at Starved Rock 6:30 p.m. $45.00 per person (Reservations Required)
Saturday, Nov. 13: Leinenkugel Pub Crawl in Utica
This fun evening includes a dinner with all dishes made with Leinenkugel beer. You will also be able to taste the Leinenkugel beer variety. There will also be chances to win great prizes, plus one lucky guest will win a grand prize. Must be present to win.
Tickets are $45.00 per person. Order tickets in advance by calling 815-220-7386.

Christmas at the Lodge Chamber Ensemble Friday - December 3, 2010
Registration at 6:30 p.m., Pre show, 7:15dinner at at 7:15 p.m., Show betins at 8:15 and concludes at 9:15 p.m.Listen to the holiday sounds of this talented chamber ensemble as they perform favorite holiday songs from a broad range of historical periods. Enjoy a delicious dinner served in the historic Great Hall of Starved Rock Lodge. After dinner, the Prairie Singers will deliver a musical delight to warm the heart. For more information or to reserve you seat call the activity office at 815-220-7386. Tickets are $38.00 per person.
Legacy Girls "Christmas Cheer" Holiday Show Monday - December 13, 2010 and Tuesday - December 14, 2010
Lunch at Noon Performance at 1:30 p.m.
Get ready for the holidays and get in the Christmas spirit by enjoying Christmas music brought to you by the Legacy Girls. Start with a delicious Homestyle Lunch Buffet in the Great Hall of the Starved Rock Lodge and them relax and enjoy the show. Tickets are $30.00 per person. For tickets, please call 815-220-7386.
Monday, December 13, 2010 "Flutes by the Fire"
6:00-7:00 p.m.
Christmas carols will be presented in the Great Hall by students of Sue Gillio from the OPUS 111 Studio in LaSalle. The Lodge will be decorated for the Holidays and both sides of the fireplace will be glowing. This event is free and open to the public. No tickets or reservations are required, so come early to get a good seat. Join us for dinner before or after the show. Please call 815-220-7321. To see our dinner menu, please click HERE.
Breakfast with Santa Saturday December 18, 2010 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Join the jolliest man, himself, as well as the Mrs. for a breakfast buffet right here at Starved Rock Lodge. Following breakfast, you'll be treated to "Magic by Cory." Also attending will be "Grace,"a gentle, white-tailed deer from the "Furry Friends" Petting Zoo. Children may take turns sitting on Santa's lap to tell him their Christmas wishes and receive a chocolate treat.
New Year's Eve Party & Overnight Package ... In 2011, Starved Rock State Park will turn 100! You're invited to join us as we kick off our year-long celebration with our best New Year's Eve ever.
OVERNIGHT PACKAGE INCLUDES: Overnight accommodations for 2 guests, party favors, Hors d'oeuvres, 2 drink tickets per person (Plus a Cash Bar), photos by the fireplace (additional cost), Buffet dinner, Live entertainment in the Great Hall, Champagne toast at midnight, Pastries and juice at 1:00a.m., New Year's Day Brunch, a chance to win a $1,000 travel voucher, and a pair of Commemorative 100th Anniversary glasses. $395.00 per couple. Reservations Required. Party only Package: $199.00 per couple. Does not include: overnight stay, brunch, or chance to win travel voucher. Reservations Required. Please call: 1-815-220-7386 for reservations.
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