How's it work?
Someone hides a waterproof box in a beautiful, interesting, or remote location containing a logbook and a stamp. The hider then writes clues or directions to the box or draws a map, which can be straightforward, cryptic, and any degree of difficulty. The hunter uses the clues to find the box. He stamps the logbook with his own personal stamp, and uses the stamp in the box to stamp his own personal logbook. In this way the box's logbook keeps track of all its visitors and the hunters keep a list of all the boxes he has found in his logbook.

Where do you get clues?
You can visit www.letterboxing.org for clues, or stop by our Front Desk to pick up a set of clues for the letterboxes hidden in the Park.

What are the clues like?
Although each box's clues vary, here's an easy one to get you started.

Starved Rock Lodge Letterbox #4
"Over the Creek"

Starved Rock State Park has many activities and places to visit within the park for guests who visit here. From the magnificent Lodge and Visitor Center to the Campground and Riding Stables Starved Rock State Park is a place for all to enjoy. This letterbox is located in the picnic grounds located in the lower park area.

From the creekside of a large Cottonwood, there is a 3 step foot structure that spans a tributary (drainage ditch) to the Illinois River. Walk 41 planks, off to the left and under #3 is Letterbox #4. If you have reached an old road you have gone too far.

Hunting Notice!
Firearm dates for deer hunting season are as follows: November 21-23, 2008; December 4-7, 2008; December 12-14, 2008; January 16-18, 2009. During these dates, the following closures will be in affect: All of Matthiessen State Park will be closed. Starved Rock State Park trails from Wildcat Canyon to the east end of the park will be closed. Starved Rock Nature Preserve will also be completely closed. Hiking trails in Starved Rock from St. Louis Canyon to Wildcat Canyon will be open for hiking. Starved Rock campground will be closed. Starved Rock Lodge and Visitor Center will remain open.

< Back to the Activities Page