Get ready for a fun-filled summer! Starved Rock Lodge has just announced several new events (along with traditional favorites) for the season ahead. Live music on the Veranda kicks off on Friday, May 26th from 8-11pm. Jeff Manfredini will be playing a variety of Rock, Pop, Folk and Country hits from the 60’s to present day. Outdoor dining with the best view in LaSalle County pairs perfectly with a seasonal cocktail at twilight. Steve Sharp performs classic Rock hits on May 27th. Click here to see the complete schedule. The Lodge is having a special event on the Veranda to kick off the 4th of July Weekend. Brews with a View & Food, too will take place on Friday, June 29th. This event includes hot and cold appetizers, brick oven pizza, beer and wine tastings from Destihl Brewery, Lagunitas Brewing Company and Starved Rock Wines. The air will be filled with live music by Kevin Kramer from 6 to 8pm. Guests must be 21 years of age to attend. Preferred seating is included. Reservations are required. $50 per person.
Waterfall & Canyon Tours continue throughout May, departing at 11am on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. A 9am tour is offered on Saturdays. Tickets are $38 per person.
Historic Trolley Tours are the best way to see the beauty of Starved Rock Country and learn about the rich history of this unique part of Illinois. You’ll travel to the IL Waterway Visitor Center to see the Lock & Dam. Guest will also tour the Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center. Tours run Monday, Wednesday & Saturday from 3-4:30pm. There are two tours on Sundays (Noon-1:30pm and 1:30-3pm). Tickets are $18/adults; $15/seniors; $13/Children under 10. Children under age 3 ride for free.
The Main Dining Room is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Reservations are suggested, especially on weekends and at peak dining times. Smoked Prime Rib (made in-house) is on the menu every Saturday night from 5-9pm, along with menu featuring salads, steaks and many other delicious choices. The Lodge recently added a specialty coffee menu which is available daily. Sunday brunch is a crowd-pleaser because of the wide selection of deliciousness. Please call (815) 220-7321 for reservations. Mother’s Day is May 14th. Reservations and pre-payment are required for this holiday buffet. Please call (815) 220-7386 for reservations. We do have a seating at 6pm with openings available.
The Great Hall is the setting for the Lodge’s Tribute to the Stars Shows. Book now for upcoming shows which all include a hot lunch buffet. Call (815) 220-7386 or book online end enjoy a walk down memory lane!
June 12 & 13: The Sounds of Simon & Garfunkel Matinee ($70 per person)
June 26 & 27: Motown Review Matinee with Gregory James ($50 per person)
July 9: Statler Brothers Tribute Evening Show ($70 per person)
July 24 & 25: Barbra Streisand Tribute Matinee ($50 per person)
August 7 & 8: Olivia Newton-John Tribute ($50 per person)
August 14 & 15: Shake, Rattle & Roll! Quentin Flagg ($50 per person)
Starved Rock State Park becomes more beautiful each day as spring unfolds with wildflower and waterfalls. Leaves pop into view and the forest turns green for hikers to enjoy. “Take a Hike & a Lunch” guided hikes are offered each Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 2pm. Hikers will discover Starved Rock’s canyons, bluffs and seasonal waterfalls on this 3-mile (round trip) guided hike. Listen as the guide tells stories of how Starved Rock got its name along with other legends of the area. Hikers will break for lunch at the halfway point. Lunch includes your choice of turkey, ham or veggie wrap, snacks and bottled water. Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Hike will vary upon group skill and trail conditions. A boxed lunch and souvenir drawstring backpack are included. Tickets are $25 per person. Reservations are necessary. Call (815) 220-7386 for tickets.
The Land & Water Cruise runs June-September on Monday, Wednesday & Friday
11am-3pm. This tour begins with lunch in our restaurant followed by a narrated trolley tour. Learn about Starved Rock’s history and legends of the area. The trolley takes passengers to the Eagle 1 to see the east end of Starved Rock State Park by water. Restrooms are available throughout the tour and minimal walking is involved. Both the trolley and boat are wheelchair accessible. Please inform us when booking if special accommodations are needed. $58 adults, $53 Children (10 and under).
The best combination of a river cruise and hike are on our “Visit a Canyon & a Boat Ride” experience which runs June-September on Saturday & Sunday from 11am-1:30pm. Guests board our trolley with a guide and head to the entrance of one of Starved Rock’s most scenic canyons. The walk is less than a mile and takes about 45 minutes. Following the hike, relax with a boat ride on the picturesque Illinois River. A snack, bottle of water and souvenir drawstring backpack are included. Canyon chosen may vary, depending on weather, river and trail conditions. Ticket are $53 Adults, $48 Children (10 and under).
For a fun, one-hour tour, we suggest the “Waterfowl Cruise” which runs June-October on
Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm. Guests board our trolley outside of the Great Hall of the Lodge. The Trolley takes you to Lone Point Shelter to enjoy an hour-long boat ride on The Eagle I where you will get to spy the Waterfowl of the Illinois River. The trolley will return you to the Lodge. Tickets are $35 per person.
New this season is the “Sunset Cruise” aboard the Sainte Genevieve sternwheeler which runs on select Thursdays from June-September. The cruise departs at 5pm. Enjoy a cruise down the beautiful Illinois River aboard the Sainte Genevieve Riverboat. You will board the trolley at the Lodge and head over to beautiful Ottawa, IL for your cruise. After the cruise, the trolley will bring you back to the Lodge. Tickets are $50 for adults, $40 for children Reservations required.
If you’d like to do something special with your child, grandchild, niece or nephew before they go back to school, be sure to treat them to our Summer Sendoff on Sunday, August 13, from 11 am – 1 pm. This fun-filled event will include games, crafts, face painting and a balloon artist! A sack lunch of either a PB&J or a ham & cheese sandwich is included! Ticket are $30 per person. Reservations are required.
If you’re a forward planner, save the date for our 2023 Oktoberfest celebrations. An Oktoberfest Dinner is set for Sunday, October 15th. Oktoberfest Matinees will take place on October 16 & 17. This celebration of German food, beer, wine and music takes place in the Great Hall and Starved Rock Room. Guest will enjoy German wine and beer along with a delicious buffet of German foods. Relax and listen to authentic German music by the Duseldorfers German Band as the fall colors of Autumn reach their peak.
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