Business description: Historic attraction & hotel (the only hotel within Starved Rock State Park). Offers  Musical Tribute Shows (includes lunch), guided hikes to scenic canyons and seasonal waterfalls at Starved Rock State Park, Trolley Tours, Mystery Trips, on-site dining, outdoor dining, Illinois River Cruises, lodging (rooms & cabins), shopping, Specialty Tours (brewery, distillery, winery).

Starved Rock Lodge, located in Oglesby, Illinois, is nestled in the middle of scenic Starved Rock State Park. Conveniently located in north central Illinois at the “Crossroads of the Midwest” Starved Rock is just minutes from the intersection of I-80 and I-39. Group Tour Leaders say this is the perfect destination for an overnight or two-night stay. The glacier-cut canyons and amazing bluff views at Starved Rock are an unexpected surprise for visitors who tour the park to see the stunning sandstone canyons and seasonal waterfalls of this National Historic Landmark.

Starved Rock Lodge is the only lodging facility located within the park. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, the lodge is a unique, architectural masterpiece which features the Great Hall and the largest 2-sided limestone fireplace in the Midwest. There are 69 Lodge Rooms and 21 Cabin Rooms. The ambiance of the rustic Main Dining Room is like that of a National Park Lodge. The expansive Veranda runs along the back of the building and overlooks the scenic Illinois River Valley below. Outdoor dining in warm weather offers the best view around.

Group tours are most impressed with the lodge’s Tribute to the Stars series of musical performances which includes more than 50 shows for 2024. The talented vocalists and performers take guests on a walk down memory lane with their renditions of famous hits by Elvis Presley, Patsy Cline and others. A hot, buffet lunch is included in the ticket price.

Trolleys play an important role in the tours offered by Starved Rock Lodge, providing a comfortable way to go on Bald Eagle Trolley Tours (winter), Waterfall & Canyon Tours (spring) and Land & Water cruises (summer) aboard the Eagle I pontoon boat. Tours are also available on the Sainte Genevieve River Boat, where guests can experience going through the lock at Starved Rock. Fall Colors Trolley Tours give visitors an up-close look at the autumn palette created by Mother Nature. Historic Trolley Tours give first-time visitors the perfect way to learn the rich history of the area. The Lodge also offers customized itineraries which can also include tours to area attractions or to the local, award-winning winery, distillery or brewery. Ask about our customized “Trolley Trio Progressive Dinners” for something new and different.

Mystery Tours can be created on a customized basis. They can include a trip to White Pines Lodge (located in Mount Morris, IL). White Pines Lodge, also built by the CCC, features on-site dining, tribute shows and a Gift Shoppe. It’s only an hour’s drive from Starved Rock Lodge.  Starved Rock Lodge’s indoor pool is complemented by a hot tub and two saunas. For more information, go to www.starvedrocklodge.com or call the Lodge’s Activities Department at: (815) 220-7386.