Sometimes the best way to explore a place isn’t by land but by water. On the water, you can see and have access to many things you can’t while on land. At Starved Rock State Park visitors can take an incredible kayak tour through the canyons and past the tall sandstone bluffs that this park is known for. It’s an unforgettable adventure at one of the best state parks in Illinois.
Starved Rock State Park is known for its rock formations, waterfalls, river, and sweeping vistas from overlooks like Lovers’ Leap. While it’s a spectacular place to explore by land, exploring by kayak can give it a whole new perspective.
Raed Mansour/Flickr
Along the shoreline of the Illinois River lie the towering St. Peter sandstone bluffs and deep water canyons that are best seen from the water.
Janet Everett/Google
The best way to see and explore the canyons and bluffs is by kayak. Kayak Starved Rock offers two kayak tours each Saturday and Sunday. You can choose either the 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. or 12 p.m.-2:30 p.m. time slot, but you must arrive a half an hour earlier to prepare for the tour.
Stefanie Gilmore/Google
The tour is out-and-back so it will end right where it started. A kayak, paddle, and life jacket are all included in the price.
Kayak Starved Rock/Facebook
On the Starved Rock Guided Kayak Tour, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the towering bluffs and deep water canyons of Starved Rock State Park along the Illinois River.
Kayak Starved Rock/Facebook
You’ll get views on the water that you just can’t get by land.
Kayak Starved Rock/Facebook
You’ll be oohing and aahing over all the beauty you see as you paddle along the river. The views are absolutely breathtaking!
Kayak Starved Rock/Facebook
Your guide will lead you to some of the best spots along the water in one of the most memorable experiences you can have in Illinois.
Kayak Starved Rock/Facebook
Wouldn’t you love to go kayaking at Starved Rock State Park? Where is your favorite place to kayak in the state? Let us know in the comments!
Raed Mansour/Flickr
Janet Everett/Google
Stefanie Gilmore/Google
Kayak Starved Rock/Facebook
Book your unforgettable kayak tour with Kayak Starved Rock on the website and follow them on Facebook.
For another kayak tour, head to Knock Knolls Park in Naperville for a paddle on the DuPage River.
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Address: 1180 IL-71, Ottawa, IL 61350, USA
