By WMBD TV
OGLESBY, Ill. (WMBD) — The $18 million trail improvement project at Starved Rock State Park and Lodge will reopen several closed trails and expand hiking and recreation at what is considered Illinois’ most visited park.
The work is slated to start this winter, but the park, which attracts more than 2 million visitors a year, will remain open.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources release on the project said the LaSalle County park features many timber trail bridges, stairways, boardwalks and retaining walls, that have deteriorated over time and require repairs or replacement.
The work will make the trails safer and more accessible and also allow IDNR to do more erosion control and protect more natural habitats from foot traffic, according to the agency.
“It’s been 30 years since Starved Rock has benefited from a significant trail improvement project like this,” said IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie.
“The park, the lodge and other amenities will never close during this project. Even if a specific trail is temporarily unavailable, there will be other beautiful trails to explore, as well as the Starved Rock Lodge and additional nearby state parks for visitors to enjoy,” she said.
Trail & Canyon Projects
- Tonti Canyon and LaSalle Canyon trail system
- Renovate or replace 10 separate trail bridges
- Install three new timber stairways
- Install new timber boardwalks with a fence
- Lower French Canyon River Trail Bridge and Jacob’s Ladder
- Replace three existing trail bridges
- Replace several timber stairways
- Install new timber stairways and fence
- Expand the boardwalk from the bridge to the existing stairway on Jacob’s Ladder
- Pontiac Canyon
- Replace the trail bridge
- Replace the timber stairway and fence
- River Trail
- Replace several existing trail bridges
- Install new timber boardwalks with a fence
- Campunula Trail
- Install a concrete path
- Replace the existing trail bridge
- Lodge Bridge to St. Louis Canyon
- Replace existing decking
The Illinois Capital Development Board is handling the IDNR trail improvement project, which is part of an overall $37.2 million in work at Starved Rock.
In addition to the trail and canyon improvements, ICDB is overseeing the construction of a sanitary wastewater system, upgrading the water filtration system and replacing the vault toilet.
Know before you go
IDNR is encouraging people going to visit the park to plan ahead during the construction.
- Those planning a trip to Starved Rock should visit the park’s website and Facebook page to confirm trail availability.
- Some hiking activities could be temporarily disrupted from time to time.
- Updates are expected to be posted weekly.
- Trails within the park west of the lodge and east of Parkman’s Plain will not be affected by the project.
- Some hiking activities could be temporarily disrupted from time to time.
- Construction involving transporting materials to remote areas of the park via barge and helicopter will happen in 2026.
- Starved Rock Lodge, its hotel, restaurant, gift shop and event spaces will remain open throughout the duration of the work.
State Representative Amy Briel of Ottawa and State Senator Sue Rezin of Morris both represent the LaSalle County park. They both said funding for the project is something they worked to secure, and it means a lot to the future of the area.
The construction projects are expected to be completed in 2026.
WMBD TV can be reached at News@WJBC.com.
