"Most of the area around Chicago is prairie that was graded flat by glaciers during past ice ages, which is why Starved Rock is such a striking landscape in the middle of it all. A sandstone butte juts up and has nice views down toward the nearby Illinois River. The most beautiful features are the 18 canyons carved by streams and melted glaciers that have some stunning waterfalls. You can bring picnic items to enjoy in the park, but you can also work your way over to the Starved Rock Lodge, which has both casual and more upscale dining options, as well as a cafe to pick up snacks. The park is totally free to visit, and camping is available for a small fee. It’s located around 100 miles southwest of the city, so you’ll need a car to get there." - MATADOR_NETWORK