Starved Rock Visit (by Mary)

Last Friday, October 31, we had an appointment with Jenny Roulston, the sales consultant at Starved Rock. The weather was perfect for such a visit -- see the blue skies -- and it was also Halloween so the park patrons and the town of Utica were in a festive mood! We were pleased with what we found. You can view the photos here and see more details on the Starved Rock website.
Entrance to the main lodge where we will be staying in the east wing. The lodge is rustic and cozy and very accessible to the outdoors.

One of the outdoor terraces --

See the view!

More view --

More scenery --

The Illinois River runs through the park and is a short walk from the lodge.
We stopped in the metropolis of Utica, gateway city to the park.

Duffy's Tavern, a reminder of our recent Ireland travels --

Items Regarding Starved Rock Which May Be of Interest to You:

Accommodations

The rooms have either 2 double beds or 1 queen. Some rooms can be in tandem.
All mattresses were purchased new this fall! The current rates are $120 for Thursday and $130 for Friday and Saturday.

There are 5 campgrounds in the area. (In case anyone wants to rough it) There are also several chain motels.

Activities

Spacious grounds, many places to stroll or relax.

There is a huge swimming pool area (indoors) which includes a large pool, smaller kiddie pool, a hot tub, and sauna. Towels are furnished.

A trolley is on site. It can be rented for special destinations.

Story teller on site! (Currently Bill Myers -- Have you heard of him, Viv?)

Many hiking trails

Conservation activities, fishing, white water rafting

Gift shops, restaurants

Boat Rides (Check Starock.com)

We have the Utica room for gathering. It is ours for Friday and Saturday so we can use it as we wish and display photographs and other memorabilia. (It can be locked when we are not there)

Shops and restaurants in nearby towns

Transportation

It took us 2 1/2 hours to drive to Utica from Deerfield, so it is about 2 hours from O'Hare. Once you get to Starved Rock you might not feel that you need a car. There is a company called One Sweet Dream which offers limousine, SUV, or van service from O'Hare and the price varies according to the size of the group. (www.1SweetDream,com) Utica is on Interstate 80, 80 miles west of Chicago.

Starved Rock State Park has changed a lot since our family camped there many years ago! Peter (maybe also Bruce) vaguely recalls being there on a Schurz band activity many, many years ago. Anyway it is a lovely, peaceful area which should be a great place to gather next summer!

A note from Viv - She sent congratulations and called attention to the fact that Liz and Van chose Ken and Viv's 55th anniversary (September 5) for their 2009 wedding. Viv says they will be honored to share their anniversary. We congratulate Viv and Ken!! (Is it already 5 years since many of us gathered in Colorado to help them celebrate their 50th?)