By living in the flatlands of the Midwest, one is often hard-pressed to find interesting places for an outdoor adventure that is within a reasonable drive from home.
Fortunately, one such place is Starved Rock State Park located near Ottawa, Illinois, about a 90 minute drive southwest of Chicago.
As a child, we would frequently travel to this park in the warmer summer months for family picnics and day hikes. Many families do the same. In fact, Starved Rock is the most visited State Park in Illinois.
Like many outdoor spots in the Midwest, attendance at Starved Rock drops off precipitously during the winter months. However, this is one spot where this shouldn't be the case.
The canyons and waterfalls turn into spectacular ice formations that one has to see for themselves to fully appreciate. There are these pictures of the ice falls. But they don't do these wonders of nature the appropriate amount of justice.
Come on down to this wonderful State Park, and not just during the balmy summer months. Of course, warm clothing is necessary. But, if you go, make sure to bring ice cleats or other traction devices that you can attach to your boots. There are spots that are way too slippery to negotiate without them. Other than an occasional fellow hiker, and an ice climber or two, you will usually find the place to yourself.
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