Illinois River at Starved Rock State Park
Rte. 178 and Rte. 71, Utica, IL 61373
Canoeing & Kayaking
Where the Illinois River meets Starved Rock State Park in Utica, discover sandstone bluffs, lush canyons, and diverse wildlife. Paddle through stunning landscapes shaped by glaciers and rich in natural beauty.
The Illinois River slices a 273-mile-long path through the state, but it’s in Utica where the Illinois River meets Starved Rock State Park. With 18 canyons and sandstone bluffs for four miles, Starved Rock State Park is one of Illinois treasured natural habitats. On your journey down the river, your eyes will never tire from all the wildlife that calls the river home. From Black-crowed heron, river otters, Western Ribbon Snakes, and even bald eagles. Whether you’re kayaking or canoeing, you’ll experience the sheer power of the winding river that was carved by glacial meltwater in all its seasonal colors, with its various incarnations of forests, wetlands, bluffs, and prairies to enjoy. Illinois 250