Starved Rock State Park

Shotgun Season and Disabled Outdoor Opportunities Hunt (Deer) November 20-22, and December 3-6 CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC (except for hunters): Starved Rock Campground, Starved Rock Nature Preserve, Hennepin Canyon Parking Lot, Matthiessen State Park, Sandy Ford Nature Preserve, Mitchell's Grove Nature Preserve, and Margery C. Carlson Nature Preserve. Muzzleloader Season (Deer) December 11-13 CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC (except for hunters): Starved Rock Nature Preserve, Hennepin Canyon Parking Lot, Matthiessen State Park, Sandy Ford Nature Preserve, Mitchell's Grove Nature Preserve, and Margery C. Carlson Nature Preserve. December 31-January 3, & January 15-17, 2027 CWD Firearm (Deer) December 31-January 3, & January 15-17, 2027 CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC (except for hunters): Starved Rock Nature Preserve, Matthiessen Nature Preserve, Sandy Ford Nature Preserve, Mitchell's Grove Nature Preserve, and Margery C. Carlson Nature Preserve. Starved Rock Trail Improvement Project Throughout 2026, some Starved Rock State Park trails could be closed or have limited access to accommodate construction for a major trail improvement project at the park. The Starved Rock Lodge, park campground, and visitor center will remain open and maintain normal operating hours. Project updates, including current trail availability and other information, can be found online. Visitors are encouraged to review this information before visiting the park.

Current closures
The Park, Lodge, Campground, and a majority of the trails including access into the canyons are open daily. Trails that are currently under construction are listed here with updated trail suggestions found on the Activity page of the Starved Rock State Park webpage. Please click here for further details on available trails: Starved Rock Trail Improvement Project.