Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Starved Rock in Illinois

A popular day trip destination for Chicagoans is Starved Rock State Park near Utica, Illinois. It's just south of Interstate 80, roughly halfway between the Indiana and Iowa border.

The name: According to legend, a band of Illiniwek Indians were trapped on Starved Rock by Potawatomi angry with them for killing Pontiac, an Ottawa chief.

It didn't end well for the Illini--which is why it's not called Glorious Escape Rock.

The rock is a sandstone butte, within the park there are 18 canyons, several hiking trails, a waterfall, and at least one stream that Little Marathon Pundit fell into.

She's okay.

Abutting the rock is the Illinois River.

I had to work Sunday, so LMP and Mrs. Marathon Pundit (who took the picture) made the 85 mile trip to the park without me. But I've been there twice.

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1 comment:

THIRDWAVEDAVE said...

Visited this park as a youngster back in the 60s. Brings back memories. Thx.