A popular state park that is central between the Chicago-land area, Quad Cities, Peoria, and Rockford is Starved Rock State Park. The park is located along the Illinois River and provides a variety of options to enjoy nature. The park offers hiking, camping, boating, fishing, kayaking, and lodging. Trails often taken you to an assortment of unique rock outcrops and waterfalls, making for picturesque views. When we visited it was for a couple of hours for a detour between family in the Milwaukee-area and to St. Louis, so we went on a couple of trails and found some beautiful waterfalls that provided a nice moment of serenity.

Visitors who would like to stay for longer can camp or can stay at the Lodge, which was built by the CCC. Starved Rock State Park provides a similar experience as Pere Marquette Lodge, where visitors can dine, shop, enjoy nature, and explore with trolley rides, river cruises, and entertainment, as well as special events throughout the year. Additionally, the local area has a brewery, winery, zip lining, museums, a mansion, horseback riding, several state parks, a water park, nature reserve, additional camping locations, a marina, and rafting nearby for those want a nice getaway.