A Summer Day With Dogs at Starved Rock State Park
- Moose's Golden Tails
- Jul 7
- 4 min read
Starved Rock State Park is located in LaSalle County, Illinois and draws millions of visitors each year. And for a good reason. The scenic trails, seasonal waterfalls, and the deep sandstone canyons are a hidden gem located just 90 minutes from the big city of Chicago. Many visitors will choose to bring their dog along since all trails in the park allow dogs, plus the surrounding gateway towns have plenty of dog-friendly dining options and activities. It's the perfect day trip that your dog will love! As a local and someone who takes their dog to Starved Rock very frequently, I'm here to give you all the information you need to plan and prepare for your next Starved Rock adventure!
Preparing for Your Trip
Check the weather forecast before heading out and dress appropriately. I visit this park very often, and it's crazy to see how many people aren't hiking with the proper shoes (and man are they hurting). Expect stairs and uneven terrain.
Pack essential supplies for both you and your dog.
- Water and collapsible bowls for hydration. Pack extra water in the summer!
- Treats and snacks to keep your energy up.
- A first aid kit for minor emergencies.
Wear a hat and sunscreen.
Have a plan and bring a map.
Make sure your dog is on a leash less than 10 feet; park rules require it.
Photo op
Best Trails to Explore
St. Louis Canyon: A scenic route featuring 80 ft sandstone walls and a seasonal waterfall.
How to get there: Option 1 - park at the IL-178 lot across from Grand Bear Resort and hike in from there (about 2 miles round trip). Option 2 - start from the Starved Rock Lodge or Visitor's Center for a longer, but more scenic hike (about 3 miles round trip).
Difficulty: moderate - expects stairs, boardwalks, and uneven ground.
Lover's Leap & Eagle Cliff: Offers stunning views of the Illinois River and the Starved Rock Lock and Dam, perfect for picture-taking.
How to get there: Start from the Visitor's Center heading out on the River Trail. First stop will be Lover's Leap, and Eagle Cliff Overlook is just a short distance further. To Eagle Cliff and back is about a 1.6 miles round trip.
Difficulty: Easy/moderate - expect stairs and uneven ground
Ottawa Canyon: A quieter trail for a more peaceful hike. The trailhead is located at the east end of the park and leads to a smaller, yet still beautiful, seasonal waterfall.
How to get there: Option 1 - park at the lot off Route 71, follow the signage. The east end of the park tends to be less busy. It will be about a 1 mile round trip hike. Option 2- It is possible to hike to Ottawa Canyon from the Visitor's Center. It will be about 4 miles one way. This option is a lot more challenging.
Difficulty: Easy and relatively flat trail. Be prepared to navigate exposed tree roots and cross streams. Trail can get muddy after lots of rainfall.
Lover's Leap 
Ottawa Canyon
Dining Options
Bruce & Ollie's: A family owned shop serving up deli sandwiches, ice cream, coffee, wine, craft beers, craft sodas, salads, and dog treats made from scratch. There is a walk up window available for take out - perfect if you have your dog with you! There is also outdoor covered seating available on the Mill Street Patio.
Burger and Sushi House: A local favorite restaurant! B.A.S.H offers an innovative menu featuring burgers, sushi rolls, and macaroni & cheese. Dogs are allowed on their covered outdoor patio.
Starved Rock Veranda: Enjoy a meal without leaving the park. The Veranda offers lunch and dinner on their spacious patio, and they even have a dog menu!
Lodi Tap House: Known for their delicious burgers and irresistible cheese curds. Enjoy food and craft beer out on the dog-friendly patio which is a part of Mill Street Patio.
Valentino's Pasta and Wine: A brand new restaurant in the heart of downtown Ottawa! They specialize in pasta dishes and wine, come on by and enjoy the complete Italian dining experience. They allow dogs at their outdoor tables just out front on the sidewalk.
Dog-Friendly Activities
Have a picnic at one of the designated picnic areas around the park.
- Bring a blanket and dog-friendly snacks.
Rent a boat from Starved Rock River Adventures located at the Starved Rock Marina, or rent a boat from the Heritage Harbor Marina. Both allow dogs on their boats.
Rent a kayak from Kayak Starved Rock to get out on the water with your dog.
Visit one of the nearby dog parks. Check out the area parks on our Dog-Friendly Guide to Starved Rock.
Drink your favorite August Hill & ISC wines at August Hill Winery - Wine on the Hill. Bring your leashed dog along and enjoy the fresh outdoor air, live music, and the spacious hillside. Open Saturday & Sundays until October 26 in 2025.
Etiquette and Safety
Remember to clean up after your dog.
Always keep your dog on a leash! This helps maintain a safe environment for all visitors and wildlife. Keep places dog-friendly and leash your dog!
Stay on marked trails. I cannot stress this enough.
Know where you can go with your dog. Dogs are allowed on all trails and at The Veranda.
Tips for a Perfect Summer Day
Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure parking. Summer weekends get BUSY.
Time your hike to coincide with cooler parts of the day.
Take breaks often to let your dog rest and hydrate.
Pack a camera to capture the day’s memories.
French Canyon
Conclusion
There's so much to do with your dog in and around the park. View our Dog-Friendly Guide to Starved Rock for the full list of trails, patios, activities, lodging, and more. Follow our Instagram and Facebook to keep up on our adventures at Starved Rock plus more dog-friendly hiking in Illinois. If you visit the park, don't forget to tag us! We love to see dog adventures!
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