Catchup - Places We Have Been #2: Illinois State Parks - November

Starved Rock State Park, Matthiessen State Park, and Apple River Canyon

Starved Rock State Park is 12 miles of shoreline on the Ohio river with 18 or so canyons eroded into 200 to 300 hundred foot sandstone bluffs. There are trails into the canyons, along the top of the bluffs, and along the shoreline, with endless stairs connecting them all. Great views of the Ohio River from viewpoints on top and along the shore.

We were there for almost a week in November during which time we also visited nearby Matthiessen State Park, a 1-mile canyon similar to the Starved Rock State Park canyons.

We also camped a night at Apple River Canyon. A small park along the Apple River, a tributary of the Mississippi River. More limestone bluffs and a trail along the river.