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Starved Rock State Park, a hidden gem, even on the weekdays

Nestled in the middle of Starved Rock State Park is one of Illinois' hidden gems. Starved Rock Lodge & Conference Center is only about 90 minutes from most Chicago suburbs. Lately, capacity crowds have caused the park to close at peak times. That's why the Lodge launched a "Why Wait for the Weekend?" ad campaign. Whether you visit for leisurely getaway or a corporate meeting, there's no place quite like Starved Rock. A midweek overnight stay can be relaxing and it allows travelers to still have their weekend for the usual chores. Getting out of the office and into the woods not only allows business travelers to reconnect with Mother Nature and enjoy the midweek serenity, the casual atmosphere gives everyone a chance to get serious about their reason for coming and relax in the process.

Guests can choose to board a trolley to tour the town, go wine tasting at August Hill Winery or try locally-brewed craft beer on tap at the Lodge or at Tangled Roots Brewing Company in nearby Ottawa. Guided hikes to see fall colors, seasonal waterfalls, deep canyons with sandstone bluffs and amazing, panoramic views of the Illinois River Valley make for some unforgettable memories. Some groups utilize the Starved Rock Room and Great Hall to have team building events such as a talent show, motivational guest speakers or dinner parties.

There's something worth experiencing at Starved Rock Lodge. The historic hotel, located within Starved Rock State Park (a National Historic Landmark) features 69 rooms in the lodge and 21 cabin rooms on the property. The main portion of the Lodge was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. "Because the Lodge and cabins are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, we strive to maintain the historical integrity created by the CCC whenever updates and changes are made," said Jenny Roulston, Sales Director, "All of the furniture in the hotel and dining areas was replaced a few years ago when we chose a company famous for repurposing old barn wood and century-old hardwoods. Up next, the cabin furniture will be updated to match!" According to CEO Amy Trimble, "Our tagline: Starved Rock Lodge … where the past is always present helps us to keep this one-of-a-kind destination looking like yesteryear but feeling like 2019."

Trolley tours, guided hikes and water cruises on the Eagle I are among the many activities offered to visitors. Additional boat trips, which provide an amazing view of the park while afloat on the Illinois River have been added for fall - which means some great photo opportunities as a palette of autumn hues unfolds. Some tours include stops at the Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center, the IL Waterway Visitor Center and enjoy a quick trip through downtown Utica. First-time visitors can quickly become familiar with the Starved Rock area and hopefully find many reasons to come back again in the winter when eagles soar overhead and waterfalls freeze into beautiful icefalls. The Lodge also has more than 50 musical tribute shows each year taking guests on a walk down memory lane with songs by Patsy Cline, Frank Sinatra and more. Sunset drum circles, Oktoberfest Dinners, MegaHikes, beer pairing dinners and family-friendly activities are also on the calendar.

For reservations or to learn more, visit starvedrocklodge.com or call (800) 868-7625.

• Kathy Casstevens is marketing director at Starved Rock Lodge.

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