Oglesby, IL (State #13)-Starved Rock State Park

Starved Rock State Park is the most visited park in Illinois and it really was very nice. It was divided into several sections and there was so much to see.

The campground was completely separate from the main park and it too was very nice. It had plenty of trees and space. We had a spot right next to the small playground and the showers were close enough.

BUT I cannot move on without complaining about the showers. Believe it or not, these showers were too HOT! They were burning hot, which is saying something because I really like hot showers. Many of the showers that we have used in the north do not have temperature adjustments and are on a timer so, you push the button, the shower comes on for a set time, then shuts off. Well this one came on for literally 3 SECONDS! Seriously what can you do with that? Move your hand away and ....Oh it is time to push the button again! Fortunately, you could hold the button in to keep the water on but have you ever tried to rinse your hair with one hand glued to the wall BEHIND you?? Oh and I must mention that the shower room itself was quite cold. (Yes, I admit that I have serious shower issues)

So now on to the nice parts of the park.... 

We went hiking nearly every evening after Greg was off from work. There were many beautiful trails and the leaves were beginning to change with gorgeous reds, oranges, and yellows. (We are getting so excited about our upcoming stay in Indiana to see the fall colors).

The trails followed streams and went through many canyons.

We took A LOT of pictures here, but I was able to narrow it down to a few gorgeous ones (Click here)

The kids found this tree that had arched over and each took turns shimmying across it.

I found these yummy looking mushrooms... Don't they look like toasted marshmallows?!   

And one of the trailheads had this old fort the kids got to play in a little (you can kind of see them in the windows).

We also visited the I&M (Illinois and Missouri) Lock Visitor's Center. It was a fairly small place but we learned a little more about the locks and the kids enjoyed playing inside the real pilot house they had on display. There were a lot of buttons to push and levers to maneuver so they really liked it.  Interestingly, the pilot house could raise and lower to go under the bridges along the river.

And we got to watch the lock in action when a private boat went through. 

Here is one more pic of the dam and lock from across the river.  

Next, we are headed to Champaign, Illinois.