Situated on a high bluff just southwest of the rock itself is the stone and log lodge built in part by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The lodge has been refurbished, but still reflects the peaceful atmosphere of yesteryear. A new hotel wing has been added and features a registration lobby, an indoor swimming pool, children's pool, whirlpool, saunas and an outdoor sunning patio.
The lodge offers 72 luxury hotel rooms and 22 comfortable cabin rooms. The original Great Room is furnished with decorative rugs and art and is centered around a massive stone fireplace. The restaurant is open seven days a week and offers many house specialties. Rt. 178 and 71, Utica, IL 61373. Phone: 1-800-868-7625
Starved Rock Lodge.
Geneseo is located in Henry County just east of Davenport between Moline and Princeton along Interstate 80 on the banks of the Green River near the Hennepin Canal and the Rock River. This quaint Victorian Community offers gift, specialty, and antique shops, charming restaurants, and many beautiful Victorian Mansions. Events include a Music Festival and Arts in the Park, Hikemabika Festival, Halloween Festival, and a Victorian Christmas Walk.
The Morrison-Rockwood State Park is comprised of 1,164 acres, located north of Morrison in Whiteside County. It was established in 1971 and officially opened for "day use only" that same year. The park is named for the city of Morrison and a combination of nearby Rock Creek and the heavily wooded park area -- Rockwood. Lake Carlton, a focal point of the park, is a watershed impoundment, which was constructed in 1969 by building a 38-foot high, 1,800-foot long earthen dam across a stream. The lake was named in memory of L. Carlton Anderson, a local citizen who actively promoted the park and was an important civic and conservation leader. Improvements have continued to be made in the conservation area, making it one of the most popular recreation spots in northern Illinois.
Another amenity you will find at the park is a concession facility that offers a vast array of fishing tackle, boat rentals, bait sales, and a dining area that offers breakfast, lunch and dinner or just an ice cream cone. The bait/boat rental part of the business will open April 1st while the restaurant will open officially Mother's Day weekend or before if possible. Both will be open from 6am-6pm daily through October.
There are 13 one-room cabins and 3 cabins with 4 rooms, for a total of 25 guest rooms. Each cabin sleeps four people and is complete with shower, gas log fireplace, one queen bed and one trundle bed. All cabins are air-conditioned and heated, and have telephones and televisions. The historic lounge area, which is part of the main lodge, is filled with crafts and artwork, including a gift shop that offers everything from souvenirs to exquisite dolls and homemade candy. Numerous homemade delicacies are offered at the White Pines Inn Restaurant. www.whitepinesinn.com
Chiseled out of the state's far northern region is Rock Cut State Park in Winnebego County. Nearby are other "rocky" landmarks - the mighty Rock River and the place where wagons once forded it, Rockford. It's an area of rolling plains, interesting history and recreational variety.
The 2,793-acre state park and adjoining 3,230-acre conservation area are located in the northeastern corner of Illinois in both McHenry and Lake counties. The park is 60 miles northwest of Chicago, 20 miles west of Lake Michigan and only 4 miles south of the Illinois/Wisconsin border. With nearly 6,500 acres of water and 488 miles of shoreline on the chain, Chain O Lakes State Park is the heart of water wonderland. A biking/hiking trail, 6 miles in length can be accessed at any picnic area between the concession stand and the park office (847) 587-7165.
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