Four miles of the Illinois River is lined with soaring cliffs cut by numerous vertical walled side canyons.  This unexpected beauty is protected in Starved Rock State Park.  Trails follow the river bank at water level and along the top of bluffs.  It is a lovely walk among trees tinged with early fall color and with views of the river and locks below.  We cross dry channels that speak of the more dramatic views in Spring when the side canyons funnel run-off across swirling waterfalls.

The park lodge is classic CCC.  A colossal two sided natural stone fireplace occupies the center of a great room with open log structure and a soaring vaulted ceiling.  I need a mini version in our cabin!

It is quiet here this time of year but huge overflow lots, traffic warning signs, and lots of visitor behavior rules tell the story of a much different place when the summer crowds from Chicago flood this place. I’ll take the quiet days, thank you

The Illinois-Michigan canal opened navigation from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi and on to the Gulf of Mexico.  It was key in the development of Chicago as a trade center and in the rise and fall of towns along its banks.  In Ottawa we visited a canal Tollhouse and got a wonderful history lesson from a devoted volunteer we encountered on the grounds.  This small town is hoping to leverage history and historic landmarks to get their town back on the map through tourism.  They have huge projects in the work that are backed by citizens, local government and businesses.  It is great to see such cooperation.  Here’s hoping it all works out.