Starved Rock Lodge & Conference Center, Utica ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2025

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About the Hotel

2668 East 873 Road, Utica, Illinois, United States, 61348

Starved Rock Lodge & Conference Center, located in Oglesby, IL, is nestled within the scenic Starved Rock State Park. This historic lodge features rustic log and stone architecture and has been a cherished location since it opened in 1939. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and includes numerous outdoor activities and dining options. With proximity to Chicago, it serves as a convenient getaway for nature enthusiasts and history buffs.

Location

Starved Rock Lodge is conveniently situated less than two hours from Chicago, making it an accessible destination for travelers. The State Park is rich with hiking trails and natural attractions, including canyons and seasonal waterfalls. Transportation options include trolley tours that explore local points of interest, and overnight guests enjoy free parking on-site. Hiking trails are open daily, and the Lodge serves as a primary access point for exploring the park's numerous features.

Rooms

The Lodge offers a variety of accommodations including historic lodge rooms, modern hotel rooms, and charming log cabins. Lodge rooms feature rustic decor with modern amenities like mini-fridges and microwaves. Spacious family cabins provide a quiet retreat amidst towering trees and nature trails, allowing for a unique indoor and outdoor experience. All accommodations maintain a historic ambiance while offering comfort and convenience for guests.

Eat & Drink

Starved Rock Lodge boasts award-winning restaurants, offering a menu rich in home-style cuisine and seasonal dishes. Guests can enjoy dining in the Great Hall, which features a prominent two-sided fireplace, or opt for casual dining at the Back Door Lounge. Seasonal outdoor dining is also available, enhancing the experience with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. The Lodge also features a café and snack options at Trailheads, where homemade treats such as fudge and artisan ice cream are available.

Leisure & Business

The Lodge provides numerous leisure facilities including an indoor pool, hot tub, and organized guided hikes that explore the natural beauty of Starved Rock State Park. For those looking to host events, the conference center is equipped for meetings, weddings, and group activities, supported by an experienced staff. Entertainment options such as live music and themed nights enhance the atmosphere throughout the year.

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Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

King Room Lodge Wing

Max:

3 persons

23 m²

Bed options:

1 King-size bed

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

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King Room Hotel Wing

Max:

3 persons

23 m²

Bed options:

1 King-size bed

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

Check Prices

Queen Room Two Queen Beds Hotel Wing

Max:

4 persons

Bed options:

2 King Size Beds

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

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Getting around

A list of all available modes of transport

City Centre

Utica 3.4 km

Airports

Central Illinois Regional (BMI) 110.1 km

Chicago Rockford International (RFD) 121.7 km

Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Relaxing Retreat

“The spa area was beautifully designed, with a tranquil atmosphere that made for a perfect escape.” view full review

Perfect Cleanliness

“The bathroom was spotless, with high-quality toiletries that added a touch of luxury to our stay.” view full review

Comfortable Amenities

“The room had excellent climate control, allowing us to adjust the temperature to our liking effortlessly.” view full review

Delicious Breakfast

“The breakfast buffet was excellent, featuring a variety of fresh and tasty options that fueled our day.” view full review

General

Non-smoking property
Free Wi-Fi
Parking
24-hour reception
Gift/Newsstand
Coffee shop

Sports & Fitness

Fitness studio

Services

Wedding services

Dining

Restaurant
Snack bar
Bar/ Lounge area

Business

Business centre

Children

Children's pool

Spa & Leisure

Indoor swimming pool

Room features

Dressing area
Ironing facilities

Media

AM/FM alarm clock

Location

2668 East 873 Road, Utica, Illinois, United States, 61348

Map view

2668 East 873 Road, Utica, Illinois, United States, 61348

City landmarks

Park

Starved Rock State Park

1.1 km

Aurora Canyon

720 m

Starved Rock

810 m

Oglesby

Pontiac Canyon

890 m

Public Building

Starved Rock Lock and Dam

1.3 km

Oglesby

Lover's Leap Overlook

1.2 km

Wildcat Canyon

1.7 km

Oglesby

Eagle Cliff Overlook

1.3 km

Saint Louis Canyon

1.8 km

Oglesby

Beehive Overlook

1.5 km

Park

Matthiessen State Park

3.4 km

2643 N State Route 178 Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Resort

Grand Bear Water Park

2.5 km

IL-71

LaSalle Canyon

2.0 km

Dee Bennett Road

Grand Village of the Illinois

2.0 km

201 Donaldson St North Utica

SRE Playland

2.4 km

Owl Canyon

2.5 km

IL-71

Tonty Canyon

2.7 km

229 Clark St

The Rock and Soul

2.8 km

101 E Canal St

La Salle County Historical Museum

2.9 km

IL-71

Hennepin Canyon

3.4 km

Matthiessen State Park Fort

3.4 km

Kaskaskia Canyon

4.4 km

Ottawa Canyon

4.3 km

Nature reserve

Pecumsaugan Creek

4.8 km

Illinois Canyon

4.8 km

Nearby

French Canyon

430 m

Restaurants

The Back Door Lounge

190 m

2688 E 875th Rd

Starved Rock Lodge & Conference Center

290 m

2668 East 875th Road

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience.

60%

liked the hotel and would stay again

6.0/10

Guest rating

Rooms

7.4

Location

9.2

Service

8.2

Dining

8.0

Moses

United States, March 2025

6.6/10

I had a mix of experiences at Starved Rock Lodge. The location is beautiful with stunning views and great hiking trails. However, I was disappointed with the loud music during one night of my stay, which disrupted my sleep. On a positive note, the food was delicious and the staff were friendly and helpful.

Rooms

7.0

My king bed room was comfortable, and I enjoyed the rustic charm. However, the noise from the wedding reception next door made for a rough last night.

Service

7.0

The staff were friendly and did their best, especially the young man at the lounge and Bobette in the Cafe, but I felt there could have been a better response to my concerns about the loud music.

Location

9.0

The lodge's natural beauty is stunning, with immediate access to hiking trails and scenic views, which made my daily adventures enjoyable.

Dining

8.0

The food was really good, especially the sandwiches from the Cafe. I appreciated the generous portions and the relaxed dining atmosphere.

Facilities

7.0

The indoor pool was nice and warm, perfect for kids, but the restaurant was understaffed during my visit, which affected service speed.

Joseph

United States, March 2025

7.4/10

My recent stay at Starved Rock Lodge offered a beautiful escape into nature, surrounded by stunning landscapes and countless hiking trails. While I appreciated the lodge's rustic charm and comfortable accommodations, I did notice some cleanliness issues in my cabin. The food was decent, but I expected a bit more variety. Overall, it was a relaxing getaway despite a few minor hiccups. 🌲✨

Rooms

7.0

The cabin I stayed in was charming and had comfortable beds, but I found some cleanliness issues like dust and hair that were concerning.

Service

9.0

The staff were friendly and helpful, making my experience more enjoyable.

Location

10.0

The lodge's proximity to Starved Rock State Park is a huge plus, providing easy access to amazing hiking trails.

Dining

7.0

The food was good with generous portions, though I wished for more variety in the menu options.

Facilities

8.0

The large indoor pool and spa were nice amenities that added to my stay, enhancing the overall relaxation experience.

Chris

United States, February 2025

5.4/10

Starved Rock Lodge offers a charming getaway close to nature, with comfortable accommodations and beautiful surroundings. However, I encountered significant inconveniences regarding handicapped parking and an inefficient air conditioning system in my room.

Rooms

6.0

I found my room cozy, reflecting the historic architecture of the lodge, although the air conditioner was problematic at times.

Service

6.0

The staff was friendly, but their concern for my air conditioning issues felt a bit lacking. It would have been nice if they had shown more urgency.

Location

8.0

The lodge's location is superb for accessing trails in Starved Rock State Park, allowing for stunning natural views right at my doorstep.

Dining

8.0

I enjoyed a delicious lunch with reasonable prices at the restaurant. The meal options were hearty and satisfying.

Facilities

6.0

The lodge features a lovely atmosphere with historical charm and ample space for relaxation, but I felt the parking situation needs improvement for handicapped guests.

Adam

United States, November 2024

6.2/10

I had a wonderful experience during my stay at Starved Rock Lodge. The natural beauty surrounding the lodge was amazing and provided easy access to various hiking trails. However, I did find the parking situation for handicapped guests to be quite inconvenient. Overall, it was a cozy and enjoyable getaway.

Rooms

9.0

The lodging was clean and comfortable, perfectly fitting my small family. I appreciated the rustic charm of the king room, even if it wasn't the largest I've experienced.

Service

10.0

The staff was attentive and helpful throughout my stay, especially the housekeeper who graciously provided fresh linens when my son got sick. Their friendliness added to the welcoming atmosphere.

Location

10.0

The lodge is conveniently located right next to Starved Rock State Park, which made it easy for me to explore the stunning natural landscapes. I absolutely loved the access to hiking trails.

Dining

9.0

The food at the main dining hall and back door lounge was delicious, with generous portions and a variety of options. I especially enjoyed the relaxed dining atmosphere with the cozy fireplace.

Facilities

9.0

I enjoyed the large heated indoor pool and the inviting multi-purpose room with a wood-burning fireplace. It added a nice touch to my leisure time at the lodge.

James

United States, October 2024

5.2/10

My recent stay at Starved Rock Lodge was largely enjoyable with its beautiful natural surroundings and comfortable accommodations. However, the hiking may not be suitable for those with mobility issues, and I experienced some inconvenience with parking that detracted from my overall experience. Despite these drawbacks, the friendly staff and good dining options made my visit nice.

Rooms

8.0

The lodge room was small but clean and comfortable, featuring rustic charm. However, I struggled to get the room warmer at night.

Service

9.0

The staff was friendly and attentive, which positively enhanced my experience at the lodge.

Location

9.0

The lodge is conveniently located near Starved Rock State Park, offering easy access to amazing hiking trails and scenic views.

Dining

8.0

I enjoyed the meals at the lodge's restaurant, particularly the Sunday brunch, which was delicious and well-prepared. The chef was accommodating regarding dietary needs.

Facilities

7.0

The indoor pool and spa area were well-maintained, adding to the leisure options, but I felt more activities could enhance my stay.