Say goodbye to the winter blues and get out your calendar. Starved Rock Lodge, near Oglesby, Ill., has a glowing fireplace in the Great Hall, and comfy rooms and cabins are just steps away.
Guided Winter Hikes depart from the Lodge every Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. You’ll see the winter wonderland of Starved Rock State Park, complete with frozen ice falls. The hike is about 3 miles round-trip. Reservations are required.
Winter Wildlife Tours run each Saturday and Sunday. These tours, which run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., include a trolley ride to see the bison at nearby Buffalo State Park. You’ll also go to the Illinois Waterway Center observation deck to search for eagles.
Bald Eagle Tours are the highlight of winter here. Eagle tours begin with lunch at 11 a.m. and a trolley ride to the Illinois Waterway Visitors Center for eagle viewing. Advanced reservations are required.
Princesses and Super Heroes of all ages are invited to attend the newest event at Starved Rock Lodge. On March 27, the first-ever “Princess & Super Hero Breakfast” takes place in the Great Hall. Children are invited and encouraged to come in their favorite costume to meet “Beauty,” “The Ice Princess,” “The Ice Queen,” “Bat Hero” and “Spider Guy.” The event begins and 9:30 a.m. with an enchanting breakfast buffet. There will also be face painting as well as photo ops with each of the characters.
Once Easter arrives, get in the Easter Spirit at Breakfast with the Bunny. After breakfast, the Bunny himself joins in for an egg hunt. Advanced reservations are required as space is limited.
There’s plenty of fun to be had at Starved Rock, and there’s plenty more to enjoy with an overnight stay in the lodge.
It’s time to enjoy the best of winter, so start planning your escape now.
Starved Rock Lodge is located at One Lodge Lane in Oglesby, Ill. Make reservations by calling (815) 220-7386. or visiting starvedrocklodge.com.