Looking for A Day Trip?

Try Starved Rock State Park. I did, just the other weekend when it was about 70 degrees and my boys were finally done with their fall baseball leagues. I thought, "What's a good outing with the kids on a beautiful, autumn day?" One of the prerequisites.... it had to be cheap. So I packed a bunch of sandwiches, the hubby and the three kids (one a grumbling teenager) in the minivan and drove the 1 1/2 hour ride to what is the biggest tourist attraction in north central Illinois. The park is located near 1-80 and I-39 in Utica, IL and best of all offers free entrance and free parking.

Bring your hiking shoes as the park in nestled within 2,630 acres of lush forest. There are many trails to choose from and if you go in early spring or after heavy rains, there are stunning waterfalls in the 18 canyons.  Although we enjoyed the hiking, there are also boat trips along the Illinois River, horseback riding, camping and fishing as well as cross country skiing in the winter. You can even bring your pooch along, although we opted out because our Collie and Pug bark at EVERYTHING including planes, moving leaves and other dogs.

We spent the better part of the day there and only spent money at an ice cream shop on the way out of town. It was a great way to spend the day with the family and get some fresh air. The cranky teenager wouldn't admit it, but I think he secretly enjoyed it as well.