Starved Rock State Park, including the Starved Rock Lodge and other park amenities, will remain open to visitors during an $18 million trail improvement project that will continue through 2026.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the Capital Development Board (CDB) announced the massive infrastructure initiative, which aims to address decades of wear and tear caused by the park’s more than 2 million annual visitors.

“It’s been 30 years since Starved Rock has benefited from a significant trail improvement project like this,” said IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. “The park, the lodge and other amenities will never close during this project. Even if a specific trail is temporarily unavailable, there will be other beautiful trails to explore, as well as the Starved Rock Lodge and additional nearby state parks for visitors to enjoy.”

The work focuses on replacing timber bridges, stairways, boardwalks, and retaining walls that have suffered from erosion and heavy foot traffic. Trails will remain open throughout construction.

Construction will be staggered throughout 2026 to minimize trail closures. Visitors may see heavy machinery, including the use of barges and helicopters, to transport materials to remote areas of the park’s rugged terrain.

Specific areas slated for major renovations include:

• Tonti and LaSalle Canyons: Replacement of 10 trail bridges and installation of new timber stairways and boardwalks.
• French Canyon and Jacob’s Ladder: Replacement of three bridges and critical stairway repairs to one of the park’s most iconic climbs.
• Pontiac Canyon: Complete replacement of the trail bridge and timber fencing.
• River Trail: Installation of new boardwalks and replacement of multiple bridges.
• Lodge to St. Louis Canyon: Replacement of decking on the connecting bridge.

In addition to trail work, the broader $37 million investment includes critical behind-the-scenes improvements, such as a new sanitary wastewater system and upgrades to the park’s water filtration infrastructure.

Visitors planning trips in 2026 are urged to check the IDNR website and the Starved Rock State Park Facebook page for real-time updates on trail closures and detours.