Starved Rock Lodge

Well, came in for a simple iced tea which turned out to be not as easy as I thought. A gentleman named Matt and what appeared to be the manager named Ben were completely detached from customer service. Ask for a napkin and was totally ignored looked at but ignored from 3 feet away. Had to basically reach over the bar to grab my own and Ice-​T had no ice in it I had to ask for a cup of ice. And absolutely no contact as they engaged some of their friends at the bar. Will not be Revisited too soon. And the iced tea was borderline palatable. Stayed for 15 minutes and watched them completely just visit with each other and have no customer service. Great job hiring at the lodge.

We did not stay at the hotel but we did visit the dining room and we will not be returning. After a long day of hiking with five children we decided to stop in for dinner before heading back home. We were kind of greeted by a host who looked as if she had better things to do, we had a group of 8 and I asked for 2 high chairs for the 1 year old and 2 year old we had with us. After being sat at a table and waiting 10 minutes for high chairs we walked around and found our own. Once the waitress came she took our orders, while waiting for our food we noticed tables around us receiving bread and butter, because we had five hungry children I decided to ask the waitress if we could have bread and butter and if its an additional cost. She stated that because we order kids meals, two sandwiches and only one entre we could not have bread and butter. Instead of even offering to bring some out and charge us she argued with my friend about what food qualified for the bread and butter… I mean come on its bread! We have hungry kids waiting to eat. Needless to say we did not receive any bread although the table next to us had all sandwiches but one and they did receive bread. Not long after the bread incident our food came out. My daughter and the other little girl with our group ordered the mac and cheese. We paid $ 6 for cold and old macaroni and cheese which both girls couldn’t even finish eating before they both had upset stomachs. I ordered the chicken alfrado and it was gross, cold no flavor. I choked down a couple bites because I was so hungry. From what I was told the rest of the groups food was simply okay, they were hungry so they ate it basically. Thankfully I had some watermelon and pasta salad in the cooler to eat on my way home since after spending almost $ 50 for 2 meals and a kids meal I was still starving. I will never go back and frankly Id rather find somewhere new to go for a weekend hiking trip.

This is a gorgeous nature retreat less than a two hour drive from the city (Chicago). Being able to step out of your room and onto the hiking trails in less than 5 minutes alone makes staying at the lodge worthwhile. We lucked out and reserved the last room available for one night (it turned out to be in the «modern» wing, which I would have preferred anyway)– and one night was the perfect length stay for us because I had to get back home to my toddler the next day (my parents kindly offered to babysit)– but I imagine you would have plenty to explore and experience if you were to stay for two nights. What you have to keep in mind is that you are in a small town– expect a casual, laid back, and more traditional, modest atmosphere. The food is good and the service is even better. Bring comfortable, waterproof walking shoes and wear layers for hiking. My guess is that an infant would do fine on this trip (provided s/​he fits into a carrier on your back), and also an older kid that walks confidently and does not tire easily, but I do think leaving a toddler at home is best (I imagine he would want to pick up everything along the paths and put it in his mouth, and we’d probably have a hard time keeping him out of the gorgeous waterfalls haha). Skip the guided tours and carry a water bottle and some snacks. Check out the live music in the bar/​veranda and make brunch reservations in advance. You will have a wonderful time. PS. Do not make any calls from the hotel room phone– they are madly expensive.

The only time I was not able to visit this place is during Winter time-​its in the bucket list.
I loved this place so much I almost had my wedding there-​too bad majority of my guest are 70+ (aunts and uncles), and few out of towner.
I will conclude that 90% for decent couples, 75% for family, 50% for teenagers, 100% for nature lovers.
They have activities every single month.
One time I got charged double by mistake, they took care of it right away.
The food is decent.

First impression was this place needs work. The drive was very rough, which just needs some patchwork. The room has a good first impression, with a lot of space, leather sofa, table and chairs, but it had a strong, very strong, eye and nose burning scent, as if to cover something up. When I noticed the windows could be opened, that helped. The mattress needs to be replaced. Sheets were thin, towels and wash cloths were rough. The TV didn’t have many channels. I doubt I will stay here again.

My husband and I recently got married here in February 2016. Everyone and everything was absolutely perfect. I cannot express in words how magical they made our day along with their preferred vendors we hired, were also just amazing. We cannot wait to go back. It was worth every bit.
The rooms were nice, comfortable and clean. This is a lodge not a fancy hotel and this is the ambiance i prefer. God Bless everyone at Starved Rock Lodge, mainly Margie and Dani!

I chaperoned a group of 45 seniors to a dinner theater show at Starved Rock in May, 2015.
My group had a great time. They enjoyed the food, the entertainment (Johnny Cash tribute), gifts shops, the views of the park and just exploring the area.
Staff at Starved Rock had everything perfectly organized. When our bus pulled up to the door of the lodge, someone came outside and boarded our bus to welcome us and pass out table numbers.
Will definitely be back again with another group. I’d leave more time for exploring/​walking.

If you want that Lodge feel, this is it! Good friends of mine got married here last month and it was really a great venue for a wedding.
The ceremony was outside, and we lucked out with mild weather in November in IL! So that was the best part. The location was very scenic and since the ceremony was at dusk, they had lit the area with delicate globe lights which was very romantic!
The reception was inside and used half of the Grand Hall in the lodge. They partitioned off the half with curtains and had a cool projection of their names too!
The hotel part was nice. Felt kind of dated but that added to it’s kitschy feel. Everything was very clean.
The bar in the lodge was pretty fun. It had live music both nights. There was also a Lieni’s event that weekend. sooo lots of drunk Moms. Added to the entertainment value for sure!
Lots of trails too although I didn’t manage to find any of the cool canyons. Next time I guess!

We spent two nights get-​a-​way at the Lodge at the beginning of October and had a wonderful stay. We hiked the park, relaxed in the Lodge had excellent food. It isn’t fancy shmancy but clean, nicely appointed and friendly staff. We live in the Chicago area so it’s not that far, room rates are fair. We were hoping to get the «Fall Color» but once again just didn’t happen, don’t get me wrong the park was beautiful, but not busting with color. . little too early.
We will be back!

Rooms are very small.
Stay nearby at the hampton inn or holiday inn express. Better value and much nicer room. There is no advantage to staying here. No privileges that anyone else can’t get. No discounts on
Tours or anything else.
The Oktoberfest in the great hall was very nice. The buffet food was good and the service was very good.
In order to get a room for the burgoo weekend we booked a year in advance.
You were required to book two nights.
There were absolutely no activities
Available for this sunday of the columbus day weekend.
Visit for dinner or special event but don’t bother staying here.

Overall it’s nice and everyone is friendly, but just like my review of the attached restaurant, for a business in a state park you would think they would be more environmentally conscious. Everything is in plastic or foam cups, there are no water or energy saving upgrades at all that I could see, our room reeked of Lysol, and the trails in the park are littered with empty bottles and wrappers. Too bad, with a little work this place could be great.

We chose Starved Rock as wedding venue and couldn’t be happier with our choice! They took care of EVERYTHING. Tiffany and Margie were a dream to work with and made the whole day run so smooth. I never once had to worry that a single detail was being left out.
The Sunrise Shelter ceremony site is shaded, peaceful, and tucked away behind some cabins. The Great Hall and Starved Rock Room were rustic, beautiful, and wonderfully set up. We received so many compliments on the food (and fresh baked pies for desert!) and location. Our guests were able to hike, relax on the patio and read, rent bikes and ride the I&M Canal, and all seemed to have a great weekend at the park!
Recommended Vendors in the area are:
DJs — Get Up and Dance DJs
Hair & Makeup — Luscious Moi Salon
Flowers & Décor — Flowers Plus Streator
Drapes & Lighting — Suez’s Linens and Things

Was here for a wedding weekend, the only real complaint was my room was very small for the price which was a group rate. The dinning room has good service and food was very tasty. Views outside were awesome as well

Ate outside at the bar grill. Limited items on menu and about $ 15 a head. Didn’t feel like a good value to me. Food wasn’t that great either. Inside the lodge is much better. You can’t beat the view outside though it’s beautiful and they do have good service and staff is friendly.

If you EVER find yourself on Interstate 80, near Utica, Illinois — do yourself a favor and GO EAT AT THE LODGE at Starved Rock State Park. Here are three reasons:
1. The décor is kick-​ass stunning. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930’s, the lodge is a beautifully preserved example of that awesome log construction that was only possible when labor and virgin timber were free. Take your camera. The fireplaces are incredible.
2. The food is DELICIOUS. My first lunch there, I ordered the daily special — a taco made on Indian fry bread. I’m a woman who loves to cook, but I love eating out even more — and that meal stands as the best I ever ate.
3. You aren’t just eating a meal. You will be having an experience — and your time at the Starved Rock Lodge will be one of those days you remember and talk about 20 years from now. Share it with a friend.
Well done, Starved Rock Lodge. Thanks again, President Roosevelt, the State of Illinois, and one gifted, creative chef.

Why they named it Starved Rock.
After a great hike, stopped by the Back Door Lounge outdoor seating area for lunch. Politely flagged down two different servers, after waiting patiently for 15 minutes, and both servers were extremely rude. Finally after 20 minutes with no one still coming to our table, we left and went to Skoogs in downtown Utica. The service and food at Skoogs were excellent. Skip the Back Door Lounge. Surly, slow service, poor management. Eat in Downtown Utica.

Spent another extended birthday weekend with the Starved Rock Lodge and with another group of first-​timers. Nothing changed.
–the staff is still warm and welcoming.
–the food was wonderful.
–the trails were mostly open (storm damage had closed many a over a month before my visit. By the time I left, they were about 90% open. But even if they had been 30%, neighboring Buffalo Rock and Matthiessen Parks are minutes away with fully open trails. No inconvenience at all.)
–there was even a little rain to get the waterfalls going.
Once again, just a magical trip. Thanks so much to everyone on staff!

This review is purely based on the food from Elements at Starved Rock.
Overall average food. Hard to not come by and order something especially after that long hike up the stairs! The best part of the signature chopped salad was the candied walnuts. Otherwise, the gorgonzola cheese was barely present, and the chicken was incredibly dry –very difficult to eat without chugging on some water. The saving grace was the pot roast — nice and tender. We substituted for the sweet potato fries which were nice and crispy on the outside — not stale at all. Not sure if I would come back, but if I do, I would stay away from the chicken.

A typical tourists’ place with outside seating which oversees the park. Every time we were there, there were always a lots of people. And everyone loved sitting outside to enjoy the weather, the view, and the smokey smell.
Every time we arrived there with empty stomach after the long walk. But always had to wait a while to get the order in and get the food due to the big crowd to serve. By the time, we got the food which were finished by adults and kids in 5 mininutes. I think we pretty much tried everything on the lunch menu from the burger, pulled pork, flatbread, pizza, Brat, and hot dog. Pulled pork burger was very popular among kids. Moms liked the Margarita Flatbread Pizza. I guess those are average food but those tasted much better with the great view and the good appetite.
This is only for the Back Door Lounge with outdoor seating.

I’m gonna keep it short.
a) This is just about the food; I didn’t stay here.
b) I only ordered one dish, so part of my evaluation is based on other peoples’ food.
c) I had the Drunken Goat Mac ‘n Cheese. Amazing name, but not very good results. The flavors of goat cheese and wine just don’t meld at all with the macaroni and chicken. The sauce either needs to be sweeter/​cheesier, or abandon the mac ‘n cheese concept entirely.
If this place wants to be upscale, it needs to think upscale, and not just pay lip service with upscale ingredients prepared in uninspired ways. If this place wants to be more plebeian, ditch the pretence of upscale ingredients and just offer plain food. It’s not just the mac ‘n’ cheese. Other dishes were about the same — a bunch of ingredients that could be worth more if they were arranged expertly, or a dish that could be cheaper if it used simpler ingredients. The quality is fine, it’s just the arrangement that needs work. My recommendation is to find a new head chef and work from there.