Starved Rock State Park: Guided Kayaking Tour

Paddle a kayak at Starved Rock State Park on this guided 2 hour tour run by Kayak Starved Rock Campground. A guide leads the group on the water, and the outing is set up as a day trip. It is rated 4.7 by 34 travelers.

Overview

Two hours on the Illinois River is the whole idea here. You launch from Kayak Starved Rock Campground in Ottawa, paddle below the St. Peters sandstone bluffs, and watch for bald eagles, white pelicans, turtles, egrets and herons while a guide explains the geology and history of the area. The route is built around what hikers cannot reach, so the cliffs and shoreline come at you from the water side rather than from a trail above.

The park itself is a big draw. Starved Rock State Park has 18 canyons and sandstone bluffs that line the river, and the operator describes it as the number one state park in the Midwest, drawing over 3 million visitors a year. From a kayak the scale of the bluffs reads differently than it does from the lodge or the overlooks.

The pace suits beginners, families, scout groups and dogs, with the one condition that a dog travels in a tandem kayak booked for two people. Gear is covered: kayak, paddle and life jacket are all included, and the jacket has to stay on. Reviews repeatedly single out the guides, who travellers describe as knowledgeable, funny and patient with people who have not paddled in years. Groups of 20 or more can also arrange the tour as a private paddle.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at the campgroundCheck in at Kayak Starved Rock Campground, 1170 N 27th Rd, Ottawa, IL. The exact starting point on site depends on the option selected.
2. Guided kayak tourPaddle the Illinois River for 2 hours with a guide pointing out sandstone bluffs, wildlife and features hikers cannot see. Boat, paddle and life jacket are provided, and the life jacket is required to be worn.
3. Return to shoreThe trip ends back at the point matching the option selected.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical things shape the day, from footwear to how the group moves on the water.

• Footwear. The listing asks for waterproof shoes or boots. Plan for wet feet rather than sneakers you want to keep dry.
• Pace and fitness. The tour is described as calm and beginner friendly. One reviewer noted it had been years since they last kayaked and the guides were patient.
• Group feel. The number of kayaks is limited, and the operator says to book soon for that reason. Groups of 20 or more can arrange the trip as a private kayak tour. One reviewer said they preferred having a guide to going out on their own, since the commentary carries a lot of the experience.
• Food and drink. Snacks and drinks are not included but can be bought on site. Tips are also not included, and reviewers who praised their guides by name suggest the service earns them.
• Wildlife watching. Reviewers report seeing turtles, snakes, turkey vultures and herons, and the listing adds bald eagles and pelicans. One reviewer came away with a photo of themselves holding a turtle, so sightings can get close.
• Weather sense. This is an open water river trip, so conditions matter. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance.

Common issues. Transport to the campground is not included, so you drive yourself to Ottawa and the meeting point depends on the option booked. Kayak numbers are limited and the operator says to book soon, which means popular dates can fill. Snacks, drinks and tips cost extra. Dogs are welcome only in a tandem kayak booked for two people. The free cancellation window closes 24 hours before the tour.

Common Questions