Changes taking place at historic Starved Rock Lodge

The trees aren't the only thing that's green at Starved Rock State Park in Oglesby, Illinois. Starved Rock Lodge, the historic hotel located within this National Historic Landmark has seen some refreshing changes lately. There are 69 rooms in the lodge and 21 cabin rooms on the property. The main portion of the lodge was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.

"Because the Lodge & cabins are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, we strive to maintain the historical integrity created by the CCC whenever updates and changes are made," said General Manager Mitch Wagner. "When the furniture in the hotel and dining areas was replaced a few years ago, we chose a company famous for repurposing old barn board and century-old hardwoods. Last year, new bedding and drapery were updated in all of the hotel rooms," he said. The style reminds you of a handcrafted quilt your grandmother might have made, with a warm and welcoming feeling, that takes you back in time. After installing new bedding and drapery, new carpeting was next for the 75-year-old lodge.

This year, CEO Amy Trimble replaced more than 300 windows, returning them to the original style from 1939, but composed of modern materials which are fade and weather resistant. The new windows are also larger than those installed midcentury so hotel rooms are now much brighter.

By the end of the year, Trimble plans to have the exterior of the lodge painted. The paint for this project, a one-of-a-kind color called "Starved Rock Tan" was approved by the IL Department of Natural Resources, but paid for with private funds. "The whole process will end up taking almost a year to complete," said Trimble, "I'm sure the finished look will support our tagline: Starved Rock Lodge … where the past is always present."

Trolley Tours and guided hikes have been offered by the lodge for several years, but new this year (July-September) is the "Visit a Canyon" Tour. In addition to a trolley ride, guests will enjoy a stop at the Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center, the IL Waterway Visitor Center and a quick trip through downtown Utica. This is followed by a guided hike to Council Overhang and Ottawa Canyon. The 45-minute walk is less than one mile. The tour also includes a Starved Rock map, drawstring backpack, a snack and bottle of water. Tours run on Saturday (10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.) Sunday (10 a.m.) and Monday (10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.) The tour is a great way for first-time visitors to quickly become familiar with Starved Rock State Park but is not recommended for anyone with limited mobility.

Memorial Day weekend is the annual kickoff of Starved Rock Lodge's Veranda parties where there will be live music (Friday and Saturday nights from 8 -11 p.m.) and outdoor dining with an amazing view of the scenic Illinois River Valley below.

Corporate groups enjoy adding a guided hike or scavenger hunt. There's a new twist on offerings for corporate/social events or even a rehearsal dinner at the Lodge's outdoor venue called Fox Ridge. It is the perfect setting for a bonfire and cookout under the pine trees.

Weddings bring brides and grooms to Starved Rock for an outdoor ceremony overlooking the National Historic Landmark or indoors surrounded by the historic ambience of the Great Hall.

The Lodge also has a smaller venue for weddings with 35 guests or less.

To learn more, visit www.starvedrocklodge.com or call (800) 868-7625.

• Jenny Roulston is director of sales & catering at Starved Rock Lodge & Conference Center.