Starved Rock State Park: Guided Kayaking Tour

Starved Rock State Park’s guided kayaking tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the park’s natural beauty. Gliding along the Illinois River, participants witness the towering St. Peters Sandstone cliffs and have the chance to spot native wildlife such as bald eagles and white pelicans. Led by experienced guides, the 2-hour adventure caters to all ages and skill levels, providing a memorable outdoor experience. With high ratings and positive customer feedback, this tour promises to captivate visitors seeking to explore Starved Rock’s remarkable landscape. But the true allure lies in the tranquility of the river and the chance to connect with the park’s rich history and stunning geological formations.

This experience made our list of the 3 Best Canoe And Kayak Experiences In Illinois.

Key Points

• Guided kayaking tour at Starved Rock State Park offers a 2-hour exploration of the scenic Illinois River and its unique geological formations.
• Experienced guides provide educational insights and enhance the experience with entertaining commentary on the park’s wildlife and natural wonders.
• The tour is suitable for all ages and skill levels, with positive reviews highlighting it as a top kayaking experience in Illinois.
• Participants can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, white pelicans, egrets, and turtles during the tour.
• The tour includes all necessary equipment, such as kayaks, personal flotation devices, and paddles, ensuring a comfortable and safe experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Details

The Starved Rock State Park guided kayaking tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the park’s stunning natural beauty from the tranquil waters of the Illinois River.

Priced at $74 per person, the 2-hour tour is suitable for all ages and skill levels, making it a family-friendly adventure.

The experienced guides provide educational insights and entertaining tips, while participants paddle through the iconic St. Peters Sandstone cliffs and keep an eye out for wildlife like bald eagles, white pelicans, and turtles.

With a rating of 4.9/5 from over 10 reviews, this top-ranked kayaking experience in Illinois provides a refreshing perspective of the park’s features not visible to hikers.

Experience Highlights

Visitors can paddle through the captivating St. Peters Sandstone cliffs on the guided kayaking tour at Starved Rock State Park.

Along the way, they might spot bald eagles, white pelicans, turtles, egrets, and herons. The tour provides a unique perspective of the park’s features, which aren’t visible to hikers.

Kayakers will enjoy scenic views of the towering cliffs from the water. Rated the #1 kayaking tour in Illinois, this 2-hour adventure is suitable for all ages and skill levels.

With over 3 million visitors annually, it’s no wonder this family-friendly, dog-friendly, and scout group-friendly tour is such a hit.

Booking and Cancellation

Customers can easily reserve a spot on the guided kayaking tour at Starved Rock State Park with the convenient "reserve now & pay later" option.

This tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility. Plus, the tour has limited kayak availability, so customers are encouraged to check for starting times.

For larger groups, private tours for 20 or more can be arranged.

The tour’s booking and cancellation policy includes:

1. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
2. Reserve now & pay later option available.
3. Limited kayak availability; private tours for groups of 20 or more can be arranged.

Included Amenities

At the Starved Rock State Park guided kayaking tour, participants are provided with all the necessary equipment for their excursion.

Each guest is outfitted with a single kayak, a personal flotation device (life jacket), and a paddle. These high-quality items ensure a safe and comfortable journey through the park’s scenic waterways.

While on the water, guests can also purchase snacks and drinks to fuel their adventure.

The tour’s meeting point is at the main entrance of the park, where guests can check in at the designated kiosk before embarking on their guided kayaking experience.

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Customer Feedback

The Starved Rock State Park guided kayaking tour has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from past participants.

With an overall rating of 4.9/5 based on 10 reviews, the tour has carved a reputation as a must-do activity.

Customers have consistently praised the tour guides, Rich and Dave, for their engaging storytelling and wealth of knowledge about the park’s geology and wildlife.

Three standout highlights from the reviews include:

1. The guides’ ability to provide educational insights in an entertaining manner.
2. The unique water-based perspective that allows visitors to see park features inaccessible to hikers.
3. The tour’s suitability for all skill levels, making it an excellent choice for families and beginner kayakers.

Park Landscape

The Starved Rock State Park boasts a stunning natural landscape that serves as the backdrop for the guided kayaking tour.

Towering St. Peters Sandstone cliffs rise dramatically from the Illinois River, casting shadows on the water below. This unique geological formation, carved by glacial meltwater, creates a serene and secluded environment teeming with wildlife.

Paddlers may spot bald eagles soaring overhead, white pelicans gliding on the surface, or turtles basking on the rocks.

The kayaking tour offers a rare opportunity to witness these natural wonders from the tranquil vantage point of the river, providing a perspective not accessible to hikers on the trails.

Wildlife Sightings

Gliding effortlessly over the calm waters, kayakers on the Starved Rock State Park tour frequently encounter a diverse array of wildlife.

The tour guides are adept at spotting and identifying the park’s natural inhabitants, which may include:

1. Majestic bald eagles soaring overhead, their white heads and tails gleaming in the sunlight.
2. Graceful white pelicans, their large wingspans casting shadows on the water’s surface as they search for fish.
3. Vibrant turtles basking on fallen logs, and great blue herons standing motionless, waiting to spear their next meal.

These wildlife sightings provide kayakers with a unique perspective of the park, offering a glimpse into the rich ecosystem that thrives within Starved Rock’s sandstone cliffs.

Guided Experience

A guided kayaking tour at Starved Rock State Park offers visitors a chance to explore the park’s stunning natural beauty from a unique perspective.

Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour takes paddlers through the park’s scenic waterways, allowing them to witness the towering St. Peters Sandstone cliffs and abundant wildlife up close.

The guides provide educational insights and entertaining tips, ensuring an informative and enjoyable experience for guests of all ages and skill levels.

Whether you’re a seasoned kayaker or a beginner, this guided tour promises to deliver a memorable adventure in the heart of Illinois’ natural wonder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Individuals With Disabilities?

The guided kayaking tour appears suitable for individuals with disabilities. The tour is family-friendly and accommodates all ages and skill levels, suggesting it may be accessible to those with various needs. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator for specific details.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for Group Bookings?

For group bookings of 20 or more, the cancellation policy is flexible – private tours can be arranged and there’s limited kayak availability, so groups should check on booking availability and options.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour’s included amenities provide snacks and drinks for purchase, but guests are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy during the 2-hour kayaking experience.

How Often Do the Tours Run During the Day?

The tours run multiple times throughout the day, with starting times available for guests to check. Participants have the flexibility to select a convenient departure that fits their schedule.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?

The kayaking tour is suitable for all ages and skill levels, making it family-friendly. There are no age restrictions, allowing participants of any age to enjoy the scenic paddling experience through the park’s natural beauty.

Recap

Starved Rock State Park’s guided kayaking tour offers an unforgettable experience. Paddling along the Illinois River, visitors can admire the stunning sandstone cliffs and spot diverse wildlife. Led by experienced guides, the 2-hour adventure is suitable for all levels, providing an opportunity to explore the park’s natural beauty from a unique perspective. With high customer satisfaction, this tour promises an outdoor experience that will leave a lasting impression.

You can check if your dates are available here: