Starved Rock State Park

August 18, 2011 By

The following pit stop was submitted by Pit Stops for Kids reader Erica Smith.

Starved Rock State Park is one of Illinois’ most beautiful natural landmarks. Located in Utica, Illinois and filled with canyons and waterfalls, Starved Rock offers breathtaking hiking, biking, exploration, and lodging. Families can stop by for the day, or consider it a destination!

Distance from the interstate: Five minutes from I-39, also near I-80.

What to do: Kids can meet and learn about animals at Fox Ridge, the new outdoor venue near the lodge, and entire families will enjoy hiking the many trails (open in all seasons). Land and water cruises are offered June through September, and events and festivals continue throughout the year.

Admission cost: Free day use.

Hours of operation: 7 am to 9 pm.

Dining options: Picnic areas are available, as well as casual and fine dining at the lodge.

Accommodations: Camping is available, and a full lodge is located in the state park. If you want to cater specifically to the kids, located right next to Starved Rock is Grizzly Jack’s Grand Bear Resort. Housing a full indoor-outdoor water park, plenty of in-house dining, and kids’ activities, this ‘Great Wolf Lodge’ type resort offers the best of both worlds: kid heaven adjacent to natural splendor. Rates can be found on the Grizzly Jack resort page. Since lodge accommodations are needed for water park admission, we recommend booking one night here, and subsequent nights at the lodge or campground.

Directions: The lodge and park are located east of the intersection of Routes 178 & 71 in Utica, IL. From I-39 southbound: Go south to I-80 east (exit #59). Go two miles to exit #81 (Rt. 178, Utica). Go south (right) 3 miles on Rt. 178 and follow the signs into the park.

Goebbert’s Pumpkin Farm

October 9, 2009 By

Boy holding a pumpkin

40 W. Higgins Road
South Barrington, IL

In South Barrington, Illinois, you’ll want to spend a fall Saturday or Sunday at Goebbert’s Pumpkin Farm. Their fall festival, running from September 26th through October 31st, includes a haunted house and camel rides in addition to the standard pumpkin patch, corn maze, and petting zoo! And their farmer’s market and cafe offer some of the best local produce and homemade goods of the area. Says Kat (now of North Carolina) in a recent review at www.trekaroo.com, “In Illinois we always, ALWAYS, went to Goebbert’s Pumpkin Farm in South Barrington. They are fabulous! There are other very good farms in the area, but Goebbert’s is the best – my kids just loved going there; every year about this time would beg to go!”

Goebberts Pumpkin Farm on a crisp fall day.

Goebberts Pumpkin Farm on a crisp fall day.

Distance off the interstate: Just a few minutes!

Hours and Admission Prices: There is no general admission, and parking is free. Tickets for individual attractions, such as wagon rides, pony rides, corn stalk maze and straw maze, vary from $4.00 per person to $7.00 per person, depending on whether you visit on weekends or weekdays.

Bathrooms: On the premises.

Food Services: The Red Barn Cafe has a full menu of homemade treats, hot dogs, sandwiches, and hamburgers. Open seven days a week, 9am until 6pm during the harvest season. There’s also a fall harvest market, so you can take home goodies as well.

Website: http://www.pumpkinfarms.com/SBarrington.html

Directions: From I-90 (partial toll road), take the IL-59 exit then turn left (onto Sutton). Turn right onto W. Higgins.
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