This Unique Illinois Hotel Is Also In A Park, So You Can Stargaze During Your Stay

We all have moments of craving time away from the noise and chaos of city life. Relaxing in the quiet stillness of nature is the perfect antidote to the stressors of the daily grind. Mix in a bit of stargazing at night, and you've found the perfect ticket to rejuvenation. If this getaway description resonates with you, I highly recommend you pack your bags and make your way to one of the most unique and beautiful stargazing hotels in Illinois.

Starved Rock Lodge & Conference Center is nested among groves of pine and oak trees near the town of Oglesby, and it is the only hotel located within Starved Rock State Park.

Due to its distance from dense light pollution from city lights, this lodge within the park is an amazing place to stargaze and admire the night sky.

This charming and historic lodge offers 69 guest rooms, 21 cabin rooms, and a majestic interior with a towering fireplace as its centerpiece.

The cozy Sunset Cabins were hand-built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Nestled among the towering pine and oak trees, you'll love this little slice of wooded paradise.

The rooms are humble yet tastefully appointed, and the beds are quite comfortable, offering you all the comfort and amenities you'll need during your relaxing getaway.

The Lodge Restaurant is one of the hotel's on-site dining options that serves delightfully fresh breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu items.

Be sure to sample one of their signature dishes, such as the Fried Walleye or Chicken, the Steak and Vegetable of the Day, the Strawberry Pecan Salad, or the Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake.

You won't want to pass up the opportunity for a dip in the large heated pool or the jacuzzi tubs for a bit of water therapy and fun!

Trolley tours are offered year-round for those that would enjoy a guided and educational deep dive into the beauty and rich history of Starved Rock State Park.

There are a variety of tours to choose from that each explore different areas of the park, so be sure to peruse all the options and find the one that best suites your adventuring desires!

LaSalle Canyon and the associated waterfall is one of the many beautiful areas that you can explore within the park during your visit. There are quite a few caves, waterfalls, and hiking trails that wind through the park.

The park is a great place to soak in the views of the starry night sky as well, so I highly recommend that you make it a point to enjoy the park at night as well!

Starved Rock State Park is worth taking at least a full day to explore on its own, but better yet if you can set aside multiple days to hike and explore. Don't forget to bring your camera so you can capture these magical views!

Have you ever stayed at Starved Rock Lodge within Starved Rock State Park? Would you add this charming destination to your travel bucket list? If you have visited the lodge or the park itself, we'd love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!

If you enjoy road trips, I highly recommend you embark on this scenic road trip in Illinois that not only leads you to Starved Rock State Park, but also to other beautiful parks, botanical gardens, scenic drives, and more.