Starved Rock State Park

and Surrounding Areas

We invite you to visit a collection of sites within the Starved Rock area to observe and learn about the human history, the past and present workings of the river, and the geologic features that formed and continue to shape the region.

This web site was developed by:

Our objectives are as follows:

• Understand the reasons for and methods of strip-mining and the adverse effects it has on the environment;
• Appreciate the power of water in terms of an erosional process and the amount it can alter a landscape;
• Understand, by studying rock layers, how you can infer past environments and past geologic processes;
• Appreciate the economical advantages of damming the Illinois River;
• Understand the area's natural history and lore;
• Achieve some knowledge of the workings of a modern lock and dam system.

• Kristen Filipek
• Kristin Friant
• Matt Richards