This is another in a series of posts on Starved Rock State Park in Utica, Illinois. The park is about 2 hours away from Chicago.
I took this image the first week in November of 2017. It’s from Illinois Canyon, the longest and arguably the prettiest canon in the park. My last article also covered reflection possibilities in Illinois Canyon.
There are numerous color variations and weathered details on the sandstone walls in Illinois canyon that are not present in other canyons. Also, the sandstone is not as carved up with fool’s initials as much as many other canyons.
The canyon floor can be muddy, especially in the Spring. I recommend waterproof boots, ankle high is generally sufficient.
The reflection images show the water you may encounter. It’s not that deep. but in Spring and Fall, it can be cold. There are several places one needs to cross water. Usually, you can find a spot that a waterproof hi-top shoe can navigate without getting wet.
Feature Image Details
- Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
- Canon 24-105MM F4 L Lens at 58mm.
- F16 for 1/5th seconds at ISO 640
Reflection Tips
Reflections work best when the water is in the shade, but the reflected object is sunlit. The sun hit only part of the landscape in the feature image, but not the water at all.
Lodging
If you visit the area, I highly recommend staying at the park lodge. The loge fills up way in advance in Autumn and may be full other times as well. Many other hotels are nearby.
Equipment
Those interested in my equipment and recommendations can find it here: Mish’s Equipment List.
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Starved Rock State Park Articles
- Starved Rock State Park, Illinois: Autumn in Kaskaskia Canyon
- Starved Rock State Park, Illinois: Autumn in Ottawa Canyon – Council Overhang
- Starved Rock State Park, Illinois: Autumn in Ottawa Canyon
- Starved Rock State Park, Illinois: La Salle Canyon Waterfall in Autumn
- Starved Rock State Park, Illinois: Aurora Canyon in Autumn
- Starved Rock State Park, Illinois: Illinois Canyon in Autumn Part 1
- Starved Rock State Park, Illinois: Illinois Canyon Autumn Reflections
Mike “Mish” Shedlock
Mike “Mish” Shedlock

