Tired of the gray cityscape? Starved Rock Country and Ottawa, IL are calling you for a weekend splashed with the richest fall colors you’ve ever laid eyes on. From golden yellows to fiery reds, this is nature’s art show, and you’ve got a VIP ticket.
Day 1: Start with Starved Rock State Park:
Wake up early, grab your favorite fall sweater, and head to Starved Rock State Park. Here, the canyons burst with a dazzling array of colors. Hike along trails framed by trees ablaze in oranges and yellows, with leaves crunching underfoot. Catch the waterfalls framed by rustic reds, and don’t forget to take about a thousand pictures. No one will blame you.
Next, a Little Ottawa:
Make your way to Ottawa as the sun begins to lower. The evening light dances with the fall foliage, casting a golden glow over the Illinois River. Wander the historic streets, where even the buildings seem to join in on the autumn celebration. Washington Park’s trees stand like sentinels, decked out in their seasonal best.
Stay at Harbor Inn:
End the day at Harbor Inn by Heritage Harbor, where comfort meets the river’s edge. Enjoy a meal at the Red Dog Grill as the sun sets, turning the water a fiery orange, and toast to a day well spent. Sleep comes easy when you’re wrapped in luxury and lulled by nature’s serenade.
Day 2: Explore Ottawa, IL:
Rise to a day filled with Ottawa’s treasures. Grab a coffee at Jeremiah Joe’s or a buttery, flaky croissant at The Ottawa Bakery for some sustenance. Walk downtown, discovering murals that somehow compete with the fall colors. Explore the shops, where the welcoming warmth is rivaled only by the vibrant leaves outside.
Afternoon: One Last Hurrah at Starved Rock:
Head back to Starved Rock for an encore of yesterday’s beauty, but don’t forget a detour to nearby Matthiessen State Park. There, an amazing waterfall awaits, surrounded by autumn’s finest colors. The hues seem to deepen, the shadows lengthen, and you’ll find new treasures on every trail. Explore the cascades, then sit and breathe it all in, letting the symphony of colors and the gentle roar of the waterfall play upon your senses. It’s a farewell to fall you won’t soon forget.
Now it’s your turn. Don’t just read about this technicolor dream – live it. Harbor Inn by Heritage Harbor is waiting, the leaves are showing off, and all that’s missing is you. Book now, and bring an extra camera battery. You’ll need it. Go on, make your friends green with envy, while you enjoy every other color!
