Illinois motorcycle rides

Starved Rock Run on Rt 71

Average Rating - This road has been rated by 4 visitors

State: Illinois
Date Submitted: February 1, 2007
Submitted by: Anonymous
Motorcycle Road Length: 13 Miles

Written Directions

Start at Utica, IL and head south on Route 178 for just about a mile or so and you will come to the intersection of Route 71. At the intersection turn left (east) and you'll be at the entrance of the park in just a mile. Take your time and check out the park but then get back on 71 heading east and ride along the Illinois river to the town of South Ottawa. The whole ride is only about 13 miles and if I were you I would turn around and do it a couple of times! Enjoy!!

Scenery  

The area is relatively very hilly for Illinois, with thick woods, and deep ravines at certain points. In the fall it's especially beautiful with the fall color changes.

Road Quality  

Nicely paved, some areas are narrow for a two lane road, twisty like the Tennessee hills, declines from west to east.

Roadside Amenities  

Starved Rock State Park has a nice lodge, camping, hiking, boat access ... the web site also list the following activities: fishing lodge, hiking, picnicking, camping, history, visitor center, horseback riding, and sports events. Make sure you take the time to read the signs in the park about how the park got its name - fascinating history.

Additional Info

- View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather . - ** Roundtrip map link provided by "pfrims" below.

Nickname (optional) Anonymous

Add a Photo Add a Video

Reviewed by ViragoDan on April 11, 2012 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)

Creator: ViragoDan

motorcycle_year: 2009

motorcycle_make: Yamaha

motorcycle_type: Other

Comment: I rode this road last year on my 2009 TW200. I always considered the start of this road where 71 and 34 meet. Not very twisty until you get to the preserve areas, but some slight hills and a lot of farms to look at, which I consider scenery. Gas stations aren't numerous, but don't seem to be more than 20-miles apart. The crashed airplane monument to the farmers is always cool to look at. I stop there anytime I rode or drive to Starved Rock. Even with just 200cc's, it's a great road to ride. Start early in the morning to get there as it does tend to get a little busy in the afternoon with travelers going in both directions, but even with traffic, it's not bad. There are always plenty of bikes going down the road, so your waving hand has plenty to do. Can't wait to ride it again soon with 1100cc's.

Was this review helpful? Yes | No

Reviewed by Walks on January 17, 2012 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)

Creator: Walks

motorcycle_year: 2004

motorcycle_make: Victory Kingpin

motorcycle_type: Cruiser

Comment: I've done this ride countless times and it never disappoints me. In 2011 they wrapped up repaving the roads within the park so they are as good as they'll ever be. The only downside is its way too short!

Was this review helpful? Yes | No

Reviewed by Guest on October 31, 2008 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)

Creator: pfrims

motorcycle_year: 2005

motorcycle_make: Harley-Davidson

motorcycle_type: Touring

Comment: Try this hyperlink to view the entire route for the Buffalo Rock State Park and Starved Rock State Park roundtrip from Ottawa: ** see hyperlink above in "Additional Information" section.

Was this review helpful? Yes | No

Reviewed by Guest on October 31, 2008 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)

Creator: pfrims

motorcycle_year: 2005

motorcycle_make: Harley-Davidson

motorcycle_type: Touring

Comment: The aforementioned round-trip will take you past Buffalo Rock State Park and Army Corps of Engineers Lock and Dam, as well as touring Starved Rock State Park and IL 71

Was this review helpful? Yes | No

Visitors who liked this road trip also liked:

The Oswego to Starved Rock Run (100%)