Break away from screens and city clamor to the calm of Starved Rock State Park this fall.
Chicago’s wealth of opportunity and world-class social scene means many of us become all too comfortable passing week on week in the Windy City and forgetting to take a break from the urban monotony. With many parks and our wonderful lakefront, it can be easy to take in those little doses of nature and feel like we need not venture elsewhere. At the same time, in our digitally-dominated era, Netflix and other such platforms offer all the escapism we need after a long day at work.
No matter how much we love Chicago, breaking away from the hustle and bustle of the big city, even just for a day or two, has undeniable benefits for the mind, body, and soul. We all need time to unplug ourselves, breathe fresh air, and reconnect with nature to create distance from the relentless demands of work, schedules, and technology.
Luckily, there are many different places to do this around Chicago, but if you’re not into camping and those days spent finding the right spot, fitting tent frames, and knocking in-ground stakes bring back bad memories, we might just have the perfect option for you.
Last year, we wrote about Getaway’s innovative chain of tiny cabin hideaways nestled in Michigan’s Grand Junction. The celestial cabins feature floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing guests to wake up fully immersed in the wilderness.
Located in lush landscapes and with minimalistic yet comfortable designs, they offer the perfect camping escape for those wanting to disconnect from busy city lives with restorative stays in the middle of nature. The only problem was… Getaway’s nearest outpost to Chicago was over in Barber Creek, Michigan.
Well, all that is about to change as this fall, Getaway will be opening a new location with 58 secluded cabins in none other than Illinois’ stunning Starved Rock State Park.
Undoubtedly one of our state’s most impressive natural spectacles, Starved Rock offers over 13 miles of hiking trails, numerous cascading waterfalls, and 18 different canyons. It’s a little journey outside of Chicago, but still just a one-tank trip under 100 miles away.
Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1998, the vast ecological cosmos of Starved Rock provides an ethereal escape steeped in both history and beauty all year round whether it is during summer when outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and nature lovers flock to enjoy the cooler climate, or in fall when the leaves turn it into a prismatic and picturesque paradise, or in winter when the many waterfalls freeze over.
Opening this fall, Getaway’s new Starved Rock site reads, “nestled among mature trees, rolling hills and ridges, our brand new Outpost in Ottawa, IL, features a scenic pond onsite and picturesque views from the majestic Illinois River just a short walk away.”
With 58 cabins there is a range of different options spread out over Starved Rock’s stunning landscape catering to different sorts of getaways. One-bed cabins and two-bed cabins mean that the Starved Rock outpost caters to both romantic escapes and family adventures while an easy self-check-in and check-out process without a front desk mean there’s no need for in-person interaction with site staff or anybody else.
Guests can enjoy their own tiny spot in nature, away from other cabins yet not completely isolated in the wild. Floor-to-ceiling windows on all cabins mean each and every guest wakes up fully immersed in the wilderness. There’s also no need for a dog sitter because furry four-legged friends are also welcome!
All cabins come with comfy queen beds, fresh linens, kitchenettes equipped with stoves and fridges, heating, and a bathroom with a hot shower. You’ll also find picnic furniture and a private campfire pit with a grill grate outside each cabin.
Perhaps one of the most important components, however, comes in the form of a lockbox that encourages guests to put away their devices and concentrate on the natural surroundings to effectively take a break from work, wifi, and routines to enjoy the company of those who matter most.
Pots, pans, and other provisions are available for purchase if you don’t feel like bringing your own, and biodegradable soap, shampoo, and conditioner are provided.
Head to Getaway House for reservations and more information!
Featured image from Getaway House