Some of these photos of Wildcat Canyon’s frozen waterfall are sublime.
Starved Rock State Park is one of the most amazing natural spectacles in Illinois. At any time of the year, the ecological cosmos offers a captivating paradise steeped in both history and beauty. 13 miles of hiking trails, 18 different canyons, and numerous cascading waterfalls mean that outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and nature lovers flock here year-round to reap the rewards of a natural escape so close to the Windy City.
It is in winter, however, when the park truly peaks. Snow blankets the park, woodlands turn white, and waterfalls freeze over. While all of the park’s falls offer magical spectacles this time of the year, it is in Tonti Canyon, St.Louis Canyon, and Wildcat Canyon where the park’s most impressive waterfalls are found. At these three showpieces in particular Illinois’ ice climbers come to pit themselves against the paused falls and even more come to simply admire the stunning spectacles on show.
With the notorious Midwest winter now giving us a true taste of its merciless might, Starved Rock State Park has begun to freeze over and many have been out to photograph the results.
We’ve sifted through plenty of picturesque photos to choose the best of the bunch. Here are our favorites from various different angles:
See more: 7 Natural Wonders Of Illinois: The Most Amazing Natural Spectacles Near Chicago
[Featured image from Instagram / @sallytiesman]