🥾 ActiveWeekend · from Chicago, IL
Canyons, Cliffs & Glacial Waters
Two days, two completely different geological chapters. Day 1 at Devil's Lake State Park near Baraboo, WI: 500-foot Precambrian quartzite bluffs — some of the oldest exposed rock in the upper Midwest — rise above Wisconsin's deepest natural lake, and the East Bluff and West Bluff trails put you at the top of both. Mirror Lake is 15 minutes away for a quieter afternoon paddle. Day 2 moves south to Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks on the Illinois River: 18 glacially-carved sandstone canyons, multiple waterfalls accessible on short flat trails, and the 1930s stone-and-timber Starved Rock Lodge where dinner overlooks the river valley.
Day 1 — Devil's Lake State ParkDay 2 — Starved Rock State Park
Day 1 — Devil's Lake State Park
Day 1 — Devil's Lake State Park
🚗 3 hr 5 min driving📍 5 stops
🌅
Morning
🚗
Drive
Chicago, IL → Devil's Lake State Park
2 hr 40 min8:00 AM → 10:40 AM
Devil's Lake State Park
★ 4.8Cliff jump into Wisconsin's deepest natural lake surrounded by 500-foot quartzite bluffs and scenic hiking trails.
10:40 AM📍 See location
🍽️
Lunch
🍽️ Lunch11:40 AM
Baraboo Burger Company
A Wisconsin Dells-area burger spot with quality local beef, creative build-your-own options, and an unpretentious atmosphere that fits the outdoor adventure region perfectly.
2 options · tap to switch
☀️
Afternoon
🚗
Drive
Devil's Lake State Park → Mirror Lake State Park
14 min12:40 PM → 12:54 PM
Mirror Lake State Park
★ 4.7Paddle the spring-fed lake, hike the surrounding pine forest, or find a quiet spot on the sandy beach — Mirror Lake is one of Wisconsin's most scenic and accessible state parks.
12:54 PM📍 See location
🌙
Evening
🚗
Drive
Mirror Lake State Park → Broadway Diner
11 min5:00 PM → 5:11 PM
🍽️ Dinner5:11 PM
Broadway Diner
Indulge in nostalgic Route 66 charm with classic diner fare and retro decor that transports you back to mid-century Americana.
3 options · tap to switch
🛏️
Camp Aramoni
Upscale glamping cabins perched above the Baraboo Hills, minutes from Devil's Lake State Park — fire pits, handcrafted beds, and a genuinely forested setting. One of the most thoughtfully designed nature stays in the Midwest.
Day 2 — Starved Rock State Park
Day 2 — Starved Rock State Park
🚗 3 hr 31 min driving📍 4 stops
🌅
Morning
🚗
Drive
Devil's Lake State Park → Starved Rock State Park
1 hr 40 min8:00 AM → 9:40 AM
Starved Rock State Park
★ 4.7Hike among 18 stunning canyons carved by glacial waterfalls and spot bald eagles soaring above the Illinois River.
9:40 AM📍 See location
🍽️
Lunch
The Rootbeer Stand
★ 4.5A Chesterton, IN roadside institution where the house-made root beer in a frosted mug is the main event. Burgers and hot dogs complete the classic Midwest roadside experience.
10:40 AM📍 See location
☀️
Afternoon
🚗
Drive
Starved Rock State Park → Matthiessen State Park
6 min12:00 PM → 12:06 PM
Matthiessen State Park
★ 4.8Hike scenic sandstone canyons and cross wooden footbridges over Vermilion River on the main trail loop. Cool off at multiple waterfalls cascading through limestone bluffs while exploring interconnected ravines.
12:06 PM📍 See location
🌙
Evening
🚗
Drive
Matthiessen State Park → Starved Rock Lodge Restaurant
7 min5:00 PM → 5:07 PM
Starved Rock Lodge Restaurant
★ 4.3Dine with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Illinois River valley while savoring comfort cuisine in a historic 1930s lodge.
5:07 PM📍 See location
🚗
Drive
Starved Rock Lodge Restaurant → Chicago, IL
1 hr 38 min6:07 PM → 7:45 PM
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