🥾 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

🚗 3 hr 5 min driving📍 5 stops

🌅

Morning

🚗

Drive

Chicago, IL → Devil's Lake State Park

2 hr 40 min

Devil's Lake State Park

★ Reviews →

Cliff jump into Wisconsin's deepest natural lake surrounded by 500-foot quartzite bluffs and scenic hiking trails.

~2 hrs📍 See location

🍽️

Lunch

🍽️ Lunch~1 hr

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.

★ Reviews →Hamburger Restaurant📍 Maps →

2 options · tap to switch

☀️

Afternoon

🚗

Drive

Devil's Lake State Park → Mirror Lake State Park

14 min

Mirror Lake State Park

★ Reviews →

Paddle 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.

~2 hrs📍 See location

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Evening

🚗

Drive

Mirror Lake State Park → Broadway Diner

11 min

🍽️ Dinner~1 hr

Broadway Diner

Indulge in nostalgic Route 66 charm with classic diner fare and retro decor that transports you back to mid-century Americana.

★ Reviews →Diner📍 Maps →

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

🚗 3 hr 31 min driving📍 4 stops

🌅

Morning

🚗

Drive

Devil's Lake State Park → Starved Rock State Park

1 hr 40 min

Starved Rock State Park

★ Reviews →

Hike among 18 stunning canyons carved by glacial waterfalls and spot bald eagles soaring above the Illinois River.

~2 hrs📍 See location

🍽️

Lunch

The Rootbeer Stand

★ Reviews →

A 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.

~1 hr📍 See location

☀️

Afternoon

🚗

Drive

Starved Rock State Park → Matthiessen State Park

6 min

Matthiessen State Park

★ Reviews →

Hike 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.

~2 hrs📍 See location

🌙

Evening

🚗

Drive

Matthiessen State Park → Starved Rock Lodge Restaurant

7 min