Confused, Reg rolled down his truck window. “What is that noise?” An ear-piercing whine filled the truck cab. “Are those Cicadas?”
We arrived at Illini State Park in Illinois just in time to experience the sights and sounds of this year’s history-making invasion of these little winged creatures. Fortunately, their season was drawing to an end and we noticed a drop in numbers over the next couple days.
But there were much bigger outdoor curiosities to see in the area. We were blissfully unaware of the popularity of Starved Rock State Park when we pulled into the oversized parking lot. Crowds of day-trippers flocked to the visitors center, so many that Reg thought there must have been a special program offered.
We had yet to see such a stampede of tourists on this trip. And no wonder….after a bit of research, I found this park hosts over 2 million visitors a year. We locked the truck, grabbed our water bottles and joined the herd to the top of the park namesake – Starved Rock.
Continuing on, the crowds thinned out and scenery did not disappoint as we reached the spectacular Wildcat Canyon. With views from above and then from below, it was the most impressive point of our day.
Next stop – Mounds State Park in Indiana. See you there!
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