View of the Starved Rock overlook surrounded by brilliant orange, yellow, and green fall foliage with people gathered at the top, seen across the Illinois River on a clear autumn day.
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Hiking at Starved Rock State Park: Your Guide to the Best Trails, Views & Waterfalls

ByMidwest by the Mile

There’s something magical about hiking at Starved Rock—where sandstone canyons, seasonal waterfalls, and winding forest trails come together in one of Illinois’ most iconic state parks. Just under two hours southwest of Chicago, Starved Rock State Park offers over 13 miles of scenic hikes that wind past towering bluffs, hidden waterfalls, and sweeping river overlooks….

Sunlight glistens off the water as sailboats float in the harbor at Grand Marais, Minnesota, with a hazy sky and forested shoreline in the background.
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The Complete Guide to Minnesota’s North Shore Scenic Drive

ByMidwest by the Mile

The North Shore Scenic Drive in Minnesota is more than just a beautiful stretch of highway—it’s a classic Midwest road trip that winds along the edge of Lake Superior, past waterfalls, rocky cliffs, and storybook small towns. This summer, I drove the full route for the first time from Duluth to Grand Portage and let…