Some months ago, I decided to begin sharing Friday Fails…all those travel adventures that just don’t go as planned. So, today I want to share our Starved Rock State Park Friday Fail.
Starved Rock State Park
Starved Rock State Park is a state park located in Utica, Illinois on the Illinois River Illinois that has been voted Illinois’ #1 tourist attraction. It is known for its beautiful sandstone canyons and waterfalls; one of the major reasons for our trip.
Last summer, we decided that we would take a day trip to Starved Rock State Park for two reasons; to check out the campgrounds for future camping and to check out some of the canyons and waterfalls.
Well, things did not go as planned.
After a few hours of driving we arrived to Starved Rock State Park. It was a steaming hot summer day, a holiday, and the park was packed!
Visitors Center
Once we arrived, I was so excited because I had been waiting for quite some time to see some of the canyons for myself. Well, as we parked, my dad decided that it was too hot and too far of a walk, so he insisted on staying in the car while my brother, my youngest son, and I did a bit of nearby sightseeing.
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As we began up the stairs to the Visitor Center, I decided that my son and I would hang out outside the VC while my brother went in to collect information about how to get to the campgrounds.
Once he returned, I was so excited to do a little walking to the canyons, but he insisted it was too hot and that he was not going to go. I was so disappointed because the trip was falling apart right before my eyes, although my son seemed to be having the time of his life.
After a little begging and pleading, my brother agreed to walk a very short distance with us that didn’t amount to much at all, and did not include not one canyon nor one waterfall. Sigh.
It may not look like it, but in a nutshell, I was pissed!
With a dampened attitude, I insisted that we checkout the campgrounds and head home.
When we finally made our way to the campgrounds, we learned of their strict visitor policy. If you are not camping, you are not allowed in to see the campgrounds. Double sigh.
I’m not sure if it was a holiday policy or general policy, but I wasn’t a “happy camper”. Haha!
No, but seriously. How are we supposed to know if this is a place we would like to go camping if we can’t view the campgrounds?!
With another disappointment under my belt and a huge attitude, I was ready to get home. What an irritating and long drive home. It was hot, everyone was disappointed, and no one really spoke.
Wonk! Wonk!
Well, there you have it; another Friday Fail!
What would you have done differently?
