LaSalle Street Canyon
A chic, modern hotel in the heart of the city, offering stylish rooms, a 24-hour gym, and a popular restaurant and bar.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
LaSalle Street Canyon
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A chic, modern hotel in the heart of the city, offering stylish rooms, a 24-hour gym, and a popular restaurant and bar.
"This was such a fantastic hotel! The rooms, at all levels, are super spacious and comfortable."
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Trails can be uneven and slippery, especially near the waterfall. Good grip is essential for a safe and enjoyable hike.
💧 Check Waterfall Flow
Waterfall flow varies with rainfall. Visit after a good rain for the most impressive cascades.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
LaSalle Canyon Waterfall
LaSalle Canyon, Starved Rock State Park
A stunning waterfall cascading into a serene canyon, offering a tranquil escape and beautiful photo opportunities.
Canyon Trail Exploration
LaSalle Canyon, Starved Rock State Park
Hike through the unique canyon formations, enjoying the natural beauty and the refreshing atmosphere.
Starved Rock State Park Views
Overlooks within Starved Rock State Park
Experience breathtaking panoramic views of the Illinois River and surrounding landscape from various vantage points.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for LaSalle Canyon
Starved Rock State Park Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Trails can be uneven and slippery, especially near the waterfall. Good grip is essential for a safe and enjoyable hike.
💧 Check Waterfall Flow
Waterfall flow varies with rainfall. Visit after a good rain for the most impressive cascades. 
📸 Capture the Scenery
Bring your camera! The canyon and waterfall offer incredible photo opportunities, especially in the morning light.
🚗 Arrive Early on Weekends
Starved Rock State Park gets busy on weekends. Arriving early helps avoid parking issues and larger crowds.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Trails can be uneven and slippery, especially near the waterfall. Good grip is essential for a safe and enjoyable hike.
💧 Check Waterfall Flow
Waterfall flow varies with rainfall. Visit after a good rain for the most impressive cascades.
📸 Capture the Scenery
Bring your camera! The canyon and waterfall offer incredible photo opportunities, especially in the morning light.
🚗 Arrive Early on Weekends
Starved Rock State Park gets busy on weekends. Arriving early helps avoid parking issues and larger crowds.
🗺️ Explore Beyond LaSalle
Don't miss other canyons like St. Louis Canyon for a full Starved Rock experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Guests praise The LaSalle Chicago for its classy, modern aesthetic, spacious rooms, and excellent service, particularly highlighting the attentive staff and convenient downtown location. Some reviewers noted minor wear and tear and found the room size or view underwhelming for the price, but overall, it's considered a luxurious and comfortable stay.
"The LaSalle was a nice Autograph location with a solid bar and decently appointed rooms. The setup for the lobby/rooms spread across the floors/elevators was a bit odd but we got used to it. I felt our room could have been a tad larger, but the shower was one of the best I've tried at a Marriott recently. Didn't adore the location, but we were within walking distance to some cool spots."
Jeremy Yowell
"This was such a fantastic hotel! The rooms, at all levels, are super spacious and comfortable. The whole vibe of the hotel is classy and elegant but also modern and refreshed. The location makes it easy to walk everywhere fun in the city, and it is close to all sorts of conveniences like pharmacies and coffee shops. The food at the hotel is delicious! And the room service times and options are very generous. I highly recommend this spot!"
Maria Ferreira-Cesar
"I'm a very frequent traveler across the entire Marriott portfolio and had a terrific stay at the LaSalle during my recent 3-night stay for business. It's by far my favorite aesthetic of all the autograph collection hotels I've stayed in. Notably, I very much liked the layout of the Grill on 21, providing a solid menu with a nice balance of a social atmosphere that is also very functional for working late. The large communal tables with outlets were especially appreciated, and I'm surprised they aren't more common. Perhaps most importantly, I had exceptional service from Nate behind the bar every night as I worked late. He made it feel like a home away from home, recognizing me as if I was a regular when I showed up two nights in a row. He was also very caring and conscientious in making sure I was careful on the floor as he was mopping it during closing. Give him a raise, perhaps? Thanks for a great stay."
Nicholas Vachon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
LaSalle Street Canyon is located within Starved Rock State Park in Utica, Illinois. You can drive to the park and follow the signs for the canyon trails. It's about an hour and a half outside of Chicago.
Yes, Starved Rock State Park has several parking lots. However, they can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak season. Arriving early is recommended.
Public transportation options to Starved Rock State Park are limited. Driving is the most convenient way to access the park and its canyons.
The park has marked trails. Downloading an offline map or using a park map can be helpful. Many visitors enjoy hiking from the lodge to St. Louis Canyon.
Some trails within Starved Rock State Park, including those leading to canyons, can be rugged and involve stairs. Check the park's accessibility information for specific trail conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no separate ticket required for LaSalle Street Canyon itself, as it's part of Starved Rock State Park. However, there may be an entrance fee or parking fee for the state park, especially during peak times. It's best to check the official Starved Rock State Park website for current fees.
Starved Rock State Park is generally open from 8 AM to 10 PM daily. However, specific trail access or facilities might have different hours. Always check the official park website for the most up-to-date information.
Tickets are typically not required for park entry. If there are any special events or programs, advance booking might be necessary. For general park access, it's usually first-come, first-served for parking.
Discounts for park entry are not commonly offered for general access. However, Illinois residents may have certain benefits or passes. Check with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for any applicable programs.
To avoid crowds, plan your visit for a weekday, ideally in the morning. Visiting during the off-season (late fall or winter) can also offer a more solitary experience, though waterfalls may be frozen.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the beautiful waterfall and the unique canyon formations. Hiking the trails around the canyon and enjoying the natural scenery are popular activities.
Exploring LaSalle Street Canyon itself can take about 30-60 minutes, depending on how much you hike and photograph. However, you can easily spend several hours exploring other trails in Starved Rock State Park.
Restroom facilities are available within Starved Rock State Park, typically near the visitor center and main parking areas. It's advisable to use them before heading onto the trails.
Bring water, snacks, comfortable hiking shoes, insect repellent, sunscreen, and a camera. A small backpack is useful for carrying these items.
Absolutely! LaSalle Street Canyon is a photographer's dream, especially with its waterfall and unique rock formations. Morning light is particularly beautiful.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Within Starved Rock State Park, the Starved Rock Lodge offers dining options. For more choices, you'll find restaurants in the nearby towns of Utica and Ottawa.
Picnicking is allowed in designated areas within Starved Rock State Park. It's a great way to enjoy a meal surrounded by nature. Remember to pack out all your trash.
The Starved Rock Lodge typically has a restaurant and a cafe where you can purchase food and drinks. It's a convenient option if you're spending a full day at the park.
The lodge restaurant usually offers American cuisine, with options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It's a good place to refuel after a hike.
The nearby town of Utica has a few charming cafes and coffee shops where you can grab a coffee or a light snack before or after your visit to the canyon.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hours, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offer the most beautiful light for photography. Morning light is often preferred for its softer quality and fewer crowds.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the canyon's expanse and the waterfall. A tripod can be useful for longer exposures to smooth out the water.
Drone usage is typically restricted in state parks to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. Always check the specific drone regulations for Starved Rock State Park before flying.
The base of the waterfall, the canyon walls with their unique textures, and the surrounding lush greenery are prime photography subjects.
Experiment with different angles, try capturing the movement of the water with a slower shutter speed, and look for interesting details in the rock formations. Visiting during different seasons can also offer unique perspectives.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The natural beauty and the excitement of seeing a waterfall can captivate children, making it a memorable outing. Remember to check the weather and dress kids in layers for comfort. Beyond LaSalle Canyon, Starved Rock State Park has other family-friendly trails and picnic areas. The visitor center can provide maps and information on easier routes. Making a day of it by exploring a few different canyons or enjoying a picnic lunch can enhance the family experience.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the unique geological formations, seasonal waterfalls, and the opportunity to observe local flora and fauna. Bring binoculars for birdwatching and a good camera to capture the stunning landscapes.
+1 Always practice Leave No Trace principles to help preserve the park's natural beauty for future visitors.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Starved Rock State Park
+1Beyond the canyons, Starved Rock State Park features the historic Starved Rock Lodge, which provides accommodation, dining, and event facilities. The lodge itself is a beautiful stone structure offering scenic views. For those interested in the park's history and geology, the visitor center offers informative exhibits. The park is also a haven for wildlife, with opportunities to spot various bird species, deer, and other native animals.
When planning your visit, it's crucial to be aware of the park's popularity. Weekends, especially during spring and fall, can see significant crowds, leading to full parking lots. To make the most of your experience and avoid the busiest times, consider visiting on a weekday or arriving very early in the morning.
Proper footwear is essential, as many trails involve uneven terrain, stairs, and can be slippery, particularly after rain or near waterfalls. The Allure of LaSalle Canyon Waterfalls
+1While the main waterfall is a highlight, the surrounding canyon walls themselves are a spectacle. Carved by millennia of water and wind erosion, these sandstone formations display intricate patterns and textures. Photographers often find themselves captivated by the interplay of light and shadow on the canyon walls, especially during the golden hours.
The unique geological features provide a sense of being in a hidden, natural sanctuary. It's important to note that the intensity of the waterfalls can vary greatly. During dry periods, they may be reduced to a trickle or disappear entirely. For the most dramatic waterfall experience, it's advisable to check recent weather patterns and visit after periods of substantial precipitation.
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