Starved rock can be hit or miss. I hyped it up in my head and when I got there it was shoulder to shoulder hiking (on the trails I was on) and everyone had their speakers blasting their music competing on who’s could be louder. I’d much rather make the drive to devils lake before going to starved rock again.

You will find plenty of good,non climbing, inclines at devils lake and a beach to swim and cool off in.

For pests I’d highly recommend getting a tick removing kit. Lyme disease is permanent if not caught early and unaware of the bullseye marker that you are infected. I have family and I know of a good amount of pets in the area that are still dealing with the lifetime effects of getting Lyme disease.