Video: Wildflowers flourish at Starved Rock State Park

Bluebells, other wildflowers carpet canyon trails

Bluebells boom along Illinois Canyon creek on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at Starved Rock State Park. — Bluebells boom along Illinois Canyon creek on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Starved Rock State Park. (Scott Anderson)

April 23, 2025 at 1:42 am CDT

Tens of thousands of Virginia bluebells bloom Tuesday on the trailhead to Illinois Canyon at Starved Rock State Park.

Bluebells bloom at Illinois Canyon in Starved Rock State Park Tens of thousands of bluebells cover the trailhead to Illinois Canyon on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at Starved Rock State Park.

Other wildflowers cutleaf tootwort, spring beauty, bristly buttercup and false rue anemone also can be seen on the trail.

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Paul and Jane Depaoli of Ottawa sit along the trail to Illinois Canyon as they take in the site of the bluebells on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Starved Rock State Park. (Scott Anderson)