Trip Planner:   USA  /  Illinois  /  Ottawa  /  Buffalo Rock State Park

Buffalo Rock State Park, Ottawa

3.8
State Park · Nature / Park
Create an itinerary including Buffalo Rock State Park
Buffalo Rock State Park & Effigy Tumuli is an Illinois state park on 298 acres (121 ha) in LaSalle County, Illinois, United States. The park sits across the Illinois River from Starved Rock State Park, just south of the Illinois and Michigan Canal trail. According to legend, it was once used as a "blind canyon" for Indians to capture buffalo. Effigy Tumuli, an art exhibit on the park property, consists of five earth art animal sculptures native to the Illinois River. It was constructed as a tribute to Native American tradition. The park is located 5 miles (8.0 km) east of Utica, Illinois (Starved Rock State Park), and approximately 85 miles (137 km) southwest of Chicago, Illinois. Its sandstone bluffs were carved by the Illinois River near the end of the Pleistocene epoch, and now serves as a State Park for local residents and tourists.

Plan to visit Buffalo Rock State Park during your Ottawa vacation using our convenient Ottawa trip itinerary planner.
Source
Improve this listing »
Create a full itinerary - for free!

Buffalo Rock State Park reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.0
116 reviews
Google
4.4
TripAdvisor
  • We have been in this area many times, but for some reason, didn't make it this far, so this was our first stop at this park. And ... there were actually buffalo! We hiked a few trails and drove in.....  more
    We have been in this area many times, but for some reason, didn't make it this far, so this was our first stop at this park. And ... there were actually buffalo! We hiked a few trails and drove in.....  more »
  • Beautiful park with wide open space. The Buffalo were very spirited and close up. We enjoyed walking along the wide open spaces. 
    Beautiful park with wide open space. The Buffalo were very spirited and close up. We enjoyed walking along the wide open spaces.  more »
  • I visited Buffalo Rock State Park in Ottawa on a cool weekday day in November, and enjoyed the peaceful visit. Buffalo Rock is not a big state park, and the trails are short and quiet. The total... 
    I visited Buffalo Rock State Park in Ottawa on a cool weekday day in November, and enjoyed the peaceful visit. Buffalo Rock is not a big state park, and the trails are short and quiet. The total...  more »
Google
  • A small state park on the opposite side of river facing starved rock. There are three main hiking trails. The river buff trail is the one with most scenic view. They also have three American bison/buffaloes in captivity. There are plenty of picnic spots with tables and shade. The trials can be completed within 3 to 4 hours.
  • A small but beautiful state park located right across the river from Starved rock. This is a nice alternative if you want to stay away from the starved rock crowds. The park features about 3 miles of trails that wind along the river bluffs and through open grasslands. The trails also pass by the effigy tumuli, huge earthen sculptures of native animals. These sculptures are pretty subtle so do not expect some kind of mt Rushmore type sculptures, they are just earthen mounds that you can walk on. The park also features some very nice picnic shelters and a baseball field. There are also three American bison at the park. The drive up to the park is particularly beautiful as you curve along some beautiful sandstone bluffs.
  • Great trails here beautiful park. Good place to walk!!! There's bathrooms they're not to bad. The Buffalo's were out always nice to see them the kids love it.
  • It's clean, has a great picnic area, archery, and hunting. Small, and intimate, not too many people, but it was nice. I would definitely go back. Oh, they have 3 Buffalo in a gated area, hence the name Buffalo Rock! Lol!! Cute little cozy place to go..
  • Quiet park. Has only one trail not difficult at all. Has some cool overlooks. Not as big or stunning as starved rock but definitely worth a look.

Plan your trip to Ottawa

  • Get a personalized trip
    A full day by day itinerary based on your preferences
  • Customize it
    Refine your trip. We'll find the
    best routes and schedules
  • Book it
    Choose from the best hotels and activities. Up to 50% off
  • Manage it
    Everything in one place. Everyone on the same page.