Illinois DNR Says Popular Hiking State Park Could Get a New Name

One of the most popular state parks in Illinois for hiking, camping, boating, and amazing waterfalls could be given a new name. Discover which park, and the reason several parks may be renamed.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) says it's a possibility that Starved Rock State Park may be given a different name.

What was your last adventure at Starved Rock?

Why Rename Starved Rock State Park

Why should the name of Starved Rock State Park be changed? The answer is for the same reasons that led to sports teams changing their names and abandoning mascots that are offensive to Native Americans.

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According to a post from Shaw Local News Network, they were told about a tourist-centered meeting where it was suggested, that the state park be renamed.

While no actual source has confirmed that information, Shaw did hear from IDNR. “The state of Illinois has a responsibility to listen to concerns and recommendations from Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities that have current and ancestral ties to Illinois.”

“They have repeatedly told us the names of some of our state parks and sites are harmful to their ancestors’ remembrance and perpetuate false narratives to the public."

Starved Rock is one of those names.

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Native American History of Starved Rock State Park

From the Starved Rock State Park website,

The park derives its name from a Native American legend. In the 1760s, Chief Pontiac of the Ottawa tribe, was attending a tribal council meeting. At this council of the Illinois and the Pottawatomie, an Illinois-Peoria brave stabbed Chief Pontiac. Vengeance arose in Pontiac’s followers. A great battle started. The Illinois, fearing death, took refuge on the great rock. After many days, the remaining Illinois died of starvation giving this historic park its name – Starved Rock.

For now, this seems to be the very beginning of the conversation about name-changing.

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