One of Starved Rock State Park’s most popular weekends is nearing closer.
Park Superintendent Kerry Novak said he’s noticed a change of color for some of the park’s leaves, just in time for the park’s Fall Colors Weekend, which begins Saturday, Oct. 20.
He noted the weather may have delayed a more vibrant color change earlier.
“It’s been unusually warm this year and we haven’t had any frosted nights,” Novak said. “We could use a couple nights like that to really get it going. It’s been a little bit delayed this year.”
But soon, the park will be covered in a variety of oranges and reds as the leaves begin to turn for the fall season.
The park will host a number of hikes Saturday, Oct. 20, and Sunday, Oct. 21, to showcase the changing colors as well as share some of the history and geology of the park.
But, those too eager to wait can notice some of the leaves changing on some of the more interior trees now.
“You can’t see much if you look up and down the river, but if you drive in off of (Route) 178 and come through you’ll see some of the yellows,” Novak said.