Unplugging and Unwinding: A Weekend Getaway at Starved Rock's Getaway House
In a world that's constantly bustling with noise and distractions, there's something truly magical about escaping to a secluded cabin nestled amidst the natural beauty of Starved Rock State Park. Ruby Travels invites you to join us on a journey to unplug and unwind as we explore the serene experience of staying at a Getaway House cabin in Starved Rock.
The Hidden Gem of Starved Rock: Getaway Cabin
Getaway understands that life can get busy, that’s why they created tiny cabins, within an easy drive of numerous major cities. With all the essentials and no wifi, nature creates the perfect canvas for your imagination to run wild as you unplug and disconnect for a while (or longer).
Nestled among mature trees, rolling hills, and ridges, Getaway Starved Rock is a short 90-minute drive from Chicago. With 58 cabins spread out across 251 private acres in Ottawa, Illinois, Getaway Starved Rock features a scenic pond onsite and is within walking distance from picturesque views of the Illinois River.
A Cabin Designed for Simplicity and Connection
Each tiny cabin is equipped with everything you could need for the perfect getaway:
Queen Bed
Hot Shower
Two-Burner Stove
AC + Heat
Private Toilet
Sink + Drinking Water
Cellphone Lockbox
Chairs + Picnic Table
Pot, Pan + Dishware
Fire Pit + Grill Grate
Mini Fridge
Firewood + Firestarter
Salt, Pepper + Olive Oil
S'mores
Shampoo, Conditioner + Body Wash
What about the wifi?!
You might be wondering, is there wifi at Getaway House? The short answer is no. At Getaway, each cabin is thoughtfully designed to create an atmosphere that facilitates disconnecting from technology, and settling into nature and genuine human connection.
Each cabin has its very own cellphone lockbox. Never heard of a cellphone lockbox? Neither had I before staying at Getaway. A cell phone lockbox is basically a wooden box where you can place your phone and slide the lid shut. Out of sight, out of mind!
Exploring Starved Rock State Park
Just a short 20-minute drive from the cabin is Saint Louis Canyon Trail, an easy 2.1-mile trail within Starved Rock State Park. The trail took us less than an hour to complete and takes you through the Saint Louis Canyon which includes heaps of stairs and beautiful waterfalls. The trail leads to St. Louis Canyon, a beautiful waterfall that is the only spring-fed one in the park. We loved sitting on the boulders on the eastern wall of the canyon and watching the autumn leaves fall. The best time to visit the canyon is from May through October.
The Joy of Disconnecting: Digital Detox at the Getaway Cabin
One of my favourite features of the Getaway Cabin is the intentional lack of Wi-Fi and limited cell service. While this initially felt like a challenge, the absence of digital distractions and aimless scrolling led us to feel more at peace with the silence and allowed us to be more present. Here’s how we spent our time:
Reconnecting with Nature: With no social media notifications or email distractions, we found ourselves fully immersed in the beauty of the natural world. I spent hours just sitting and looking out the window, watching the leaves fall and trees sway in the wind. We also took several walks around the campgrounds to soak in the fresh air and natural sights.
Quality Time: Without the constant pull of screens, we rediscovered the art of conversation, card games, and simply savouring a good book in good company.
Personal Reflection: The quiet moments were the perfect opportunity to meditate, journal, and simply be present in the moment. I was shocked when I realised I had read an entire book during our stay!
Starry Nights and Cozy Moments: Evening Experiences at the Cabin
Evenings at the Getaway Cabin were a magical time to unwind. As the sun set and the stars came out, we found plenty of ways to make the most of your nights:
Campfire Conversations: We used the firewood and firestarter provided in our cabin to light our campfire pit. We drank red wine as the sun set and roasted marshmallows on the open flames. As the bugs came out, we took that as our cue to head inside our cabin to get cozy for the night.
Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, the night sky at Starved Rock is a canvas of stars. We couldn’t resist sleeping with the blinds wide open so we could gaze out at the stars from our cozy queen bed. Unfortunately, I wasn’t lucky enough to catch any shooting stars, this trip at least.
Cabin Comfort: Inside the cabin, we created a warm and snug atmosphere. We snuggled up with blankest, sipped warm tea, and relished in the peace and quiet.
Delightful Dining: Cooking in the Cabin
While we weren’t adventurous enough to cook over the open fire, we did enjoy creating lots of yummy soups and grilled cheese on the cabin stovetop. We also loved sitting out on a picnic table to enjoy our breakfast in the mornings, and to graze on a cheese board in the afternoons.
Local Flavors and Exploring Nearby Towns
During our stay at Getaway in Starved Rock, we drove less than 10 minutes to the nearby town of Ottawa, Illinois. A quaint town with Midwest charm, Ottawa is located on the edge of the Illinois River and its historic downtown streets are filled with boutique shops and modern eateries.
Our first stop was to Jeremiah Joe Coffee, where we sipped on iced oat milk lattes before wandering around the nearby Washington Square Park. We stumbled into The Ottawa Bakery where we couldn’t resist trying their delicious cinnamon rolls.
Tips for Planning Your Own Cabin Getaway
Ready to book your escape? It’s as easy as choosing your cabin size and dates, and Getaway will handle the rest. Simply book online with stays ranging from $100-$400 per night, which includes all the essentials to make your stay as easy and relaxing as possible.
The Long-lasting Memories of a Getaway Cabin Experience
As you embark on your own journey to the Getaway Cabin in Starved Rock, remember that sometimes the most profound experiences are found in the quiet moments away from the noise of the digital world. Discover the joy of reconnecting with nature, loved ones, and yourself in this tranquil haven. Ruby Travels invites you to embrace the magic of simplicity and serenity in one of Illinois' most cherished natural settings.
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