Appetite for Adventure Summer Program Returns to LaSalle County for Its Second Year

Appetite for Adventure, a multi-tiered summer program encouraging visitors to explore LaSalle County, has returned for its second year. The program highlights Starved Rock Country’s outdoor recreation, scenic attractions, and local shopping and dining while encouraging exploration through rewards and sustainability initiatives. 

The campaign’s primary feature is the digital Adventure Passport challenge. The free app connects travelers and residents with 135 participating stops across LaSalle County, including state parks, restaurants, breweries, wineries, attractions, and locally owned businesses. 

Participants earn prizes by checking in at locations throughout the region. Visitors who check in at five locations receive a prize, with additional rewards available at 10 check-ins, encouraging deeper exploration of LaSalle County’s communities and attractions. The Adventure Passport is available for download at StarvedRockSummer.com. Prizes can be claimed at the Starved Rock Country Welcome Center in Utica.  

New this year, the program includes the Fill it Forward reusable water bottle initiative, designed to promote sustainability while supporting local conservation efforts. Visitors who receive a complimentary reusable water bottle can contribute to the program by scanning their bottle’s QR code each time the bottle is refilled. Each scan triggers a $1 donation to the Starved Rock Foundation, the official nonprofit partner of Starved Rock State Park since 1991. 

“Help save the planet with these stylish reusable water bottles while also helping the Starved Rock Foundation support our park is an easy and effective way to give back,” said Mike Toohey, Vice President of the Starved Rock Foundation. “A big thank you to Heritage Corridor Destinations and Enjoy Illinois for creating and supporting this program.” 

Adventurers interested in joining the program can claim their complimentary reusable water bottle at upcoming summer marketing events. The next event is Join Us Out Here: Refill for the Parks on Thursday, July 10, from 5:00–8:30 p.m. at Hike + Camp in Utica. Visitors can pick up a free reusable water bottle (while supplies last), roast s’mores around a campfire, explore the new outdoor retail space, and connect with hikers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts. 

The Starved Rock Foundation is the nonprofit organization supporting Starved Rock State Park in North Central Illinois. The foundation funds educational programming, volunteer-led visitor services, interpretive hikes, and park improvements through memberships, donations, and operations of the LeRocher Book Store and Gift Shop in the Visitor Center. Over the past 30 years, the foundation has contributed more than $500,000 toward the preservation and enhancement of the park.