Flock To The Rock sweepstakes soars in to Starved Rock Country

To celebrate the bald eagle season, which typically runs through the end of March, Heritage Corridor Destinations has brought back their popular “Flock To The Rock” web-app sweepstakes that gives you a chance to win a stay at the picturesque Kishauwau Cabins and $250 in gift certificates to local shops and restaurants.

The Flock To The Rock Contest, which runs through March 31, is a simple and intuitive web-based check-in challenge that can be completed on your mobile phone. Simply head to HCDestinations.com/Flock-To-The-Rock and click “Join The Challenge,” or visit the app store and download the Heritage Corridor app. In this widget, you’ll find a convenient road-trip planner and a map with 96 popular destinations, businesses and restaurants across Starved Rock Country.

Once you’ve logged into the widget or app, you just need to visit 15 of these physical destinations on your trip to earn a “Flock To The Rock” knit cap or collectible plush bald eagle. You’ll also be eligible for a chance to win a grand-prize stay at Kishauwau Cabins and $250 in gift cards to popular local spots like SRC Welcome Center/an Illinois Made Gift Shoppe, Jeremiah Joe Coffee, Uptown Girl, Clark’s Run Antique, Haze Smokehouse an Gaetano’s Vault.

No purchase is necessary to compete in the contest; the VisitWidget page and app will allow you to check in at these locations once your phone’s GPS confirms you are near them. Plan your trip around visiting a few of these sights, such as the Ottawa Illinois Visitors Center, August Hill Winery Tasting Room or Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center, just to name a few of the possible destinations. This fun digital treasure hunt is sure to engage all ages on your way to see Starved Rock’s spectacular eagles.

For more information, further details and restrictions on Heritage Corridor’s Flock To The Rock program, visit: FlockToTheRock.com

The grand prize for this program is a one night stay at Tonica’s Kishauwau Cabins. Perched above the Vermilion River, just seven miles from the gates of Starved Rock State Park, Kishauwau Cabins brings guests close to nature, while providing all the amenities of home. Kishauwau’s cabins are spaced apart far enough to give guests privacy and a sense of wilderness seclusion, while still only being a short drive from some premier attractions in nearby canal towns such as Utica, Ottawa and La Salle.

Whether you’re looking for a place to stay warm while trying to spot bald eagles in the winter, or a cozy lodging destination that will keep you cool after a hot day of river rafting on the nearby Vermilion during the summer, Kishauwau’s cabins can accommodate. All 17 cabins are four-season units, capable of keeping guests comfortable year round. Each of Kishauwau’s cabins includes the kitchen appliances you need to prepare food on-site. This comes in addition to barbecues and fire pits, giving you plenty of options for enjoying a meal in the comfort of your cabin.

For more information on Kishauwau Cabins, visit: KishauwauCabins.com

There’s no better time to take part in this contest than Starved Rock’s official Eagle Watch Weekend. Held Jan. 25 and 26, this partnership between Starved Rock State Park, Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center, the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center and Utica Village Hall offers two full days of eagle-related demonstrations, photo-ops and kids crafts. These activities and events are offered to the public on a first-come basis, free of charge. A convenient trolley shuttle will be taking guests to all the event locations, for $5 you will get all-day unlimited ride pass. The trolleys will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m, taking guests to the Lodge, Illinois Waterway Visitor Center, along with the Utica Village Hall gym and Starved Rock Country Welcome Center on Sunday.

For centerpiece of Eagle Watch Weekend, The Illinois Raptor Center, Hoo Haven and Stillman Nature Center are returning to deliver a series of Live Birds of Prey informational programs, where you’ll be able to see these spectacular creatures up close and learn how these important organizations are ensuring birds safety for years to come.

For more information, and a full schedule of events, visit: starvedrocklodge.com/event/eagle-watch-weekend/2025-01-25/

Tips For Eagle Watch Weekend:

• Parking likely will become more difficult to find by midday. Budget your time carefully if you are planning to attend several programs.
• The trolley is a great transportation option for the popular weekend. It runs continuously, but you may have a short wait for the next ride. Plan to leave plenty of extra time between activities for transit on the trolley.
• Live bird exhibitions do not permit entry after the program has begun to insure safety of both the birds and audience. Programs are set to begin precisely on time.
• Children are welcome and encouraged, but those younger than age 2 may find the one-hour live bird presentations confining. People are asked to be considerate of other attendees.