The recession has many families on a tight budget when it comes to planning a summer vacation.
Over the next few weeks, News 25 is going to offer ideas for one–tank trips.
Eric Shangraw kicks off our "staycation" series with a trip to LaSalle County.

Rushing water cutting through a canyon is a four–star landmark in any travel guidebook. But this flowing jewel is a radical change of scenery close to home.

"It is flat. You can see for miles. –Corn and soybean fields everywhere."

That's the typical description of Illinois. Until you get to Starved Rock State Park.

There are 13 miles of hiking trails meandering through Starved Rocks' 28–hundred acres.
There are 18 canyons. The heads' of each canyon are alive with waterfalls this time of year.

"The falls are just beautiful right now. And lots of Spring flowers are coming up. It is just a magical place," said Mary Myers, a hiker from Springfield.

A map and sturdy walking stick are all you need to navigate the trail system.

"There is a hint of color on the trees just before they bloom out there. I see green, yellow, orange and purple. I like it!" said park visitor Gayle Gable.

Entrance to the park is free. When you first arrive, start at the Visitor Center. It offers an interactive chronological history of the property starting with the Indians and French fur trappers and traders who recognized the land for its beauty.

"It'll orient you to the trail system, which is a complex trail system. And you should now the ins and outs of the trail system before you venture out on the trails," said Park Superintendent Tom Levy.

After a march through the wilderness, you can stay in the historic Starved Rock Lodge or one of its' cozy cabins featuring a rustic décor.
Built in the 1930's, the lodge is updated and offers an indoor swimming pool.
If your kids can't get enough of the water, right down the road is the Grand Bear Lodge. Its' centerpiece is an indoor water park. –176–thousand gallons filling a wave pool, multiple slides and constant 84–degree weather and no wind.
If the kids get waterlogged, Grand Bear also has an indoor amusement park and on most days another attraction in the front lobby. I showed up when a six–month–old kangaroo was in the house.

Both Grand Bear and Starved Rock Lodge have agreements with Deer Park Country Club nearby for guests to play on the private 105–year–old course.
The 67–hundred yard golf course is adjacent to another state park with a lake and an amazing 45–foot drain known as Cascade Falls.
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At Mattiessen State Park, the sight and sheer power of its' waterfall is amazing. But its' sound is simply therapeutic.

All these attractions are around the small town of Utica.
Utica's tourist shops offer unique trinkets and even equipment for your next crusade. For adults, there are two wineries. Their tasting rooms are brimming with important cocktail party information and a chance to sample the final product.

"Up until prohibition, Illinois had more vineyards and produced more grapes and sold more wine than any state in the United States.
The concord grades give the wine a nice blush color," said Bob Aplington, Tasting Room Manager.

If adventure is your motto, there's horseback riding, keyacking and white water rafting.
A three–hour excursion on the flooded Vermilion River is 90–dollars for two adults and two kids.
LaSalle County may only be an hour drive from Peoria or Bloomington–Normal, but it feels like a million miles from home.