A bald eagle retrieves a fish from the plentiful waters of the Illinois River near the lock and dam. Wood Carvings Terry Cross, President of Starved Rock Lodge, commissions Chainsaw Sculpturers to create their works out of dead trees surrounding the Lodge, rather than cutting them down and hauling them away. Mr. Cross feels that this is a way to allow trees to live on and, in turn, provide points of interest for Lodge guests and park visitors. Thousands of photos are taken each year and we have received both regional and national recognition in newspapers, as well as, magazines. Chainsaw carvings have become a signature of Starved Rock Lodge.
Many guests come to see the carvings after reading articles or seeing friends' photos.
Author and artist Peter Wolf Toth hand chiseled our famous Indian sculpture, located in the registration circle in front of the lodge. The sculpture was completed in 1975 and later moved to its new home on the Lodge grounds. Jeff Prust has been perfecting his techniques as a self taught chainsaw sculptor since 1991. He believes the personality is in the face, and spends most of his time on the heads. This carving is one of the many to be seen when entering the main parking lot.