Hike + Camp Brings the Great Outdoors Indoors with Grand Opening in Downtown Utica
- Hike + Camp
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
More than 250 guests celebrated the opening of a new basecamp for hikers, campers, park visitors, and anyone who loves spending time outdoors.
UTICA, IL. — Hike + Camp officially opened its doors in downtown Utica on June 12, 2026, welcoming more than 250 people for a grand opening and ribbon-cutting celebration just minutes from Starved Rock State Park.
Created through a collaboration between Starved Rock Hikers and Camp Aramoni, Hike + Camp brings together trail-ready gear, camping essentials, outdoor apparel, curated provisions, locally made goods, and resources for exploring the parks.
The store was founded by Stephanie Bias, Kyle Petersen, and Matthew Klein around a simple idea: the outdoor lifestyle should not end when the hike does.
“We wanted to create a place that feels like an extension of a day spent outside,” the co-founders said. “Whether someone is preparing for the trail, looking for a reminder of their trip, or discovering a new way to explore the area, we hope Hike + Camp becomes a must-stop during every visit to Starved Rock Country.”
The grand opening brought together community members and leaders, Village of North Utica officials, the Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce, Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce, Camp Aramoni, Starved Rock Hikers, Starved Rock Foundation, Heritage Corridor Destinations, local news organizations, and visitors from across Illinois.
Created for Visitors, by Locals.
While Hike + Camp was created as a destination for travelers, hikers, and park visitors, much of the store was designed and made possibly by those who live here in the region.
Patrick Sauber of Ottawa-based primer created many of the store’s hand-drawn icons using photographs from the parks. The illustrations can be found on hats, T-shirts, wooden magnets, coasters, and other goods throughout the store.
Kathryn Ewers of Primary Market in Ottawa produces the wooden magnets and coasters, while Blake Shofner of Mullet Bros in Princeton prints the apparel. Hike + Camp’s collection of vintage-inspired park posters was also designed locally and printed just a few miles away at MCS Advertising in Peru.
Many of the artists, makers, photographers, designers, and collaborators who helped bring the store to life joined the grand opening celebration.
Gear, Gather, and Get Outside
Guests at the opening explored the store’s selection of hiking gear, camping supplies, apparel, gifts, books, maps, snacks, cold drinks, Camp Aramoni provisions, locally made products, and other goods selected for weekends outside.
A highlight of the celebration was the outdoor fireplace area, where visitors roasted s’mores and gathered in a setting inspired by evenings around the campfire.
Inside, guests also experienced Hike + Camp’s interactive trailhead. The custom wooden structure, created by Mike Brown of Rustic Industrial in Mendota, allows visitors to explore park maps, trail information, local recommendations, upcoming events at Camp Aramoni, and a preview of the Camp Aramoni property.
The interactive experience is designed to help visitors make more of their time in Starved Rock Country, whether they are planning their first hike, returning to a favorite trail, or looking for something new to experience.
Giving Back to the Parks
During the grand opening, Hike + Camp announced that 1% of its net proceeds will be donated to the parks through the Starved Rock Foundation, the official nonprofit partner of Starved Rock State Park.
The ongoing commitment represents a first-of-its-kind local business partnership with the Foundation and reflects Hike + Camp’s goal of helping care for the places that inspired the store.
The Trail Ahead…
Hike + Camp will continue bringing the outdoor community together through pop-ups, collaborations, and special events throughout the year.
The first event will be held with Heritage Corridor Destinations on July 10 at 5 p.m. Additional event announcements will be shared in the coming weeks.
Hike + Camp Hours
Monday: Noon–5 p.m.
Thursday: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Hike + Camp is located in downtown Utica at 107 Mill St, just minutes from Starved Rock State Park.
Come experience the great indoors, inspired by the great outdoors.
About Hike + Camp
Hike + Camp is an outdoor lifestyle store in downtown Utica, Illinois, created through a collaboration between Starved Rock Hikers and Camp Aramoni. The store offers trail-ready gear, camping essentials, outdoor apparel, curated provisions, thoughtful gifts, locally made goods, and resources for exploring Starved Rock Country.
Hike + Camp is a basecamp for hikers, campers, weekend travelers, park visitors, and anyone looking to get outside more.
Photographs courtesy of reelCreative.
Media Contact
Matthew Klein
Co-Founder, Hike + Camp