City/town information
Lots of local wines, whiskey, microbrews, great food, some shopping, places to eat outdoors in fair weather. Electric bike rental and regular bike rental. Fishing supplies. Festivals and events year round and live entertainment. Highly recommend!
For a Calendar of events go to their webpage
utica-il.com
POPULAR EVENTS: Mardi Gras Parade, St. Patrick's Day Parade, Buffalo Bill Days, Fireworks, Porkfest, Craft Beer Festival, Wine Festival, Burgoo, Witches Walk, Veterans Day Parade & Canal Connection 5K, and Old Fashioned Christmas in the Village.
12 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
North Utica
Lots of local wines, whiskey, microbrews, great food, some shopping, places to eat outdoors in fair weather. Electric bike rental and regular bike rental. Fishing supplies. Festivals and events year round and live entertainment. Highly recommend!
For a Calendar of events go to their webpage
utica-il.com
POPULAR EVENTS: Mardi Gras Parade, St. Patrick's Day Parade, Buffalo Bill Days, Fireworks, Porkfest, Craft Beer Festival, Wine Festival, Burgoo, Witches Walk, Veterans Day Parade & Canal Connection 5K, and Old Fashioned Christmas in the Village.
Downtown Ottawa has a wide variety of shops and restaurants for you to enjoy, along with a brewery and wine bar. Lots of historical places to visit. Visit the Ottawa Visitor Center at 1028 LaSalle St. or call 815-434-2737.
OR visit http://pickusottawail.com
7 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Ottawa
Downtown Ottawa has a wide variety of shops and restaurants for you to enjoy, along with a brewery and wine bar. Lots of historical places to visit. Visit the Ottawa Visitor Center at 1028 LaSalle St. or call 815-434-2737.
OR visit http://pickusottawail.com
Streator
Mural tour, Food Truck Fest in May, unique shops.
Streator.org
Sightseeing
Beautiful waterfalls! Beautiful views! Bathed in nature! What more could you want?!
14 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center
2678 East 873 RoadBeautiful waterfalls! Beautiful views! Bathed in nature! What more could you want?!
More hiking and waterfalls for you to enjoy!
43 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Parke ng Estado ng Matthiessen
2500 IL-178More hiking and waterfalls for you to enjoy!
https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/Parks/Pages/BuffaloRock.aspx
Hiking, picnicking, fishing, etc.
26 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Buffalo Rock State Park
1300 N 27th Rdhttps://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/Parks/Pages/BuffaloRock.aspx
Hiking, picnicking, fishing, etc.
Bald Eagle Weekend, usually the last weekend of January.
Contact either the Sue & Wes Dixon Waterfowl Refuge at Hennepin: https://www.illinoisriverroad.org/places/united-states/illinois/hennepin/nature-outdoor-recreation/sue-wes-dixon-waterfowl-refuge-at-hennepin-hopper-lakes/
OR The Wetlands Initiative:http://www.wetlands-initiative.org/dixon-waterfowl-refuge-hh
Sue And Wes Dixon Waterfowl Refuge
780 East RoadBald Eagle Weekend, usually the last weekend of January.
Contact either the Sue & Wes Dixon Waterfowl Refuge at Hennepin: https://www.illinoisriverroad.org/places/united-states/illinois/hennepin/nature-outdoor-recreation/sue-wes-dixon-waterfowl-refuge-at-hennepin-hopper-lakes/
OR The Wetlands Initiative:http://www.wetlands-initiative.org/dixon-waterfowl-refuge-hh
Catlin County Park is a 333-acre park with a well-organized trail system that hosts 14 distinct trails, plus numerous connecting trails running throughout the park's habitat, which includes its various streams and ponds. The park's horse trail are also recognized as some of the best trails in the area. Open May-November
2560 E 1251st Rd
2560 East 1251st RoadCatlin County Park is a 333-acre park with a well-organized trail system that hosts 14 distinct trails, plus numerous connecting trails running throughout the park's habitat, which includes its various streams and ponds. The park's horse trail are also recognized as some of the best trails in the area. Open May-November
A 253-acre preserve owned by The Conservation Foundation and leased to the City of Ottawa. The preserve follows the Fox River for more than a mile, sporting 100-foot bluffs overlooking the river valley, fourteen ravine systems, restored prairie and woodlands, Native American burial mounds, and a pioneer cemetery. There is a parking area, information bulletin board with brochure and map, bathroom, and designated trails throughout the property.
Dayton Bluffs Preserve
2997 IL-71A 253-acre preserve owned by The Conservation Foundation and leased to the City of Ottawa. The preserve follows the Fox River for more than a mile, sporting 100-foot bluffs overlooking the river valley, fourteen ravine systems, restored prairie and woodlands, Native American burial mounds, and a pioneer cemetery. There is a parking area, information bulletin board with brochure and map, bathroom, and designated trails throughout the property.
Food scene
Best breakfast around!! Baked goods are great too! And very friendly service! Highly recommend!
Not a lot of seating though, so if you're with a group you might want to get yours to go. Outdoor seating in fair weather!
10 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Nonies Bakery & Cafe
522 S Clark StBest breakfast around!! Baked goods are great too! And very friendly service! Highly recommend!
Not a lot of seating though, so if you're with a group you might want to get yours to go. Outdoor seating in fair weather!
UpTownGrill.com
601 First St., LaSalle, IL
815-224-4545
Ad says area's largest menu, open 7 days a week, lunch through dinner, kid friendly food, patio dining (dogs welcome), modern, casual comfort, craft brew & wine selection, live music, private banquet room, minutes from starved rock.
10 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Uptown Grill
601 1st StUpTownGrill.com
601 First St., LaSalle, IL
815-224-4545
Ad says area's largest menu, open 7 days a week, lunch through dinner, kid friendly food, patio dining (dogs welcome), modern, casual comfort, craft brew & wine selection, live music, private banquet room, minutes from starved rock.
Lock 16 Cafe at 754 First st., LaSalle, IL
815-223-1851
serves breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week at reasonable prices.
We have not had a chance to eat here yet but it's on our list!
6 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Lock 16 Cafe & Visitor Center
754 1st StLock 16 Cafe at 754 First st., LaSalle, IL
815-223-1851
serves breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week at reasonable prices.
We have not had a chance to eat here yet but it's on our list!
I think they may have changed the name but this is the restaurant located at the Grand Bear Lodge. We used to love their pizza but they changed the recipe. We've eaten there once and weren't impressed and it was very expensive pre-pandemic. There are so many other great places to eat that we don't recommend it, but are listing it as it's the most convenient.
Jack's Place Restaurant & Bar
2643 Illinois 178I think they may have changed the name but this is the restaurant located at the Grand Bear Lodge. We used to love their pizza but they changed the recipe. We've eaten there once and weren't impressed and it was very expensive pre-pandemic. There are so many other great places to eat that we don't recommend it, but are listing it as it's the most convenient.
Serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, open 7 days a week. We've eaten her several times. You get a lot of food for your money.
6 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Joy & Ed's Supper Club
113 Mill StServes breakfast, lunch and dinner, open 7 days a week. We've eaten her several times. You get a lot of food for your money.
Absolutely love the food here! Highly recommend!
Famous for their wings as far as Chicago!
Open 7 days a week, hours vary.
9 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Skoog's Pub & Grill
155 Mill StAbsolutely love the food here! Highly recommend!
Famous for their wings as far as Chicago!
Open 7 days a week, hours vary.
We eat here a lot. Great takeout! And I think they deliver to the villa. A tad expensive, but worth it. Love the lasagna!
https://myrosatis.com/lasalle/
Rosati's Pizza
148 Gooding StWe eat here a lot. Great takeout! And I think they deliver to the villa. A tad expensive, but worth it. Love the lasagna!
https://myrosatis.com/lasalle/
Starved Rock Pizza
Good Pizza!
Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
Activites
Fun little historical jaunt for everyone!
Check out the I&M Canal Towns!Lemont, Lockport, LaSalle,Morris, Locks 6, 7 & 8, and Ottawa. Museums, historical buildings, places to shop and eat; too many to list here!
6 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Lock 16 Cafe & Visitor Center
754 1st StFun little historical jaunt for everyone!
Check out the I&M Canal Towns!Lemont, Lockport, LaSalle,Morris, Locks 6, 7 & 8, and Ottawa. Museums, historical buildings, places to shop and eat; too many to list here!
https://www.kayakmorris.com/starved-rock-kayak-tour/
Tour Starved Rock country by kayak!
Kayak Starved Rock
1170 North 27th Roadhttps://www.kayakmorris.com/starved-rock-kayak-tour/
Tour Starved Rock country by kayak!
Cedar Creek Ranch
https://ccrstables.com/
Horseback riding, petting zoo, Gator rides, Goat yoga, fishing, parties & events!
So much fun! We highly recommend this place as well as some of our guests have thoroughly enjoyed it! Call before you go!!!
8 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Cedar Creek Ranch
249 IL-71Cedar Creek Ranch
https://ccrstables.com/
Horseback riding, petting zoo, Gator rides, Goat yoga, fishing, parties & events!
So much fun! We highly recommend this place as well as some of our guests have thoroughly enjoyed it! Call before you go!!!
https://iandmcanal.org
Canal boat trips, bike trails, canal towns, water activities, history & culture, & food!
I&M Canal Boat
Illinois and Michigan Canal Trailhttps://iandmcanal.org
Canal boat trips, bike trails, canal towns, water activities, history & culture, & food!
Senica’s Oak Ridge Golf Club
658 U.S. 6https://www.senicagolf.com/
Call for a tee time.
Deer Park Country Club
100 Deer Park Lnhttps://www.deerparkgc.com
Call for a tee time.
Utica electric bike rental inc.
1851 North 2871st Roadhttps://www.uticaebike.com/
Rents electric bikes!
Illinois and MIchigan Canal
Bike rental along the canal towns!
https://iandmcanal.org/bike/
Interactive Games & Playground,
Escape rooms! Children's play area!
https://starvedrockentertainment.com/
Starved Rock Entertainment
201 Donaldson StInteractive Games & Playground,
Escape rooms! Children's play area!
https://starvedrockentertainment.com/
And adventure filled with secret passages, giant slides, and undead abominations all leading you to the zombie-infested woods you must cross to safety!
https://www.hellsgate.com/
HellsGate Haunted House
3101 Canal StAnd adventure filled with secret passages, giant slides, and undead abominations all leading you to the zombie-infested woods you must cross to safety!
https://www.hellsgate.com/
The Lodge has a multitude of activities including Bald Eagle Trolley Tours and Hike and Lunch tours, and live entertainment. Visit the site to find out what is happening during your stay.
Activities:https://www.starvedrocklodge.com/activities/activities/
Bald Eagle Trolley Tour:https://www.starvedrocklodge.com/event/bald-eagle-trolley-tours-2022-01-07/
Guided Activities: https://www.starvedrocklodge.com/events/category/guided-activities/
Dining: https://www.starvedrocklodge.com/dining/dining/
Live Entertainment: https://www.starvedrocklodge.com/events/category/entertainment/live-music/
Starved Rock Lodge & Conference Center
One Lodge LaneThe Lodge has a multitude of activities including Bald Eagle Trolley Tours and Hike and Lunch tours, and live entertainment. Visit the site to find out what is happening during your stay.
Activities:https://www.starvedrocklodge.com/activities/activities/
Bald Eagle Trolley Tour:https://www.starvedrocklodge.com/event/bald-eagle-trolley-tours-2022-01-07/
Guided Activities: https://www.starvedrocklodge.com/events/category/guided-activities/
Dining: https://www.starvedrocklodge.com/dining/dining/
Live Entertainment: https://www.starvedrocklodge.com/events/category/entertainment/live-music/
Quest Watersports
1800 N2871st RoadKayak and paddleboard rental and purchase.
https://www.questwatersports.com
Located in Marseilles, guides take guests on a canopy biplane tour that whips through the treetops at speeds that can reach up to 45 mph. Platforms and suspension bridges are surrounded by native trees, and you'll have a great view of the Illinois River Valley as you zip along 85 feet above the woods!
http://www.zipchicago.com
Zip Chicago
2681 E Rte. 6Located in Marseilles, guides take guests on a canopy biplane tour that whips through the treetops at speeds that can reach up to 45 mph. Platforms and suspension bridges are surrounded by native trees, and you'll have a great view of the Illinois River Valley as you zip along 85 feet above the woods!
http://www.zipchicago.com
Located on a sprawling complex in Ottawa for both first-time jumpers and experienced skydivers!
https://skydivechicago.com
16 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Skydive Chicago
3215 E 1969th RdLocated on a sprawling complex in Ottawa for both first-time jumpers and experienced skydivers!
https://skydivechicago.com
vermillionriverrafting.com
799 North 2249th Road, Oglesby, IL
815-667+5242
6 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Vermillion River Rafting
779 N 2249th Rdvermillionriverrafting.com
799 North 2249th Road, Oglesby, IL
815-667+5242
Marilla Park, Streator, IL
A 65-acre wooded park with hiking, fishing, a disc golf course, and mountain bike trails used for part of the Illinois State Championship Series.
Marilla Park Road
Marilla Park RoadMarilla Park, Streator, IL
A 65-acre wooded park with hiking, fishing, a disc golf course, and mountain bike trails used for part of the Illinois State Championship Series.
Located in Streator, this park features a fishing pond with a beautiful pier right off the track. The track is 1/3 of a mile long with six workout stations. There is a playground with baby swings, regular swings, a pirate ship, and bongo drums. McPhedran Park is the only park in town that is pet friendly.
Mcphedran Park
299 Oakwood AvenueLocated in Streator, this park features a fishing pond with a beautiful pier right off the track. The track is 1/3 of a mile long with six workout stations. There is a playground with baby swings, regular swings, a pirate ship, and bongo drums. McPhedran Park is the only park in town that is pet friendly.
Riverwalk & Fox River Park
1025 Ontario Street, Ottawa
P paved walking path started at Fox River Park at East Superior and Champlain Streets and continues to Downtown Ottawa along the Illinois River. The park includes a splash pad, 9-hole disc golf course, playground, shelter, docks, boat launch, fishing area, and more.
Fox River Park
717 Hudson StRiverwalk & Fox River Park
1025 Ontario Street, Ottawa
P paved walking path started at Fox River Park at East Superior and Champlain Streets and continues to Downtown Ottawa along the Illinois River. The park includes a splash pad, 9-hole disc golf course, playground, shelter, docks, boat launch, fishing area, and more.
Historical Homes, Sites, Museums, Etc.
12 acre outdoor history museum of 30 historical buildings and structures from the area.
https://napersettlement.org/
17 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Naper Settlement
523 S Webster St12 acre outdoor history museum of 30 historical buildings and structures from the area.
https://napersettlement.org/
This is a great tour in Ottawa on the square across from the park to commemorate the Lincoln Douglas debate and war memorials! Makes for a nice afternoon tour and walk around the square! Not too long or too short. Interesting history and beautiful furnishings! Guide was very knowledgeable! Fee was very reasonable! I DO NOT RECOMMEND FOR KIDS because of the fragile antiques!
http://reddickmansion.org
6 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Reddick Mansion Association
100 W Lafayette StThis is a great tour in Ottawa on the square across from the park to commemorate the Lincoln Douglas debate and war memorials! Makes for a nice afternoon tour and walk around the square! Not too long or too short. Interesting history and beautiful furnishings! Guide was very knowledgeable! Fee was very reasonable! I DO NOT RECOMMEND FOR KIDS because of the fragile antiques!
http://reddickmansion.org
If you don't mind the drive and love historical houses, try this one! Very interesting and beautiful furnishings! May have one of the oldest structures in the state!
NOT GOOD FOR SMALL CHILDREN
https://pchistorical.com/pulsifer-house/
Illinois 26
Illinois 26If you don't mind the drive and love historical houses, try this one! Very interesting and beautiful furnishings! May have one of the oldest structures in the state!
NOT GOOD FOR SMALL CHILDREN
https://pchistorical.com/pulsifer-house/
This one is a bit expensive and takes a while, but it is bigger than the other mansions for touring. If you're up for it, it looks like it has some great history and beautiful furnishings.
I DO NOT RECOMMEND FOR CHILDREN!
https://hegelercarus.org
Hegeler Carus Foundation
1307 7th StreetThis one is a bit expensive and takes a while, but it is bigger than the other mansions for touring. If you're up for it, it looks like it has some great history and beautiful furnishings.
I DO NOT RECOMMEND FOR CHILDREN!
https://hegelercarus.org
The Owen Lovejoy Homestead was a stop on the Underground Railroad. Today the city of Princeton operates an intriguing peek into life in the pre-Civil War Era at the Owen Lovejoy Homestead which also includes the one-room Colton Schoolhouse.
https://owenlovejoyhomestead.com
6 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Owen Lovejoy House
East Peru StreetThe Owen Lovejoy Homestead was a stop on the Underground Railroad. Today the city of Princeton operates an intriguing peek into life in the pre-Civil War Era at the Owen Lovejoy Homestead which also includes the one-room Colton Schoolhouse.
https://owenlovejoyhomestead.com
Located in Mendota and rich in railway history, stop by for guided tours and to see a section of the Illinois Central, which hauled 30% of union troops and supplies to the south during the Civil War!
http://www.illinoisadventuretv.org/index.asp?page=st&site=1088
OR https://www.mendotamuseums.org
Union Depot Railroad Museum
683 Main StreetLocated in Mendota and rich in railway history, stop by for guided tours and to see a section of the Illinois Central, which hauled 30% of union troops and supplies to the south during the Civil War!
http://www.illinoisadventuretv.org/index.asp?page=st&site=1088
OR https://www.mendotamuseums.org
Located in Utica. Includes the Canal Warehouse and Heritage Center Museum along with a one-room school house, blacksmith shop and the Canal Market. Canal Warehouse Museum is housed in a historic 1840's stone canal warehouse at 101 E. Canal Street.
Sheridan Historical Society
115 North Robinson StreetLocated in Utica. Includes the Canal Warehouse and Heritage Center Museum along with a one-room school house, blacksmith shop and the Canal Market. Canal Warehouse Museum is housed in a historic 1840's stone canal warehouse at 101 E. Canal Street.
Charming country Tudor with themed rooms named for celebrities the owner Ted Weber once interviewed. Manicured English garden. Open to the public.
1503 Baker St., Streator
815-672-8327
WeberHouseAndGarden.com
Weber House & Garden
1503 Baker StreetCharming country Tudor with themed rooms named for celebrities the owner Ted Weber once interviewed. Manicured English garden. Open to the public.
1503 Baker St., Streator
815-672-8327
WeberHouseAndGarden.com
Winter Activities
ICE CLIMBING
When conditions are right, the Wildcat, LaSalle, Ottawa and Tony canyons are the ones allowed for ice climbing. You must have a partner and bring your own gear. contact the park office for permission and ice conditions, then sign in when you arrive.
https://www.starvedrockcountry.com/2021/03/02/ice-climbing-at-starved-rock-state-park/
https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/Parks/Activity/Documents/Starved%20Rock%20Ice%20Climbing.pdf
14 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center
2678 East 873 RoadICE CLIMBING
When conditions are right, the Wildcat, LaSalle, Ottawa and Tony canyons are the ones allowed for ice climbing. You must have a partner and bring your own gear. contact the park office for permission and ice conditions, then sign in when you arrive.
https://www.starvedrockcountry.com/2021/03/02/ice-climbing-at-starved-rock-state-park/
https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/Parks/Activity/Documents/Starved%20Rock%20Ice%20Climbing.pdf
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
You can rent skis in the Dells Area of Matthiessen State Park and glide out onto six miles of slow trails on weekends from December through March weather permitting. Lessons are offered at the park during the Cross-Country Ski Weekend in February.
https://www.starvedrockcountry.com/2021/03/02/cross-country-skiing-returns-to-starved-rock-region/
https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/Parks/Activity/Pages/Matthiessen.aspx
43 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Parke ng Estado ng Matthiessen
2500 IL-178CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
You can rent skis in the Dells Area of Matthiessen State Park and glide out onto six miles of slow trails on weekends from December through March weather permitting. Lessons are offered at the park during the Cross-Country Ski Weekend in February.
https://www.starvedrockcountry.com/2021/03/02/cross-country-skiing-returns-to-starved-rock-region/
https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/Parks/Activity/Pages/Matthiessen.aspx
WINTER HIKING GUIDED HIKES
Hikes to the LaSalle Canyon, Lover's Leap and Eagle Cliff for the best views of majestic bald eagles in flight!
Starved Rock Lodge & Conference Center
One Lodge LaneWINTER HIKING GUIDED HIKES
Hikes to the LaSalle Canyon, Lover's Leap and Eagle Cliff for the best views of majestic bald eagles in flight!
Marinas & Boat Rental & Bait
Anchor in Marina
1 E Dupont RoadRent pontoon boats
1 East Dupont Rd, Seneca
815-357-6666
anchorinmarina.com
Starved Rock Marina
1130 N 27th RdPontoon Boats
1 Dee Bennet Rd., Ottawa
815-667-4421
starvedrockadventures.com
Heritage Harbor Marina
421 Great Loop E DrVisitHeritageHarbor.com
100 Heritage Harbor Drive, Ottawa
815-433-5000
Allen Park 400 Courtney St, Ottawa
This riverfront park includes 2 boat launches, three docs, a fishing area, playground, toboggan run, a riverwalk, and shelters.
8 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Allen Park
400 Courtney StreetAllen Park 400 Courtney St, Ottawa
This riverfront park includes 2 boat launches, three docs, a fishing area, playground, toboggan run, a riverwalk, and shelters.
Apple Bee's Bait
2956 Illinois 178Nearest bait shop 2956 N. Rte. 178, Utica, IL
815-66-7036
Open 7 days a week.