A mid-1800’s architectural wonder helped make Chicago the city it is today. The 96-mile Illinois & Michigan Canal (I&M Canal) connected the Great Lakes in Bridgeport, Chicago to the Illinois River at LaSalle-Peru, and amazingly unique towns sprung up that maintain their authentic charm to this date.
Freedom. The Open Road. The American Dream. All are still alive on The Mother Road. The nostalgia of diners, museums, tourist stops and neon lights are there for you to visit as you make the drive from Chicago to Santa Monica, CA. You can still get your Kicks on Route 66!
A visit to Starved Rock State Park consists of many sights to behold, including breathtaking views of its many canyons and awe-inspiring scenes of eagles flying during the winter month.
Are you looking for a specific type of place to visit in the I&M Canal Heritage Corridor? If you're a craft beer fan, you will love the Heritage Corridor Ale Trail? Seeing a thrilling journey or just an escape, check out Adventure Outside Chicago. We've got all the info to unlock your next trip right here.
A visit to Starved Rock State Park consists of many sights to behold, including breathtaking views of its many canyons and awe-inspiring scenes of eagles flying during the winter month. The area known as Starved Rock Country contains so much more! Nearby Matthiessen State Park and Buffalo Rock State Park offer more views of the landscape. Don’t miss some of the great restaurants, like The Lone Buffalo or The Pink Chihuahua in Ottawa, IL for some tasty bites. There are even great indoor adventures, including exploring the historic Hegeler Carus Mansion in LaSalle or tasting some of the great wines from August Hill Winery in Utica. Starved Rock is more than a day trip, and is definitely full of more adventure than you would expect.
Enjoy Starved Rock Country's only guided history tour. Offering eight tours covering different aspects of our past. Features The Radium Girls of Ottawa, Illinois, Ottawa History Bike or Walking, Indian Burial Mounds and Forgotten Graveyards Tour, and Haunted Ottawa Tour.
Boggio’s Orchard & Produce is a family-oriented owned orchard and produce. Their orchard includes freshly picked produce, bakery, livestock farm and local craft shows. Kids of all ages will enjoy the tunnels of fun, petting zoo, pony rides, hay rides, peddle carts and the corn maze. If you are looking for the best apple cider donuts in the Chicagoland area, than look no further than Boggio’s Orchard and Produce. Boggio’s is also the place to be for picking your own apples and ...
Buffalo Range Shooting Park is centrally located near the Illinois River and historic Starved Rock State Park. Buffalo Range is Illinois’ largest outdoor public shooting range that includes a 100 yard, 50 yard, trap, pistol and unique plinking pit. Buffalo Range Shooting Park is a family friendly establishment that offers a variety of shooting ranges to meet your needs. The shooting park also offers concealed carry classes and defense training. There is plenty of open green spaces ...
City Folk Urban Décor offers affordable Fine Art, African Art, signed Pottery & Glass and Custom Picture Framing. All items in our store come with information about the designer, age of item and history, if known.
Dayton Bluffs Preserve is a 253-acre nature park along the Fox River, owned by The Conservation Foundation and leased to the City of Ottawa. Walking trails through woods, prairie and along the river, cared for by Friends of Dayton Bluffs.
Founded in 2003, Festival 56 (small town, BIG DRAMA) is a summer theatre festival located in Princeton, IL. Festival 56 produces multiple broadway productions and free Shakespeare in the park. In our off season, Festival 56 offers many special events and concerts. Out beautiful Greave Theater is available to rent for your special events.
A spectacular family getaway just beyond the natural beauty of Starved Rock State Park Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Resort offers a casual and playful dining scene with a fun restaurant, bar and a convenient snack shop. The Honey Pot offers a convenient place to grab a quick bite to eat. Jack's Place Restaurant & Bar is a casual dining spot serving classic American cuisine, a selection of beverages, and frozen cocktails. The Bear Island Outdoor Bar & Grill is the place to unwind ...
The Hegeler Carus Mansion is a National Historic Landmark in LaSalle, Illinois (just a short drive from Starved Rock State Park). The mansion is open year round, Wednesday through Sunday with one-hour guided tour begins at the top of the hour starting at noon each day. Virtually unaltered since its completion more than a century ago, the 57 room Mansion, built in 1874, is an example of high artistic achievement in architecture and interior design and the site of historic accomplishments ...
The Heritage Harbor Marina offers 32 acres of nearly 8-foot deep harbor, boasts a harbor opening width of 200 feet and hosts 152 boat slips ranging between 35 and 60 feet. Watercraft rentals are also available for you to explore the water at your own pace with options like pontoons, electric boats, jet skis, kayaks, and stand up paddle boards.
The Hornbaker Gardens is a family owned and operated nursery located just 5 miles southeast of Princeton. Hornbaker Gardens is a specialty destination garden center, arboretum and botanical gardens in one beautiful location. Stroll through the extensive display gardens for inspiration. The garden center stocks over 400 varieties of hostas along with a large selection of perennials, tree & shrubs, daylilies and other perennials, grasses, aquatics, annuals, pottery, granite ...
The Hume-Carnegie Museum hosts an extensive photographic collection depicting over 100 years of Mendota area history. You won't want to miss it's Wild Bill Hickok collection. Other highlights include three Western cottage organs and a Carpenter organ manufactured in Mendota in the late 1800's, over 5,000 photographs and memorabilia items, and a medical exhibit featuring items from the 1920's.
Come journey back in time aboard the “Volunteer,” a 70-passenger, mule-pulled 1840’s replica canal boat as it coasts gently up and down the I&M Canal. Climb aboard for an hour of peaceful, historical fun! Families of all ages, historians, photographers and nature lovers will love this historic journey into Illinois’ scenic past! Special group tours & boat rides are available.
The I&M Canal Visitor Center presently has visitor information for sites throughout the national heritage area to help you plan your trip. Our map table is especially of interest to many. A story band and an 8 foot by 40 foot mural help tell the canal story. More exhibits are currently being planned for an unveiling for our 35th anniversary in late August 2019. Be sure to pick up brochures and visitor guides.
The Lock 16 Visitor Center offers a combination of history, and ...
Named for the “deadliest animal on the planet,” the Pistol Shrimp collegiate wood bat baseball team competes in the Prospect League, which spans 7 states and is made up of top college players from across the US hoping to catch the eye of an MLB scout.
Pistol Shrimp games are fun, affordable and family friendly! Enjoy delicious eats from local food vendors, a variety of beverages including our new signature Pistol Shrimp golden ale "Short Hop" by Tangled Roots Brewing Co, ...
This Visitor Center is located across the Illinois River from Starved Rock State Park, offering a great view of Starved Rock. View Starved Rock Lock & Dam and enjoy interacting with towboat Pilot House, while you learn about Illinois River's unique history and watch wildlife. History detectives can discover displays about early users of the Illinois River, the I&M Canal and how water transportation transformed the United States. Throughout the summer the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ...
After living in California for 35 years, the Illinois born Sally, since the fall of 2018 calls the Illinois Valley home. Healer, spiritual teacher – brain tumor survivor at 37 – continues to make a difference in thousands of lives worldwide from the inside, out, since she founded www.intuitiveartsandsciences.com in 1986 at 24 years of age.
Sally facilitates for individuals and organizations personal empowerment, more fulfilling relationships, deeper compassion, ...
Kayak Starved Rock Campground has high end kayak rentals, Guided Kayak Tours and riverside camping. Located right on the shores of the Illinois river right across from Starved Rock State Park. Enjoy sweeping views of towering St. Peter's sandstone bluffs, soaring bald eagles and beautiful sandy islands. Experience a weekend hiking the 18 canyons within the park and kayaking this beautiful area.
The LaSalle County Historical Society campus is located on the banks of the historic I&M Canal and is situated in the quaint village of Utica, Illinois, bordering beautiful Starved Rock State Park. The museum campus features five facilities: the Canal Warehouse, the One-Room School House, the Heritage Center, the Blacksmith Shop and the 1875 Barn. On Sundays in May – September, the historical society is home to the canal market. The LaSalle County Historical Society ...
Matthiessen State Park is an Illinois state park located a few miles south of the more famous Starved Rock State Park. Matthiessen State Park is a paradise for those interested in geology, as well as recreation. With a visit to this state park, you can expect to see beautiful rock formations in addition to unusual and abundant vegetation and wildlife. An abundance of activities will be found at Matthiessen including, camping, fishing, horseback riding trails, geocaching, and ...
Mendota Museum & Historical Society's mission is to promote the preservation of the history of Mendota, its railroads and recognizing agricultural heritage through three museums. Relive history at the Hume-Carnegie Museum, Union Railroad Depot Museum, and the Breaking the Prairie Museum.
The mission of NCI ARTWorks is to inspire growth among artists through artistic collaboration, educational outreach and art space development. NCI ARTWorks promotes quality professionalism and diversity in the arts in a positive manner. It is also our mission to create venues which support public and private education, community events, economic development and cultural tourism.
The Vision of North Central Illinois ARTworks is based on three initiatives, Artistic Collaboration, ...
Open Space Art Gallery and Studios aims to inspire and empower the community through the arts. Located in Ottawa (a few minutes from Starved Rock State Park), The Gallery is a space for the artists to show their work in a professional setting and gives them the opportunity to sell their peices. The Communal Studio is a place for artists to create. They hold classes and private parties as well to truly embrace your inner artist.
The Ottawa Historical and Scouting Heritage Museum is dedicated to the preservation of the history of the Ottawa, Illinois area and Boy Scouting, Lone Scouts, and Girl Scouting.
The Putnam County Historical Society hosts an annual agriculture museum open house in August. The museum is home to antique farm equipment, a permanent exhibit on the history of corn in the U.S., a permanent exhibit on the Illinois River and area wildlife. The Agriculture Museum is open by appointment.
A trip to the Starved Rock State Park area is refreshing, especially when you make a stop at Ottawa's SaltTreeYoga.
Everything at SaltTreeYoga focuses on restoring wellness and balance to the body, mind, and spirit. All services help with pain, detox, and/or relaxation. So many people in today's world are looking for more proactive choices to support their health and well-being. Their goal is to provide some of the latest natural healing methods and educational opportunities ...
The Seattle Sutton Marseilles Museum helps us remember our rich history. That history starts in the 1830's when settlers in built a cabin by the Illinois river. The arrival of the Illinois-Michigan Canal (1848), the railroad (1853), and the Nabisco factory (1902) are also milestones in our city's history.
The purpose of the Seneca Historical Guild is to bring people together interested in history, and especially in the history of Seneca, Illinois. The Guild’s major function is to discover, collect, observe, advance, and disseminate knowledge of the history of Seneca. The Seneca Area Heritage Museum highlights the many layers of history of Seneca, Illinois, including the I&M Canal and the LST Shipyards.
Skydive Chicago is located off of I-80 in Ottawa, Illinois (in Starved Rock Country) and nestled on 230 acres of forested land along the Fox River. Skydive Chicago is home of World VFS Champions SFC Core and National Silver FS Medalists SDC Rhythm XP. In 2016, Skydive Chicago hosted the World Parachuting Championships FAI Mondial. Skydive Chicago is the Midwest’s world class skydiving resort offering skydiving classes for beginners to the more experienced. They also have cabins ...
Spirit Farms is a diverse, modern farming operation located in the heart of Illinois farm country in Sheridan, Illinois, with state of the art facilities and equipment. Spirit Farms is dedicated to the forward progress of farming in our nation. Spirit farms hosts many events throughout the year including the Progressive Ag Safety Day, Summer Kids Camps, Community Events, Agricultural Tours, and Continuing Educations Seminars.
The faith and worship of the apostles: a blessing now more than ever. Serving Spring Valley and the greater Starved Rock Area since 1918. All services in English. Motto: Love, Pray, Repent
Sunday morning worship 8:45 matins, 10 Divine Liturgy
5 minutes south of Interstate 80, just west of Peru. Come and see!
Stage 212, Inc. has been Starved Rock Country's community theater since 1968. It is an all volunteer run organization featuring local talent. Stage 212, in LaSalle, hosts four main stage productions per year, along with a children's production and various off-season productions.
Visiting Starved Rock? Your adventure starts here! Itineraries by local experts, community of avid hikers, focus on must-see hiking destinations, natural features of the park, wildlife viewing areas, and more!
Whether you’re a history buff, outdoor enthusiast or just enjoy relaxing in the Great Hall, Starved Rock Lodge offers an abundance of activities for everyone. Guided activities include Trolley Tours, River Cruises, and guided hikes. In addition to guided activities, massages can also be scheduled for a little R&R by scheduling your choice of massage in a quiet cabin with soft, calming music and soothing scents. The tranquil, wooded setting takes you away from the troubles ...
Starved Rock State Park is a world apart from anything else in Illinois. From the minute you wind your car through the towering trees, you will feel as if you are away from everyday life. Starved Rock has 13 miles of trails to explore and the Illinois River offers fishing, boating, extraordinary views and great places to relax. Towering canyons are visible all year round with amazing waterfalls that are active in the spring and after heavy rainfall. No matter what the season ...
300 acres of wooded trails to ride your jeep. ATV, 4X4. UTV Bike, and more! Also, check out our Zip Lines and 5k Obstacle Course! Open Weekends from 9am-5pm
The Weber House & Garden, is located south of Chicago near Starved Rock State Park and sits on 2 acres in Streator, Illinois. The Weber House & Garden immerses visitors in storybook/Tudor architecture and English-style gardens. Visits will receive an intimate look at American history through the eyes of Ted Weber, a Chicago area radio and TV personality for over 50 years. The inside of the Weber House consists of cozy candlelit rooms that reflect the 18th century. The house consists ...
The Westclox Museum in Peru, Illinois presents visitors with a history of the Western Clock Company, better known as Westclox. The museum is located in a portion of the historic Westclox building. On exhibit is a large collection of Tick Talk Magazines that hold all of the wonderful stories of the thousands of employees who worked at the Westclox factory. Learn about the company that began waking up America, and eventually the world in 1885 at the Westclox Museum.
Historically important and architecturally unique, the Reddick Mansion anchors Washington Square, the site of the first Lincoln-Douglas Debate in Ottawa, Illinois. Finished in 1858, the Reddick Mansion, a lovely 22-room Italianate structure, was possibly the most expensive and ornate pre-Civil War home built in Illinois. Take a step back into the 19th century and visit the Reddick Mansion, where numerous rooms have been restored to their previous grandeur. A $1.4 million exterior ...
FREE VISITORS GUIDE
FREE VISITORS GUIDE
