Starved Rock State Park

Seasonal waterfalls, awe-inspiring bluffs and rugged canyons dominate the storied landscape at Starved Rock. Rich with history and beauty, Starved Rock’s hiking trails meander through towering trees and scenic overlooks along the Illinois River. Outdoor activities include hiking, canoeing, paddleboat cruises, cross-country skiing, trolley rides, fishing and picnicking. Visitors can stay at the historic Starved Rock Lodge or in one of its cozy cabins.

CITY: Utica

Buffalo Rock State Park and Effigy Tumuli

On the bluffs of the Illinois River stand five earthen sculptures molded from Illinois clay. Called Effigy Tumuli, this unique "earth art" is a grand sculpture. Biking, canoeing, hiking, snowmobiling, picnicking, cross-country ski trails, and ball field.

CITY: Ottawa

LaSalle Canal Boat & Lock 16 Visitors Center

Mule pulled canal boat rides with period clothed storyteller, open May-October. The year-round Visitor center includes exhibits, programs, visitor information, cafe and gift shop.

CITY: LaSalle

Grand Village of the Illinois

In 1673, this was the site of the first Native American contact with Europeans when Father Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet passed up the Illinois River. Located in the middle of the site is the 1851 Sulphur Springs Hotel, a resort for travelers and visitors.

CITY: Utica

Lock 16 Center

Visitor Center where you can board the LaSalle Canal Boat, and enjoy the scenery, history and relaxation of a mule pulled ride on the waterway that changed the face of the nation – the historic Illinois & Michigan Canal.

CITY: LaSalle

Weber House and Garden

Historic home long associated with the rich and famous, Weber House sits in an English garden of meandering paths, hollyhocks and old oaks. Inside cozy candlelit rooms reflect the 18th century.

CITY: Streator

Ottawa Scouting Museum

A museum to promote and preserve the colorful and proud traditions of Boy/ Girl Scouting and Campfire.

CITY: Ottawa

Hegeler Carus Mansion

Tours: Wednesday - Sunday at noon, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM. 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 in industry, philosophy, publishing and religion. National Historic Landmark. Visit us at www.hegelercarus.org for our special events.

CITY: LaSalle

Reddick Mansion Association

One of Ottawa's greatest treasures. Pre-Civil war mansion, one of the area's most expensive and ornate Italianate residences. Tours available. Check website for hours.

CITY: Ottawa

Ottawa Visitors Center

Open 7 days a week to service the traveling public. The Ottawa Visitors Center is your one stop shop for information on Ottawa's special events, free tour guides and unique Ottawa souvenirs at our Souvenir Shoppe.

CITY: Ottawa

Hume Carnegie Museum

Wild Bill Hickok, extensive photographic collection, memorabilia of yesteryear, and special exhibits.

CITY: Mendota

LaSalle County Historical Museum

LaSalle County history including Native American artifacts in an I & M Canal era warehouse, plus a blacksmith shop, a one room school and pioneer farm equipment.

CITY: Utica

Mendota Museum and Historical Society

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. Hume-Carnegie Museum Saturday & Sunday 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM 3/1 - 12/15; Union Depot Railroad Museum Wed., Sat & Sun Noon to 4:00 PM, 3/1 – 12/15 Breaking the Prairie Museum by appointment. Office hours T, W, & TH – F - 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM.

CITY: Mendota

Ottawa Historical and Scouting Heritage Museum

A museum established to promote and preserve the history of the Ottawa area and the colorful and proud traditions of Boy/Girl Scouting and Camp Fire. Features national traveling exhibits from museums and libraries. Open Thursday-Monday 10:00 AM-4:00 PM, Closed on Holidays.

CITY: Ottawa

Grundy County Historical Society

The Grundy County Historical Society operates a museum located near the historic I&M Canal in Morris, Illinois. Within the museum you will find an array of historical items. There are several cases on display filled with WWI and WWII memorabilia, artifacts from the Civil War era, and local history objects. Along with the museum, the Society owns an EJ & E railroad caboose which is open to the public for tours upon request. Museum hours of operation are Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10 AM to 3 PM. Call in advance for guided tours (48 hour notice).

CITY: Morris

Streatorland Historical Society Museum

Displays include 19th-century clothing, music room, local artifacts, and many photographs depicting Streatorland history.

CITY: Streator

The Old Barn Museum

Housed in an original 1840s barn, this museum features thousands of Native American artifacts, including arrows, axes, drills, stone implements, trade beads, beaded garments and natural history items.

CITY: Newark

M.J. Hogan Grain Elevator and Visitor Center

The earliest remaining elevator along the canal that was fully operational during the canal's heyday. Built in 1862, the grain elevator allowed farmers to unload their grain locally instead of hauling it to the Chicago market by wagon.

CITY: Seneca

Marie Olmstead Museum

Described as "a hidden gem" of local cultural, natural and prehistoric history for lower DeKalb and upper LaSalle Counties. Three rooms comprising some 5,000 square feet packed full of artifacts and antiques that could be featured on "Antiques Raodshow". One of the "must-sees" is a 32-round flitlock rifle reportedly presented to Chief Shabbona at the signing of the peace treaty at Prairie du Chien in 1829. A favorite of the youngsters to see while visiting the museum is a stuffed, two-headed calf.

CITY: Somonauk