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

Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Resort and Enchanted Forest

60 acres of Northwoods themed accommodations near Starved Rock. Lodge rooms, villas & cabin, indoor water and amusement parks, dining, banquet & conference center.

CITY: Utica

Starved Rock Lodge

Starved Rock Lodge is surrounded by beautiful Starved Rock State Park. Explore 2,630 acres of forests, 13 miles of hiking trails, canyons, bluffs and seasonal waterfalls in Utica, IL. Plan your winter getaway today! We have comfortable hotel rooms, cabins in the woods, a 2-sided fireplace in the Great Hall, an indoor pool and more. Relax in the Back Door Lounge, Trailheads Concessions or at the Starved Rock Cafe. The Dining Room is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner (with a fantastic Sunday Brunch).

CITY: Oglesby

Matthiessen State Park

Canyons, streams, prairie and forest combine to delight visitors at Matthiessen State Park. Located in central LaSalle County, approximately four miles south of Utica and three miles east of Oglesby, Matthiessen is a paradise for those interested in geology as well as recreation. Visitors can expect to see beautiful rock formations in addition to unusual and abundant vegetation and wildlife. All of this, along with park and picnic facilities make Matthiessen State Park a popular choice for a special outing.

CITY: Utica

Starved Rock Adventures Harbor Villas and Suites

Waterfront family villas and suites. 1-2 bedroom housekeeping units. Deluxe and unique. Open April through October. $$

CITY: Ottawa

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

Starved Rock State Park Visitors Center

The Starved Rock State Park Visitors Center has several interactive displays, free videos on the park, hiking maps, and more. Trailheads Concessions & Gifts, also located here, is a great place to buy gifts, souvenirs, and snacks (fresh fudge, too)! The Visitor Center and Trailheads are open year-round.

CITY: Utica

Belle of the Rock

The Belle of the Rock paddle boat tours are located at historic Starved Rock state park in Utica, Illinois (just 80 miles west of Chicago). In addition to the river tours, we provide canoes and kayaks. Call us today at 815-434-9200 to make your reservation.

CITY: Utica

Skydive Chicago

Skydive Chicago offers the best entertainment in the Midwest! The 220-acre resort offers camping, canoeing, hiking, fishing and swimming, all onsite. Stop by today!

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

Captain Swift Covered Bridge

Located one mile west of Princeton in Bureau County, Illinois is the Captain Swift Covered Bridge. Built in 2006, the bridge derives its strength from its burr arch design, an idea patented by Theodore Burr of New York in 1804. Made entirely of wood using 1800s concepts (it has an outer skin of Douglas Fir), the Captain Swift Covered Bridge is the only two-lane covered bridge in Illinois. It has a 16’-3” vertical clearance, a 28 foot minimum roadway width and a 128’ span over the Big Bureau Creek. GPS co-ordinates - N41 22.745 W89 29.871

CITY: Princeton

Matthiessen State Park - Cross Country Skiing

Five miles of scenic trails amidst a spectacular geological backdrop enable hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders, runners and cross-country skiers to experience a peaceful jaunt through the park, while families congregate around fully-equipped, shaded picnic areas neighboring playgrounds, trailheads and 17th-Century restored French fort.

CITY: Utica

Starved Rock State Park - Ice Climbing

While rock climbing is prohibited, there are up to five canyons in which ice climbing is permitted when conditions allow. All ice climbers must sign in at the ranger station (Park Office) and must have a partner. Call ahead to check ice and other park conditions.

CITY: Utica

Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail at LaSalle

Explore the fabled canal route that connects Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River by way of the Illinois River. Once used by Native Americans and early explorers, today the trail meanders through four state parks with landscapes ranging from towering bluffs to rolling hills. Modern-day explorers can enjoy hiking, boating and even snowmobiling.

CITY: LaSalle

American Discovery Trail

What a way to travel - about 75 miles, from one major river to another (the Illinois and the Mississippi), all on one newly built trail. The Hennepin Parkway State Trail (a linear state park) offers surcease from the flat, treeless Illinois prairie with a lock-strewn straight course of water and a green tunnel over the old tow path of a canal that was obsolete before it was completed. Quaint towns lie nearby, camping spaces (usually primitive) abound, and history is there for the dipping of your fingers in the water. At Sheffield, a comprehensive trail museum more than fills the gaps in your experience of a very unique way to travel through the heart of America. The trail ends in Rock Island, just a bike/pedestrian bridge over the Mississippi River to Iowa.

CITY: Bureau Junction

Hornbaker Gardens

Hornbaker Gardens is a family owned and operated nursery specializing in perennial flowers. Large collections of hostas, daylilies, iris and other perennials draw plant enthusiasts from all over the Midwest to this nursery in the country. Whatever we get interested in as gardeners, we seem to start providing for our customers as well. Thus, the offerings of granite and pottery, bronze sculptures and rusty metal artwork. In 2008, we put up a new building which we call The Shop at Hornbaker Gardens. It is stocked with garden art and other garden accessories where you are sure to find something unique for your garden.

CITY: Princeton

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

Starved Rock Marina

Full line dealer for Rinker, Landau Pontoons and pre-owned boats. Full service marina with slips, fuel, restaurant, boutique, boat and villa rentals.

CITY: Ottawa

A Hundred Acres Orchard and Market

A fun-filled orchard featuring apples, berries, melons. The indoor market is filled with jams, jellies, sauces, dips, salsas, candy and homemade "take n bake" pies. Also unique is the Krazy Kernel Kettle Korn, produced right in Princeton! Specialty cheeses, such as Antonella, Buffalo Wing Jack, and Tomato Basil Yellow Cheddar are also available. Pair these cheeses with some of the wines that are sold in the new wine shop, or enjoy your purchase on the newly constructed outdoor patio area. The Cider Mill banquet room has been expanded to accommodate 200 guests, so plan your wedding, reception, party, or reunion here!

CITY: Princeton

Apple Tree Acres Alpacas

Fabulous apparel, softest yarns and roving. Meet and buy our Alpacas. Call for hours.

CITY: Utica

Starved Rock Marina

Full line dealer for Rinker, Sundancer Pontoons and pre-owned boats. Full service marina with slips, fuel, restaurant, boutique, boat and villa rentals.

CITY: Ottawa

Heritage Harbor Resort & Marina

Heritage Harbor Ottawa is the premier Marina Resort Community. Located in the heart of Starved Rock Country, Heritage Harbor Ottawa is home port for your next great adventure!

CITY: Ottawa

Matthiessen State Park

Enjoy hiking, cross-country skiing and more in this state park known for its waterfalls, bluffs and canyons.

CITY: Utica

River Adventures

Experience the natural beauty and tranquility of the Fox River. Call for reservations.

CITY: Ottawa

Heritage Harbor - Ottawa

Heritage Harbor Ottawa is a premier Marina Resort Community located on the banks of the Illinois River. Visit our water front restaurant or rent a cottage.

CITY: Ottawa

Pine Hills Golf Club

Described as a Canyon Course complete with bluffs, valleys, hills and hundreds of trees. It is a challenge to both the beginner and the seasoned golfer and is recognized by many players as one of the finest 9-hole facilities in the country. The Club House offers a friendly atmosphere and includes a Pro-Shop, full service bar & restaurant with panoramic views of the Course and outdoor patio.

CITY: Ottawa

Cedar Creek Ranch

Horseback Riding stables including public trail rides, boarding, birthday parties and holiday rides!! And more.

CITY: Cedar Point

Illinois Waterway Visitor Center

View Starved Rock Lock & Dam. Enjoy interacting with towboat Pilot House. Learn Illinois River's unique history and watch wildlife (bald eagles in winter).

CITY: Ottawa

Boggio 's Orchard and Produce

Bakery opens at 6:00am and Market opens at 9:00 to 5:00pm, Monday- Saturday, and Sunday 6:00 to 4:00 pm. May is spring bedding plants, summer is fresh picked vegetables and fruits. After Labor Day, on weekends, pumpkins, pedal cars, pony and wagon rides, corn maze, animal barn, jumping pillow, food stands and the last weekend in Sept. a Craft Show with live music and over 100 crafters.

CITY: Granville

Senica Oak Ridge Golf Club

This 18-hole championship course has bent grass greens, tees, and fairways, plus a full-service pro shop.

CITY: LaSalle

C & M Canoe Rental

Visit our friendly pub, canoe scenic Fox River.

CITY: Ottawa

Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area

Bottomlands and bluffs support a variety of animals, plants, and outdoor pursuits including picnicking, camping, fishing, hunting, and hiking. Migrating waterfowl, great blue herons, and bald eagles provide birders exceptional viewing opportunities.

CITY: Lacon

Black Sock Training Stable

A variety of equestrian services for beginning to advanced riders. Personalized professional instruction and scheduled trail rides.

CITY: Ottawa

Sandy Ford Canoe Launch

Canoe launch site, and parking on Vermillion River. Land and water reserve.

CITY: Streator

Sandy Ford Sportsman Club

Private club with public events including trap, bow and cowboy shoots. NRA approved. Indoor competitions.

CITY: Streator

Donnelley/Depue State Fish and Wildlife Area & Complex

This complex is an important North American waterfowl migration corridor. Much of the 3,838-acre complex is managed for waterfowl feeding, nesting, resting, harvesting, and viewing.

CITY: De Pue

Rogers Hunting Club, Inc.

Established in 1957 - public hunting, plus memberships for pheasant, quail, wild turkey, doves and deer in season. Hunter Safety Course for ages 16 & under - held the second weekend in October.

CITY: Ohio