16 minute read
Attractions
Washington Square Park
OTTAWA | The legendary first Lincoln-Douglas senatorial debate was held in Ottawa’s historic Washington Square on August 21, 1858. It was estimated that 20,000 spectators gathered at this site, which is now marked by a boulder and plaque, and a fountain topped by beautiful bronze statues of the “Railsplitter” and “The Little Giant”. Several interpretive plaques can be found throughout this picturesque park, as well as a larger than life mural depicting the debate, just to the South of the park.
I&M Canal Boat
LASALLE | Hop aboard the “Volunteer,” a replica 1840’s canal boat, for a 2-mile trip up and down a fully restored stretch of the Illinois and Michigan Canal. Every trip begins with “Mule Tending 101”, where a period-dressed guide will introduce you to the adorable mules that pull the boat.
For more than a century, Starved Rock Country has been known as the natural playground of North Central Illinois. Beyond the diverse selection of parks and trails, the scenic overlooks and calm river waters, you’ll find an expansive variety of modern attractions that are sure to appeal to all travelers. You can browse brilliantly-curated museum collections, ride all-terrain vehicles over craggy rocks and creek beds, or even find your zen at a goat yoga center. No matter what type of adventure you’re looking for, you’re bound to find some unexpected and memorable new activities in Starved Rock Country.
Adventure
KAYAK STARVED ROCK CAMPGROUND
Starved Rock State Park Utica, IL 61373 630-567-4653 www.kayakstarvedrock.com SKYDIVE CHICAGO
3215 East 1969th Road Ottawa, IL 61350 815-433-0000 www.skydivechicago.com
Amusement Park
HAUNTED TRAILS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PARK & PICNIC GROVES
1423 N. Broadway Street, (Rt. 53) Joliet, IL 60435 815-722-7800 www.hauntedtrailsfun.com RAGING WAVES WATERPARK
4000 North Bridge Street Yorkville, IL 60560 630-882-6575 www.ragingwaves.com SKY ZONE TRAMPOLINE PARK - JOLIET
2318 Essington Road, Unit 1 Joliet, IL 60435 815-314-4890 www.skyzone.com/Joliet
Arts & Entertainment
BILLIE LIMACHER BICENTENNIAL PARK AND THEATRE
201 W. Jefferson St. at Bluff Street Joliet, IL 60432 815-724-3761 www.bicentennialpark.org EXIBIT GALLERY & FINE ARTS CENTER
315 Bedford Rd Suite A Morris, IL 60450 815-258-5191 www.facebook.com/ theexibitfineartscenterandgallery GALLERY SEVEN
200 W. 8th St. (2nd floor) Lockport, IL 60441 815-483-4310 www.galleryseven.net GREATER LIVINGSTON COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL
209 W. Madison Street Pontiac, IL 61764 815-419-2472 www.pcartcenter.com LITTLE MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY THEATRE
800 Porter Street Lemont, IL 60439 www.littlemountaintheatre.org OTTAWA ART LEAGUE
807 LaSalle St Ottawa, IL 61350 815-223-0714 www.ottawaartleague.org RIALTO SQUARE THEATRE
102 N. Chicago St. Joliet, IL 60432 815-726-7171 www.rialtosquare.com SPIRIT OF PEORIA
100 NE Water Street Peoria, IL 61602 309-637-8000 www.spiritofpeoria.com
IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK
Come hear their stories and surround yourself in over 145 years of local, national and global history. Guided tours are available all year long. See hegelercarus.org for preregistration.
1307 Seventh St., LaSalle
10 Minutes West of Starved Rock 815-224-5892 • www.hegelercarus.org
www.starvedrockrealty.net •starvedrockrealty@comcast.net
WHEN YOUNEED RESULTS!
• Specializing in Residential and Commercial Sales • Corporate Relocations • Individual, Family and Corporate RENTALS (short and long term) Serving the LaSalle, Bureau, Marshall and Putnam Counties for over 23 years
THE EAGLE PERFORMING ARTS & CONFERENCE CENTER
319 N. Plum St. Pontiac, IL 61764 815-844-1187 www.pontiaceagle.com
Casino Gaming
HARRAH’S JOLIET CASINO & HOTEL
151 N. Joliet Street Joliet, IL 60432 815-740-7800 www.harrahsjoliet.com HOLLYWOOD CASINO JOLIET
777 Hollywood Boulevard Joliet, IL 60436 888-436-7737 www.hollywoodcasinojoliet.com
Distillery
STAR UNION SPIRITS
350 5th Street, Suite 135 Peru, IL 61354 815-205-1234 www.starunionspirits.com
Heritage & Culture
GARDNER STREETCAR DINER
5650 Highway 53 S Gardner, IL 60424 GAYLORD BUILDING HISTORIC SITE
200 W. 8th Street Lockport, IL 60441 815-838-9400 www.gaylordbuilding.org GEMINI GIANT
US Route 66 Wilmington, IL 60481 www.heritagecorridorcvb.com/ Gemini-Giant
HEGELER CARUS MANSION
1307 Seventh Street LaSalle, IL 61301 815-224-5892 www.hegelercarus.org I&M CANAL BOAT TOURS
754 First Street LaSalle, IL 61301 815-220-1848 www.lasallecanalboat.org I&M CANAL VISITORS CENTER
754 First Street LaSalle, IL 61301 815-223-1851 www.lasallecanalboat.org
Skydive Chicago OTTAWA | Starved Rock Country’s premier skydiving center gives you a rare, and exhilarating, view of this beautiful canal town and surrounding countryside. Expert instructors help you reach speeds in excess of 150mph, a heart pounding panoramic view.
ILLINOIS ROUTE 66 SCENIC BYWAY
P.O. Box 1799 Springfield, IL 62705 217-414-9331 www.illinoisroute66.org MIDWEST SOARRING FOUNDATION
133 W. 13th St. Lockport, IL 60441 773-585-8613 www.midwestsoarring.org OPEN SPACE ART GALLERY AND STUDIOS
223 W. Madison St. Ottawa, IL 61350 815-293-7099 www.osartstudios90.com
REDDICK MANSION ASSOCIATION
100 W. Lafayette Street Ottawa, IL 61350 815-433-6100 reddickmansion.org ST. JAMES AT SAG BRIDGE
10600 S. Archer Ave. Lemont, IL 60439 630-257-7000 www.historicstjames.org TWO CELL JAIL
E Mazon St Gardner, IL 60424 815-237-2592 WEBER HOUSE AND GARDEN
1503 Baker Street Streator, IL 61364 815-672-8327 www.weberhouseandgarden.com WILL COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY’S HERITAGE VILLAGE
803 S. State Street Lockport, IL 60441 815-838-5080 www.willhistory.org 101 ECanal St, Utica, IL 61373 815-667-4861 lasallecountyhistoricalsociety.org
POPULAR EVENTS
LaSalle County is rich in cultural and historical significance; from connections to Abraham Lincoln, Charles Lindbergh and Wild Bill Hickok to popular destinations likethe I&M Canal, Starved Rock State Park and the Indian CreekMassacresite.
You’ll learn about the darkhistory of The Radium Girls and Death City to morejoyful county connections with Sesame Street and Baskin and Robbins.Exploreour history of industry including: farming, coal, zinc, sand, and glass. Learn about the history of Westclox, once the largest clock manufacturer in the world, the rich Native American cultureofour region and stories of the Prohibition Eraties to Al Capone and whypart of the country wasonce called Little Reno.
• 51st Annual Burgoo Festival
October , 202
North Central Illinois largest festival with over 350 vendors, car show, and our world famous Burgoo Stew
SM-CL1926918
• 2nd Annual Wild Bill Days
May
Includes live re-enactments and special exhibits
• Weekly Canal Markets Memorial
Day Weekend to September (Every Sunday and special
Saturdays)
Antiques, vintage collectibles, and handmade or homegrown products
• LaSalle County Historical Museum
Friday-Sunday 12-4
Special tours available by appointment
Reddick Mansion & Gardens
100 W. Lafayette St. Ottawa, IL 61350
The beautiful & historic Reddick Mansion anchors Ottawa’s Washington Square, the site of the first Lincoln-Douglas debate. Built before the Civil War, this ornate 22-room mansion is open for tours Friday thru Monday with tours given at 11am and 1pm.
For information about group tours, events, and rentals, call 815.433.6100.
Festival 56
PRINCETON | Princeton’s Festival 56 brings professional quality theatrical productions and national acting talent to Starved Rock Country! This innovative community theater program has staged shows for more than 4,000 patrons in its first 15 years of operation. Don’t miss a chance to see tomorrow’s Broadway stars in this intimate studio theater.
Museums
CARBON HILL SCHOOL MUSEUM
875 Second St. Carbon Hill, IL 60416 815-347-0810 www.ccpld.org/museum.htm CHILDREN’S MUSEUM IN OAK LAWN
5100 Museum Drive Oak Lawn, IL 60453 708-423-6709 www.cmoaklawn.org GRUNDY COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM
510 W. Illinois Avenue Morris, IL 60450 815-942-4880 HUME-CARNEGIE MUSEUM
901 Washington Street Mendota, IL 61342 815-539-3373 www.mendotamuseums.org ILLINOIS ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME ON ROUTE 66
9 West Cass St. Joliet, IL 60432 815-927-1540 www.roadtorock.org JOLIET AREA HISTORICAL MUSEUM
204 N. Ottawa Street Joliet, IL 60432 815-723-5201 www.jolietmuseum.org KIDSWORK CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
11 S. White Street Frankfort, IL 60423 815-469-1199 www.kidsworkchildrensmuseum.org LASALLE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
101 E. Canal Street Utica, IL 61373 815-667-4861 www.lasallecountyhistoricalsociety.org MENDOTA MUSEUM & HISTORICAL SOCIETY
901 Washington St., P.O. Box 433 Mendota, IL 61342 815-539-3373 www.mendotamuseums.org OLD JOLIET PRISON
1125 N. Collins Street Joliet, IL 60432 815-723-5201 www.jolietprison.org OTTAWA HISTORICAL AND SCOUTING HERITAGE MUSEUM
1100 Canal Street Ottawa, IL 61350 815-431-9353 www.facebook.com/ OttawaHistoricalAndScoutingHeritageMuseum PUTNAM COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
327 Old Highway 26 Hennepin, IL 61327 815-925-7560 www.putnamcountyhistoricalsociety.org SENECA AREA HERITAGE MUSEUM AND RESOURCE CENTER
431 N. Main St. Seneca, IL 61360 815-769-5077 www.senecahistory.com WESTCLOX MUSEUM
312 5th Street Peru, IL 61354 815-250-0617 www.westcloxmuseum.com
Outdoor Recreation
BOGGIO’S ORCHARD AND PRODUCE
12087 IL Highway 71 Granville, IL 61326 815-339-2245 www.boggiosorchardandproduce.com BRONKBERRY FARMS
18061 S. Bronk Road Plainfield, IL 60586 815-436-6967 www.bronkberryfarms.com BUFFALO RANGE SHOOTING PARK
1252 N. 2803 Rd. Ottawa, IL 61350 1-815-433-2471 www.buffalorangeshootingpark.com DOLLINGER FAMILY FARM
7502 E. Hansel Road Channahon, IL 60410 815-467-6766 www.dollingerfarms.com FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT OF WILL COUNTY
17540 W. Laraway Road Joliet, IL 60433 815-727-8700 www.reconnectwithnature.org GOOSE LAKE PRAIRIE STATE NATURAL AREA
5010 N. Jugtown Road Morris, IL 60450 815-942-2899 www.gooselakeprairie.org HEAP’S GIANT PUMPKIN FARM
4853 US Highway 52 Minooka, IL 60447 815-475-7373 www.heapsgiantpumpkinfarm.com HERITAGE HARBOR OTTAWA
1851 Old Chicago Rd. Ottawa, IL 61350 815-433-5000 www.heritageharborottawa.com MIDEWIN NATIONAL TALLGRASS PRAIRIE
30239 South State Route 53 Wilmington, IL 60481 815-423-6370 www.fs.usda.gov/midewin SPIRIT FARMS
3874 North Route 71 Sheridan, IL 60551 815-695-5667 www.spiritfarms.com THE FORGE: LEMONT QUARRIES
1001 Main Street Lemont, IL 60439 630-326-3301 www.lemontquarries.com
Parks
BIRD HAVEN GREENHOUSE & CONSERVATORY
222 N. Gougar Road Joliet, IL 60432 815-741-7278 www.jolietpark.org/bird-havengreenhouse BRAIDWOOD DUNES AND SAVANNA NATURE PRESERVE
24329 IL-113 Braidwood, IL 60408 857-727-8700 www.reconnectwithnature. org/preserves-trails/preserves/ braidwood-dunes-and-savannanature-preserve CATLIN PARK
2560 E. 1251 Rd. Ottawa, IL 61350 815-434-0518 www.lasallecounty.org
WHY WE ROCK! WHY WE ROCK! We’re the WHY WE ROCK!
We’re the ONLY HOTEL We’re the
ONLY HOTEL in Starved Rock ONLY HOTEL in Starved Rock State Park in Starved Rock
State ParkState Park
Quad Cities Rockford Rockford
Mt. Morris ChicagoNaperville Chicago Naperville Joliet
LaSalle Peru
STARVED ROCK
Peoria
Mt. MorrisRockford
Mt. Morris JolietChicago LaSalle Peru Naperville STARVED ROCK Joliet LaSalle Peru
STARVED
ROCK
Bloomington
Peoria Bloomington
Peoria
Springfield
Springfield
Springfield
St. LouisClose to home but worlds away! St. LouisClose to home but worlds away! Miles from Springfield St. LouisClose to home but worlds away! 127
Miles from Springfield 127Miles from Chicago 94 Miles from Springfield 127
Miles from Chicago Miles from Chicago 94 94
Guided Hikes Guided Hikes Guided Hikes
The best way to see the beauty of Starved The best way to see the beauty of Starved Rock State Park is on a Guided Hike. Learn The best way to see the beauty of Starved Rock State Park is on a Guided Hike. Learn about the rich history of this National Rock State Park is on a Guided Hike. Learn about the rich history of this National Historic Landmark. about the rich history of this National Historic Landmark.Historic Landmark.
Land & Water Cruise Land & Water Cruise
Enjoy lunch in the historic dining room at Starved Rock Lodge then board the trolley for a tour and head to the Eagle 1 for a scenic cruise along the Illinois River.
Fall Colors Trolley Tour
Experience Starved Rock during the most beautiful time of the year. Ride the trolley and take a guided walk into Ottawa Canyon and Council Overhang. Best photos ever!
Special Events
From Oktoberfest Celebrations, Trolley Trio Progressive Dinners to Christmas and “Discover the Eagle Tours” you will always remember your time at Starved Rock Lodge.
Groups Invited!
Take a walk down memory lane when you attend a Tribute to the Stars Matinee in the ambiance of the Great Hall at Starved Rock Lodge. All performances include a hot lunch buffet (cash bar also available). See our website for details. February 21 & 22 | Dueling Pianos | $65 March 7 & 8 | Rosie & the Rivets | $55 Enjoy lunch in the historic dining room at March 21 & 22 | Simply Patsy Cline | $45 Starved Rock Lodge then board the trolley for March 28 & 29 | Lionel Richie Tribute | $45 a tour and head to the Eagle 1 for a scenic April 4, 5 & 6 | Country & Rock & Roll | $45 cruise along the Illinois River. April 25 & 26 | Tom Jones Tribute | $55 May 2 & 3 | Sting Ray Anthony | $55 Fall Colors Trolley Tour May 16 & 17 | Wichita Lineman | $65 May 23 & 24 | Dueling Pianos | $65 Experience Starved Rock during the most June 7 & 8 | Songs of the ’50s | $55 beautiful time of the year. Ride the trolley and take a guided walk into Ottawa Canyon and Council Overhang. Best photos ever! Pool Special Events Our indoor pool complex has a hot tub, a kiddie pool—and it’s open and welcoming year ’round. From Oktoberfest Celebrations, Trolley Trio We also have a Café, Gift Shop and the Back Progressive Dinners to Christmas and “Discover Door Lounge—all under one roof. the Eagle Tours” you will always remember your time at Starved Rock Lodge. Lodging Groups Invited! Choose a comfy Lodge room or a cabin in the woods. Parking and WiFi are free to Book your next special event at Starved Rock Lodge guests. Lodge. Dream weddings, family reunions and corporate retreats are our specialty. We would KEY: love to help you plan every detail. SPRING SUMMER STARVED ROCK LODGE • ONE LODGE LANE • OGLESBY, IL FALL WINTER • (815) 667-4211 • STARVEDROCKLODGE.COM
Take a walk down memory lane when you attend a Tribute to the Stars Matinee in the ambiance of the Great Hall at Starved Rock Lodge. All performances include a hot lunch buffet (cash bar also available). See our website for details. February 21 & 22 | Dueling Pianos | $65 March 7 & 8 | Rosie & the Rivets | $55 March 21 & 22 | Simply Patsy Cline | $45 Land & Water Cruise March 28 & 29 | Lionel Richie Tribute | $45 April 4, 5 & 6 | Country & Rock & Roll | $45 Enjoy lunch in the historic dining room at April 25 & 26 | Tom Jones Tribute | $55 Starved Rock Lodge then board the trolley for a tour and head to the Eagle 1 for a scenic May 2 & 3 | Sting Ray Anthony | $55 cruise along the Illinois River. May 16 & 17 | Wichita Lineman | $65 May 23 & 24 | Dueling Pianos | $65 Fall Colors Trolley Tour June 7 & 8 | Songs of the ’50s | $55 Experience Starved Rock during the most beautiful time of the year. Ride the trolley Pool and take a guided walk into Ottawa Canyon Our indoor pool complex has a hot tub, a kiddie and Council Overhang. Best photos ever! pool—and it’s open and welcoming year ’round. We also have a Café, Gift Shop and the Back Special Events Door Lounge—all under one roof. From Oktoberfest Celebrations, Trolley Trio Progressive Dinners to Christmas and “Discover Lodging the Eagle Tours” you will always remember Choose a comfy Lodge room or a cabin in your time at Starved Rock Lodge. the woods. Parking and WiFi are free to Lodge guests.
Groups Invited! KEY:
Book your next special event at Starved Rock Lodge. Dream weddings, family reunions and SPRING SUMMER corporate retreats are our specialty. We would love to help you plan every detail. FALL WINTER
Take a walk down memory lane when you attend a
See our website for details.
February 21 & 22 | Dueling Pianos | $65
March 7 & 8 | Rosie & the Rivets | $55
March 21 & 22 | Simply Patsy Cline | $45
March 28 & 29 | Lionel Richie Tribute | $45
April 4, 5 & 6 | Country & Rock & Roll | $45
April 25 & 26 | Tom Jones Tribute | $55
May 2 & 3 | Sting Ray Anthony | $55
May 16 & 17 | Wichita Lineman | $65
May 23 & 24 | Dueling Pianos | $65
June 7 & 8 | Songs of the ’50s | $55
Pool
Our indoor pool complex has a hot tub, a kiddie pool—and it’s open and welcoming year ’round. We also have a Café, Gift Shop and the Back Door Lounge—all under one roof.
Lodging
KEY:
SPRING SUMMER FALL WINTER
COLUMBIA WOODS
(FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT OF COOK COUNTY) Intersection of Archer Avenue & Willow Springs Road Willow Springs, IL 60480 www.civiccenterauthority.org DAYTON BLUFFS
2997 IL Route 71 Ottawa, IL 61350 630-428-4500 www.theconservationfoundation. org/about-us/dayton-bluffs HERITAGE QUARRIES RECREATION AREA
1001 N. Main Street Lemont, IL 60439 630-257-1550
HISTORIC SHABBONA PARK
4165 E. 16th Road Earlville, IL 60518 815-434-0518 www.lasallecounty.org/shabbonapark-history MATTHIESSEN STATE PARK
2568 E. 950th Rd. Oglesby, IL 61348 815-667-4868 www2.illinois.gov/dnr/Parks/Pages/ Matthiessen.aspx MIDEWIN NATIONAL TALLGRASS PRAIRIE
30239 South State Route 53 Wilmington, IL 60481 815-423-6370 www.fs.usda.gov/midewin OLD JOLIET PRISON PARK
1125 Collins Street Joliet, IL 60432 www.cityofjoliet.info/visitors/jolietprison PILCHER PARK NATURE CENTER
2501 Highland Park Drive Joliet, IL 60432 815-741-7277 www.jolietpark.org/pilcher-parknature-center
SPRING LAKE NATURE PARK
1413 E. 16th Road Streator, IL 61364 815-672-2517 www.springlakefalls.org
Awesome Ottawa Tours
OTTAWA | Prepare to have your perception of Ottawa, Illinois altered forever! Starved Rock Country native Tom Aussem provides fascinating and informative tours, detailing the town's storied past. Over the course of the trip you'll hear tales of crime, liberation and perseverance that all played a part in shaping this beautiful riverfront town. Head to www.AwesomeOttawaTours.com to see a full list of current and upcoming tours.
STARVED ROCK STATE PARK
Rt 178 & 71 Utica, IL 61373 815-667-5351 www.dnr.illinois.gov
Recreation
IPIC THEATERS & SALT SPORTS BAR
619 E. Boughton Road Bolingbrook, IL 60440 630-378-8034 www.ipictheaters.com PRAIRIE STATE ROAD RUNNERS
P.O. Box 293 Channahon, IL 60410 www.psrr.org
Sports
AUTOBAHN COUNTRY CLUB
3795 CenterPoint Way Joliet, IL 60436 815-722-2223 www.autobahncc.com
AXE FACTOR THROWING
13717 S. Route 30 Plainfield, IL 60544 779-252-1300 www.axefactorthrowing.com BOLINGBROOK GOLF CLUB
2001 Rodeo Drive Bolingbrook, IL 60490 630-771-9400 www.bolingbrookgolfclub.com CHICAGOLAND SPEEDWAY
500 Speedway Boulevard Joliet, IL 60433 815-722-5500 www.chicagolandspeedway.com JOLIET SLAMMERS BASEBALL
1 Mayor Art Schultz Drive Joliet, IL 60432 815-722-2287 www.jolietslammers.com ROUTE 66 RACEWAY
500 Speedway Boulevard Joliet, IL 60432 815-722-5500 www.route66raceway.com
Wellness
ARTISTIC DENTISTRY
14811 S. Founders Crossing Homer Glen, IL 60491 708-301-6060 www.artisticdentistry-pc.com ARTISTIC MEDSPA
14811 S. Founders Crossing Homer Glen, IL 60491 708-301-6060 www.artisticmedspa.com BREATHE SALT THERAPY
2611 N. Bridge St. Yorkville, IL 60560 1-234-BREATHE www.breathesalttherapy.net GERI’S THE DAM HAIR SALON
110 N Water St Wilmington, IL 60481 815-476-1004 www.facebook.com/ thedamhairsalon SALTTREEYOGA
310 1/2 W. Main Street Ottawa, IL 61350 815-343-2751 www.salttreeyoga.com
Winery/Wine Bar
AUGUST HILL WINERY & ILLINOIS SPARKLING CO.
106 Mill Street Utica, IL 61373 815-667-5211 www.augusthillwinery.com BISHOPS HILL - WINERY
310 Bridge Street Joliet, IL 60435 312-617-1116 www.bishopshill.com BLUE HORSE LLC
115 N. Water St. Wilmington, IL 60481 CAT’S EYE - A WINE BAR
724 LaSalle Street Ottawa, IL 61350 815-481-1389 www.facebook.com/catseyewinebar PK UNKORKED WINE SHOP AND TASTING ROOM
220 N. Main St. Pontiac, IL 61764 815-419-2676 www.facebook.com/PKUnKorked/
THE WINE CAFE
130 Bridge St. Wilmington, IL 60481 815-476-9009 www.thewinecafe.net
