More to Explore

More to

Explore

Beyond the borders of Starved Rock State Park, there’s even more exciting nature to explore in LaSalle County! Here are 14 other outdoor destinations you should be sure to visit on your next trip.

ALLEN PARK

400 COURTNEY STREET OTTAWA A sprawling riverfront park, located on Ottawa’s Rt. 71 that offers boat launches, docks, a riverwalk, tennis courts, playgrounds, picnic tables, toboggan run and an amphitheater.

BAKER LAKE

2700 AIRPORT ROAD • PERU Baker Lake Park offers fishing, picnicking, playground, shelters, restrooms, soccer field and a 1-mile paved walking path.

CATLIN PARK

2560 EAST 1251ST ROAD OTTAWA This 333-acre park offers fourteen distinct trails that run past streams, ponds and Catlin’s lush river valley vegetation. If you’re a fan of horseback riding, Catlin has some of the best trails in the area for riding.

DAYTON BLUFFS

2997 ROUTE 71 • OTTAWA Owned by The Conservation Foundation and managed by the City of Ottawa, this 253-acre preserve is one of LaSalle County’s newest parks. Winding along the bluffs of the Fox River for nearly a mile, this park features bubbling creeks, a beautiful ravien system, expansive prairie, natural woodlands and a pioneer cemetery.

HOPALONG CASSIDY CANOE LAUNCH

WEST MAIN STREET RTE. 18 STREATOR This 0.5 mile trail parallels the flowing waters of the Vermilion River. Visitors can follow the trail through a forest of mulberry, hackberry, oak and maples. Blue jays, chickadees, and woodpeckers are frequent sights for birders, while butterflies and dragonflies are commonly found along the trail’s sunnier stretches.

LAKE KAKUSHA

ROUTE 251 • MENDOTA This man-made lake, located in northern LaSalle County, is ideal for fishing and light trail walking. You’ll find ample shelters and picnic areas.