Where There’s Always More to Explore! ILLINOIS RIVER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.iracc.org www.cityofmarseilles.com MARSEILLES, ILLINOIS • SENECA, ILLINOIS www.senecail.org The Weather With an average annual rainfall of 35.57”, SPRING rain fills many canyons with waterfalls at nearby Starved Rock State Park and Matthiessen State Park. SUMMER temperatures are comfortable – ranging from 50°-85° – with cooler temperatures in the evening. In WINTER, while the temperatures can dip below zero degrees, it is typically 15°-42° with an average annual snowfall of 22 inches. Your Playground Awaits! Follow Us on Facebook for special deals, contests, great events and more! www.facebook.com/iracc.org Marseilles Illinois River Area Chamber of Commerce The staff and members of the Illinois River Area Chamber of Commerce welcome your interest in the Marseilles and Seneca area. Leave your fast-paced world and come play in our playground of boating, golfing, camping ziplining and hiking. For More Information Call 815. 795. 2323 or visit iracc.org. Cover Photos: Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial, Seneca Fall Fest, Springbrook Marina, camping at Illini State Park, . What’s Inside Marseilles 2 Illini State Park 16 Events 4 I&M Canal State Trail 18 Churches 6 Recreation 20 Dining 10 Seneca’s Shipyard on the 22 Hydro Power Station Prairie 24 Winter Fun 12 Middle East Conflicts War Memorial 26 Local Maps 14 Museums 1 Unwind at Illini State Park A 2 Illinois River Area Chamber of Commerce | Where There’s Always More to Explore! Are you into hiking? Fishing? Boating? Camping? Or are Although the rapids are a wondrous sight, they make barge you a snow lover who enjoys cross country skiing, ice skating, traffic difficult so in 1920, the State of Illinois began work on a sledding? Whatever it may be, Illini State Park, with barge canal to bypass the rapids. It was completed in 1925. Afive-hundred-ten diverse acres of natural beauty, offers you and your family real-life adventure and is perfect for those The State began construction on the Marseilles Lock and Dam who relish the four-seasons. Here you’ll find landscapes but due to financial difficulties the project was completed by painted with rich fall colors, snow-capped winters, blooming the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1933. The Marseilles wildflowers in the warm months, and wildlife that abounds Lock can be accessed from the Illini State Park on the south all year. side of the river, and by following the park service road to the west. There is a parking area and observation plaza for the Illini State Park was a premier PGA certified golf course in public to watch the lock in operation. A large iron fence has the 1910s with the only known par 6 hole at that time. The been erected, but the bars are far enough apart so you can golf course was known as the Marsatawa County Club and slide your camera between them and take photos. one of it’s founders was WD Boyce who also founded the Boy Scouts and is buried in Ottawa Avenue Cemetary in nearby Friends and family from all over make it a day to enjoy Ottawa. The golf course was converted to a park by the beautiful scenery and wide open spaces of Illini State Park. Civil Conservation Corps and opened as a state park in Riverside picnic areas, towering elm, oak and hickory trees 1935. The Illinois River that borders the park, falls about a make this park a perfect setting for gatherings. Scattered foot per mile in this area and before the first Marseilles Dam throughout the park are picnic areas, shelters, outdoor grills, was built, there was a great rapids area in the river known toilets and playgrounds. Several of the shelters have working as the Great Falls. fireplaces to keep you warm on those chilled days. There are Illini State Park | 3 numerous horseshoe pits, a baseball diamond and a Winged Wonders seasonal concession stand. Hikers in your group will enjoy How about a bird watching outing? Illini State Park is a exploring the park. great birding destination. If you look to the skies, a variety Every type of camper is attracted to Illini State Park. Both tent of waterfowl and songbirds can be seen throughout the and trailer sites, including electric and sanitation year. Be sure to bring your binoculars and bird life list and service, are offered in the park. Some sites feature outstand- be prepared to start checking off birds. ing views of the river. There are two small cabins for rent. A Whether it’s a spring migration of youth camp area is also available for groups.Campsite reser- shore birds, pelicans, herons, vations can be made online at www.reserveamerica.com thrushes or eagles in the winter, bird species of all types offer nature Boating and fishing are very popular in the Park. Anglers will lovers an incredible show. Some find ample supplies of crappie, bass, bluegill, catfish, carp, of the best birding can be done bullhead and many other species in the Illinois River. at the edge of the park, along the A boat ramp is available for visitors’ boats. Although there banks of the Illinois and even is no motor limit on the Illinois River, boaters should be aware in many picnic areas. You may of the danger of barge traffic and the close proximity of the see a red-tailed hawk, a pileated Marseilles Lock and Dam. woodpecker or even a barred owl in the evening while camping. Whether you enjoy all of our activities or just want to trade city lights for starry nights or skyscrapers for trees, unwind and have some fun at Illini State Park! Illinois Fallen Soldier Memorial Steve Massey, an Illinois Department of Transportation employee initiated and worked closed with the Department of Natural Resources to develop the Illinois Fallen Soldier Tree Memorial on 2.5 acres in Illini State Park. The 250 White Oak trees that make up this memorial are a living tribute to the Illinois soldiers T killed since the beginning of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. The White Oak was chosen for its strength. A parking lot and memorial with handicap acces- sibility was built and natural limestone benches were placed in the memorial park area. The memorial was built with cash donations and volunteers along with materials and heavy machinery provided by local labor unions and businesses. This memorial is located in the park, near the Marseilles locks. 4 Illinois River Area Chamber of Commerce | Where There’s Always More to Explore! Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail The Illinois & Michigan Canal State In Marseilles, once the home of mighty could deliver their grain locally Trail, a 61.5 mile trail, provides great hydraulic power, the canal is dry in to the 65-foot tall, 70,000 bushel adventure for hikers and bicyclists. most parts but you can still see its capacity elevator for storage before TIt is also a perfect adventure for you outline and massive mill building that it was shipped to Chicago and eastern history buffs. Grab your backpack with were fueled by the river rapids. Industri- markets. Farmers brought their corn a snack and some water and come alists located mills and factories there and wheat, and workers loaded and visit. Leave your stress behind and because of the combination of canal unloaded coal, limestone, agricultural enjoy the shade-covered, flat crushed transportation and the waterpower implements, furniture, and lumber. limestone path that was once used provided by the River rapids. When canal boats arrived, the captain by the Illinois pioneers and canal mule would blow a large horn and residents Seneca has strong roots to the canal. It tenders. The trail is well marked and would hurry to get fresh lemons, is home to the M.J. Hogan Grain Eleva- has signage which gives you informa- oranges, sugar, molasses, and tobacco. tor, the oldest surviving structure along tion about the canal and your location. Tours are given at the elevator by the I & M Canal. Before the canal It is an easy hike/ bike trail with easy appointment only. So plan in advance opened, farmers had to bring their access to historic canal towns such as to go back in time! grain by wagon to distant markets. But Marseilles and Seneca. after the I & M opened in 1848, they Call (815) 942-0796 to schedule a tour. I & M Canal State Trail | 5 Get Out and Have Some Fun! Whether you enjoy camping under the stars, CAMPING a relaxing game of golf, or you like to get your Four Star Campground 2776 E 2625th Road • Marseilles Wblood pumping, there are plenty of things for (815) 796-5720 www.fourstarcampground.com the entire family to enjoy when you come to visit us. Glenwood RV Resort Take advantage of all there is to do! 551 Wilson Street • Marseilles (815) 795-6000 www.glenwoodrvresort.com FAMILY SWIMMING See our ad on page 14 Marseilles Public Swimming Pool Illini State Park 555 Commercial Street • Marseilles 2660 East 2350th Road • Marseilles (815) 795-4361 (815) 795-2448 www.dnr.illinois.gov Troll Hollow Campground River Fun 2265 N 2543rd Road • Marseilles (815) 795-2537 MARINAS/BOat LAUNCHES www.trollhollow.com Anchor in Marina 1 E Dupont Road • Seneca (815) 357-1285 GOLF www.anchorinmarina.com See our ad on page 16 Prarie Lakes Country Club & Inn 2550 N 32nd Road • Marseilles Hidden Cove Marina (815) 795-5107 • 9 holes 219 River Drive • Seneca www.prairielakescc.com (815) 357-6869 www.thehiddencovemarina.com The Bourne 2359 N 35th Road • Marseilles Springbrook Marina (815) 496-2301 • 18 holes 623 West River Road • Seneca (815) 357-6869 Nearby18 hole courses See our ad on page 23 Morris Country Club Mallard Bay Shelter & Boat Launch 2615 W Route 6 • Morris Illini State Park • Marseilles