STARVEDHOME ROCK OF
LaSalle2017-18 EDITION CountyILLINOIS
covers2017.indd 2 4/3/17 9:22 AM Walk-In Care Vs. Emergency Care The Right
When to Use What is Considered an WALK-IN CARE? EMERGENCY?
When you need immediate medical for minor, non-emergent injuries and illnesses. treatment for serious illnesses and injuries, CALL 911. Symptoms that require Convenient Care include: Emergency Care include:
• Appointment-Free Symptoms of a Heart Attack: • Economical • Chest Discomfort • Short Wait Times • Discomfort in Other Areas of • Convenient Hours the Upper Body (Such as in One • Access to Basic Laboratory Testing or Both Arms, the Back, Neck, and X-Rays Jaw, or Stomach) • Shortness of Breath Conditions Treated at Convenient Care: • Other Signs May Include • Allergies Breaking Out in a Cold Sweat, • Athlete’s Foot and Ring Worm Nausea, or Lightheadedness • Bladder Infections • Bug Bites Symptoms of a Stroke: • Cold Sores • Drooping or Numbness of One Side of the Face • Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) • Weakness in One Arm
• Coughs and Congestion (Cold Symptoms)
• Diarrhea Other Urgent Symptoms: • Earaches • Severe/Sudden Onset of Headache • Fever • Severe Abdominal Pain • Minor Cuts (That May Need a Few Stitches) • Minor Injuries • Head, Neck, or Back Injury • Mild Vomiting/Flu Symptoms • Fracture • Physicals • Deep or Large Wound • Rashes (Poison Ivy, etc.) • Large Burn • Sinus Infections • Poisoning • Pregnancy-Related Problem • Sore Throat (Strep Testing Available) • Convulsions or Seizure • And More • Coughing Up or Vomiting Blood • Sudden or Unexplained Loss or Altered State of Consciousness
• direct patients to the appropriate healthcare provider. In a true emergency, we will transfer • Infants Under 8 Weeks with a Fever patients directly to the ER.
(815) 223-6843 (815) 915-8748 600 East First Street | Spring Valley M - F: 8am - 9pm M - F: 8am - 9pm | Sat: 9am - 2pm Weekends/Holidays: 9am - 1pm 1916 N. Main Street 1650 Midtown Road | Peru Princeton aboutsmh.org TOURISM INFORMATION STREATOR TOURISM • SEE AD PG 46 204 SOUTH BLOOMINGTON STREET • STREATOR CITY OF LASALLE • SEE AD PG 46 815-672-2055 745 2ND STREET • LASALLE streator.org 815-223-3755 lasalle-il.gov VILLAGE OF NORTH UTICA • SEE AD PG 42 801 SOUTH CLARK STREET • UTICA CITY OF MARSEILLES • SEE AD PG 44 815-667-4111 209 LINCOLN STREET • MARSEILLES 2017-18 Official LaSalle County Visitor Guide utica-il.gov 815-795-2133 For tourism information or additional copies, cityofmarseilles.com VILLAGE OF SENECA • SEE AD PG 21 visit enjoylasallecounty.com. 340 NORTH CASH STREET • SENECA PUBLISHED BY: CITY OF OGLESBY • SEE AD PG 36-37 815-357-8771 110 EAST WALNUT STREET • OGLESBY senecail.org 815-883-3389 oglesby.il.us.com EMERGENCY CITY OF PERU • SEE AD PG 40 MEDICAL MCS Advertising • Peru, IL 1901 4TH STREET • PERU ILLINOIS VALLEY COMMUNITY HOSPITAL • SEE AD PG 56 815-224-3011 815-223-0061 925 WEST STREET • PERU • 815-780-3300 mcsadv.com peru.il.us FAST CARE • Inside the Peru Walmart • 815-220-3278 CARE TODAY • Next to IL Valley YMCA • 815-780-3855 Project Management, Copywriting, Maps & Design: ivch.org Amy Decker HERITAGE CORRIDOR CVB VISITORS CENTER Editing: MCS & Coalition Members SEE AD PG 42 Advertising Design: Jaclyn Sonnenberg & Amy Decker 801 EAST US HIGHWAY 6 • UTICA MENDOTA COMMUNITY HOSPITAL Advertising Sales: Julie Alaimo 815-667-4356 1315 MEMORIAL DRIVE • MENDOTA heritagecorridorcvb.com 815-539-7461 • mendotahospital.org SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR GUEST PHOTOGRAPHERS: I & M CANAL BOAT • LOCK 16 VISITOR CENTER OSF HEALTHCARE • URGENT CARE & EMERGENCY SERVICES Sabine Betschart • Your Photo World, LTD MENDOTA • OTTAWA • STREATOR • SEE AD PG 2 yourphotoworld.com SEE AD PG 18 754 FIRST STREET • LASALLE OSF SAINT ELIZABETH MEDICAL CENTER Charles Bry 815-220-1848 1100 EAST NORRIS DRIVE • OTTAWA facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010827282645 lasallecanalboat.org • iandmcanal.org 815 433-3100 OSF PromptCare • 1614 EAST NORRIS DRIVE • OTTAWA Tom Gill Photography 815-434-2273 lapstrake.blogspot.com ILLINOIS RIVER ROAD SCENIC BYWAY 613 WEST MARQUETTE STREET • OTTAWA OSF PromptCare • 1640 FIRST AVENUE • OTTAWA SOUTH Paula Guttilla • Hatchett Canyon Photography 815-433-5830 815-431-9208 fineartamerica.com/artists/paula+guttilla illinoisriverroad.org See ad for additional locations. osfhealthcare.org Pat Kelley • JPK Photography facebook.com/jpk3photos/ ILLINOIS WATERWAY VISITOR CENTER U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS • SEE AD PG 44 ST. MARGARET’S HEALTHCARE Kevin Knowles • Double K Images (Located at Starved Rock Lock & Dam) SEE AD ON THE FRONT INSIDE COVER DoubleKImages.com 950 NORTH 27TH ROAD • OTTAWA ST. MARGARET’S HOSPITAL New and Improved ER Seth Morris Photography 815-667-4054 sethmorrisphotography.com mvr.usace.army.mil/missions/recreation/illinoiswaterway.aspx 600 EAST FIRST STREET • SPRING VALLEY 815-664-5311 Jackie Novak Photography MENDOTA AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ST. MARGARET’S MIDTOWN HEALTH CENTER jackienovakphotography.com 800 WASHINGTON STREET • MENDOTA Convenient Walk-In Care Sharon Radford 815-539-6507 1650 MIDTOWN ROAD & ROUTE 251 • PERU [email protected] mendotachamber.com 815-223-6843 aboutsmh.org Mark Schuver OTTAWA VISITORS CENTER • SEE ADS PGS 10 & 16 flickr.com/photos/nikon66 100 WEST LAFAYETTE STREET • OTTAWA POLICE Meghan Haleh Welch 815-434-2737 911 • EMERGENCY instagram.com/hawaiianfreckles pickusottawail.com ILLINOIS STATE POLICE DISTRICT 17 ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAHY PROVIDED BY: STARVED ROCK STATE PARK VISITOR CENTER 815-224-1150 • emergency Julie Alaimo, August Hill Winery, Canoe the Vermilion, Kathy Exit 81 at Utica on Interstate 80 815-224-1171 • non-emergency Casstevens, Cedar Creek Ranch, City of LaSalle, City of Peru, 2678 EAST 873RD ROAD • OGLESBY Clarks Run Creek, Barbara Crew, Amy Decker, Fox Valley Off 815-667-4726 LASALLE COUNTY SHERIFF Road, Gator Creek Cruise, Bob Gillette, Illinois Waterway Visitor starvedrockstatepark.org 815-433-2161 • non-emergency Center, Illinois Wine, Kelly Klobucher, LaSalle County Historical Society, Lock 16 Visitor Center, Mendota Area Chamber, Ottawa Visitors Center, Pine Hills Golf Course, Quest Watersports, STARVEDHOME ROCK OF STARVEDHOME ROCK OF Reddick Mansion Association, Jeremy Reed, Seneca Historical Guild, Skydive Chicago, Katelyn Stadel, Star Union Spirits, 2017-18 EDITION ILLINOIS 2017-18 WINTER EDITION ILLINOIS ON THE COVER: Streator Tourism, Katelyn Talbott, Tangled Roots Brewing LaSalle County LaSalle County Company, Westclox Museum, Zip Chicago 2017-18 EDITION: ©Kathy Casstevens A special thanks to the LaSalle County Board for their vision and kathycasstevensphoto.com determination to make LaSalle County a place we all can be proud of. An additional thanks to the LaSalle County Tourism Coalition members for their dedication to LaSalle County and this project. 2017-18 WINTER EDITION: ©Your Photo World, LTD ©2017 LaSalle County Tourism Committee & Coalition. All rights yourphotoworld.com reserved. Reproduction in whole or part, without the written permission of LaSalle County Tourism is prohibited.
Every attempt has been made to verify the information contained in this publication. LaSalle County Tourism and MCS Advertising assume no liability for incorrect, omitted, or outdated information contained herein. To ensure a safe and happy trip, please call ahead to verify information.
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ENJOYLASALLECOUNTY.COM | 1 GETTING SICK DURING YOUR TRAVELING ADVENTURES?
OSF HealthCare has your health care needs covered when you are traveling in LaSalle County. Whether you have a cough, sprained ankle, medical emergency or anything in between, we have a variety of health care resources throughout the area to serve you and your family.
URGENT CARE CLINICS EMERGENCY SERVICES OSF ONCALL
Designed to assess and treat Designed to treat severe 24/7 virtual care visits sudden minor illnesses and injuries or illnesses injuries Designed to treat minor OSF Saint Elizabeth conditions from your tablet or OSF PromptCare–Ottawa Medical Center smartphone 1614 E. Norris Drive 1100 East Norris Drive Ottawa, IL 61350 Ottawa, IL 61350 Visit osfoncall.org for Phone: (815) 434-2273 more information OSF Saint Paul Medical Center OSF PromptCare– 1401 E. 12th Street Ottawa South Mendota, IL 61342 1640 1st Avenue Ottawa, IL 61350 OSF Center for Phone: (815) 431-9208 Health – Streator 111 Spring Street Streator, IL 61364
osfhealthcare.org contents
4 PARKS & RECREATION 22 Starved Rock State Park • 4-7 Matthiessen State Park • 12-14 Buffalo Rock State Park • 15 Illini State Park • 17 I&M Canal State Trail • 17 Additional Parks • 19
Chills & Thrills • 8-9 Tourism and Winter Gatherings • 10 Emergency Information • 1 Hiking Tips • 16 31 Golf Courses • 18 Crafting Quality & Coffee Shops • 25 Lifting Spirits • 22-24 Wineries, & Breweries • 25 State Park Trail Maps and the Farmers Markets • 25 LaSalle County Scenic Drives and Attractions Map • 27-30 Festivals and Shows • 26 Westclox - Then & Now • 31 Historic Homes • 32 14 Fun Activities To Memorials • 33 Do Outdoors • 38-39 Museums, Landmarks, and TBM Avengers • 40 Visitor Centers • 34-35 Calendar of Events • 41-49 Directory • 51-55
Opt-In to the Enjoy LaSalle County E-newsletter on the visitor guide page LET’S and stay informed on upcoming events. CONNECT! Currently only 5 per year. Visit enjoylasallecounty.com for details, up-to-date events, and enjoylasallecounty additional information.
ENJOYLASALLECOUNTY.COM | 3 A cedar waxwing ©[email protected]
A red-spotted purple butterfly ©instagram.com/hawaiianfreckles
An aerial view of Starved Rock State Park Bluebells in Illinois Canyon ©facebook.com/jpk3photos
oted the #1 attraction in Illinois, Starved Part of the history of Starved Rock State VRock State Park is one of the premier Park and its surrounding area is in the leg- publicly held natural areas in all of Illinois. acy of its Native American roots. For 10,000 The park has eighteen distinct canyons years, Native American tribes called the that were formed out of St. Peter sandstone area home. The fertile land of Plum Island by glacial melting and the Illinois River. was an ideal place to farm maize, beans, Starved Rock State Park, Visitor Center, and other vegetables. The land was also and Lodge offer a large variety of activi- prime hunting ground with bison, wild tur- ties for you to enjoy, including self-guided key, deer, beaver, and other animals popu- and guided hikes, boating, camping, trolley lating the area. Today, wild turkey and deer tours, events, live shows, dining, shopping, still thrive in the park and you can also see and much, much more. evidence of beaver activity on trees along A male cardinal ©[email protected]
4 | ENJOYLASALLECOUNTY.COM STARVED ROCK STATE PARK
VISITOR CENTER • 2678 EAST 873RD ROAD • OGLESBY STARVEDROCKSTATEPARK.ORG • STARVEDROCKLODGE.COM 815-667-4726
EASY ACCESS OFF OF I-80 AND I-39 • EXIT 81 AT UTICA ON I-80 SEE AREA MAP IN THE CENTERFOLD FOR ALTERNATIVE EXITS
the river bank today. However, since bison have not run wild in the area for the great- er part of the last 200 years, you will have to visit the two resident American bison at Buffalo Rock State Park nearby to see one. To find out more on Starved Rock, visit the Starved Rock Visitor Center.
For more information, visit starvedrock- statepark.org and starvedrocklodge.com and start planning your getaway today!
©kathycasstevensphoto.com
ENJOYLASALLECOUNTY.COM | 5 Starved Rock State Park
Wildcat Canyon ©flickr.com/photos/nikon66
6 | ENJOYLASALLECOUNTY.COM Pathway on top of Starved Rock ©facebook.com/jpk3photos
Fall Colors
Autumn in LaSalle County is bursting with If you would like to learn about basic tree color. The landscape is dressed to impress. identification, how leaves change color, and The forest is dappled with red, orange, and the history and geology of Starved Rock, yellow. The fallen leaves create a colorful join one of the free guided hikes on October carpet on the ground. Leaf piles bring much 21 - 22, 2017, during Fall Colors Weekend. delight to the young and young at heart. If you would like to take a longer guided What are your plans for the season? Take hike, Starved Rock Lodge offers a variety of some time to enjoy the colors of fall. The guided hikes throughout the year. county’s parks and nature areas are great places to experience the joys and beauty of the season.
Kaskaskia Canyon ©jackienovakphotography.com
Waterfalls
In Starved Rock, the majority of the canyons boast waterfalls, but the most popular can be found in St. Louis, French, Tonty, LaSalle, Ottawa, and Kaskaskia Canyons. Waterfalls in Starved Rock are seasonal and dependent upon precipitation. The best times to view waterfalls are in the spring and after heavy rainfall. Don’t fret if you visit during a dry Ottawa Canyon season; the canyons are amazing year-round ©jackienovakphotography.com and worth the trip.
ENJOYLASALLECOUNTY.COM | 7 Bald eagle in LaSalle ©[email protected]
Tonty Canyon ©lapstrake.blogspot.com
8 | ENJOYLASALLECOUNTY.COM Chills& Thrills Icefalls
Like the intricacy and beauty of every snow- splendor to the forest and canyons that you flake, every icefall is unique and varies from might not see in the dense foliage of sum- year to year as the melting precipitation mer. With less to hide behind in the winter, drips down to the surface below. The icefalls wildlife tends to be easier to spot as well. develop as layer upon layer of icicles form a column or a wall of ice. Guided hikes are available throughout the year in Starved Rock State Park through the In Starved Rock State Park, there are icefalls Visitor Center and Lodge. During the winter in the many of the canyons, but the most months you will hike to spectacular icefalls popular icefalls are found in the St. Louis, and watch the eagles soar and feed. You can French, Wildcat, Tonty, LaSalle, Hennepin, call ahead to find out if icefalls are present Ottawa, and Kaskaskia Canyons. Icefalls can as they are dependent on precipitation and also be found in Matthiessen State Park at freezing temperatures. Lake Falls and Cascade Falls. Eagle Watching If you love waterfalls, the icefalls are even more amazing to see and are a reason to get With a wingspan of six to eight feet, there Ice climbing in Wildcat Canyon out and about in the winter. Bundle up, wear is nothing more majestic than to experience ©yourphotoworld.com YakTrax for greater traction on the snow and an American Bald Eagle firsthand in the ice and get out and enjoy the beauty of win- wild. As rivers and lakes begin to freeze up ter in LaSalle County. north, the eagles begin to make their journey south. Large flocks of eagles migrate to the Ice Climbing area in search of open water to feed. When it gets really cold, the trees on Plum Island and If you love adventure, you might want to Leopold Island can often be found teeming give ice climbing a try. While rock climbing with eagles. With the dam nearby, the loca- is strictly prohibited in Starved Rock State tion is ideal for finding fish as the turbulent Park due to the fragile nature of the St. Peter water keeps the surface from freezing. sandstone, ice climbing is permissible when conditions allow. You can get a bird’s eye view from the top of Starved Rock, Eagle Cliff, or Lover’s Leap When circumstances are right, there are var- to see them soaring. For closer views, head ious canyons with grand icefalls; however, to the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center near ice climbing is only allowed in four canyons: the Starved Rock Lock and Dam. Wildcat, Tonty, LaSalle, and Ottawa. All climbers must have a partner and must sign Bundle up and don’t forget to bring your in and out at the park office. Equipment is camera and binoculars. If you don’t have not available at the park, so be sure to bring binoculars of your own, they are loaned out your own or find a climbing service that pro- in the Starved Rock Visitor Center by leaving vides the proper gear with the lesson. your driver’s license.
To verify if conditions are safe for climb- A special Eagle Watch Weekend takes place ing, to get permission to climb or for more every January and will be held on January information,call 815-667-4726. 27th and 28th in 2018. Eagle Trolley Tours take place through the months of January Winter Hikes and February.
After a newly fallen snow, the commute to QUICK TIP: work may be frustrating, but the landscape The best time for viewing the eagles is late in the woods is as peaceful as it is beauti- December through March and they are most ful. Much like autumn leaves adorn the trees active between the hours of 7 & 9 in the with beauty, the blanket of snow adds a morning and between 4 & 5 in the evening.
Ice climber You can join a guided hike for free during Winter Wilderness Weekend on January 20th and 21st in 2018. ©Barbara Crew Free hikes depart from the Starved Rock Visitor Center.
ENJOYLASALLECOUNTY.COM | 9 Gatherings
Winter St. Pat’s Parade Looking to get out of the house this winter? There are ©fineartamerica.com/artists/paula+guttilla many events that are worth getting out and about for.
Winter Wine Walk Chris Kringle Market
Looking for a day out with some friends or The Ottawa Chris Kringle Market is Otta- that special someone in your life? Utica’s wa’s version of the very popular Christ- Winter Wine Walk might be just what you kindlmarkets or German open air markets need. It is held every year on the 2nd Satur- held in Chicago and Naperville during the day in February. Make it a weekend getaway Christmas Season. for the perfect Valentine’s Day surprise. En- joy wine tasting, appetizers, and shopping The market will be held in Downtown Ot- as you make your way around downtown to tawa amidst historic architecture with the various locations. Tickets sell fast and a special Christmas season ambiance of are available at a discount if ordered early, thousands of Christmas lights, beautiful so be sure to order yours in advance. holiday decorations, brightly decorated Winter Wine Walk store windows, and Christmas music. The ©fineartamerica.com/artists/paula+guttilla St. Pat’s and Mardi Gras Parades Chris Kringle Market will have 20 vendor huts, featuring locally created works of art Parades aren’t just a seasonal activity in and small Christmas items hand crafted by LaSalle County. If you love parades and local artisans. Traditional German holiday celebrating, join the fun in Downtown Uti- foods, beverages, and baked goods will be ca. They host family-friendly parades in available along with hot, roasted chest- February and March for Mardi Gras and St. nuts, hot chocolate, and coffee. Other ac- Patrick’s Day. There are beads and candy for tivities will likely include carriage rides, the kids and parties are held in downtown the lighting of the live Ottawa Christmas businesses after the parades are over. tree, ice sculpting demonstrations, Holiday Farmers Market, Christmas at the Reddick For additional events, visit Mansion, and children’s activities – includ- enjoylasallecounty.com. ing the opportunity to see a live reindeer. See pickusottawail.com for details.
Chris Kringle Market ©Ottawa Visitor Center
10 | ENJOYLASALLECOUNTY.COM
Lower Dells ©lapstrake.blogspot.com
MATTHIESSEN STATE PARK
2500 IL RT 178 • OGLESBY 815-667-4726
EASY ACCESS OFF OF I-80 AND I-39 • EXIT 81 AT UTICA ON I-80 SEE AREA MAP IN THE CENTERFOLD FOR ALTERNATIVE EXITS Lake Falls ©jackienovakphotography.com
atthiessen is a true gem in Illinois. MThe park’s beautiful rock formations, canyons, mineral springs, streams, seasonal waterfalls and icefalls, along with the Ver- milion River running through the park, are a genuine delight for the senses. Adding to the grandeur of the main canyon is a 45-foot drop between the Upper and Lower Dell. There are five miles of hiking trails for lei- sure walks or brisk hikes to lead you to these spectacular spots.
Cross-Country Skiing
If you love to ski or want to learn to use them on some gradually gradient slopes, Cross-Country Ski Weekend is February 3rd and 4th in 2018 at Matthiessen State Park. Lessons are available during this event.
Matthiessen is the perfect place to cross- country ski with its six miles of scenic trails to venture out on. Ski rentals are available in the Dells Area on weekends December through March. For details or to inquire about snow- fall, call 815-664-2484. Ice Cave formed by an icefall ©lapstrake.blogspot.com
ENJOYLASALLECOUNTY.COM | 13 Matthiessen State Park
Spring in Matthiessen State Park bursts forth with A field of sunflowers pops of color welcoming the season. The magenta ©DoubleKImages.com and orange blossoms from the shooting star plants and columbine make their appearance along with the pastel shades of other blooming plants, such as spring beauty and hepatica.
A variety of birds and other wildlife can be found throughout the park. From rabbits, deer and raccoons to the flying squirrel and the bright blue Indigo Bun- ting, a chance encounter is sure to be a real treat.
With 1,938 acres, Matthiessen State Park also pro- vides a wide variety of activities throughout the year. The park is fairly unique in that it boasts nine miles of trails for mountain biking or horse- back riding as well. There is an equestrian camp- ground nearby for riders and their horses west of Route 178 between 71 and the Dells Area entrance.
There are also places to picnic in both the Dells and the Vermilion River areas. Tables, water fountains, shelters, grills, bathroom facilities, and a playground are available in one or both locations. For the hob- byist, there is a field archery range in the north- west portion near Deer Park Country Club and a ra- dio-controlled model airplane field in the Vermilion River Area. Near the field are sixty acres of sunflow- ers, which is a beautiful sight mid-summer.
Cascade Falls ©lapstrake.blogspot.com
14 | ENJOYLASALLECOUNTY.COM BUFFALO ROCK STATE PARK
1300 NORTH 27TH ROAD • OTTAWA
Sunset at Buffalo Rock ©Charlie Bry 815-433-2220
uffalo Rock is a 298-acre park on a bluff grounds that were once created thousands Bwith trails and overlooks with magnifi- of years ago. The sculptures include a snake, cent views of the Illinois River. The bluff is turtle, catfish, frog, and water strider. rich in history as it was once home to the Illinois Tribe and visited by Louis Joliet and Buffalo Rock State Park has a variety of ame- Father Jacques Marquette as they traveled nities and activities, including picnic areas, the Illinois River. Buffalo Rock is also known hiking, biking, and cross-country ski trails, for being the location of a French trading bird watching, canoeing, baseball diamond, and missionary fort and centuries later in and snowmobiling by way of the I&M Canal the early 1900’s, it became the Crane Com- Access Point across the road from the park. pany’s employee sanatorium. Buffalo Rock also is home to two American One of the most prominent displays of out- bison that reside in the park across from the door sculpture anywhere is at Buffalo Rock baseball diamond. Stop in for a visit and en- in a collection called the “Effigy Tumuli,” joy the surroundings where many bison once which was executed by artist Michael Heiz- roamed freely hundreds of years ago. er. It was inspired by Native American burial
©Jeremy Reed
©Ottawa Visitor Center ©Ottawa Visitor Center
ENJOYLASALLECOUNTY.COM | 15 HIKING Come learn what made Westclox the largest manufacturer of keywound clocks in the world for nearly a century! Learn stories of the people who worked here, TIPS browse displays of numerous products, learn what caused the final demise of the plant that once employed more than 4,000 people.
Free Admission | Donation Based DRESS APPROPRIATELY Wear hiking shoes with good 320 5th Street, Suite 265 | Peru, IL 61354 traction and dress for the weather. 815.250.0617 | [email protected] Open 9am - 3pm MWF KEEP HYDRATED 10am - 2pm Saturday Your hike may take a while and can be quite a workout. Be sure to carry plenty of water and bring along a snack as well. Burgoo Festival • October 8, 2017 BE RESPONSIBLE Canal Markets • Every Sunday • May - September • 10AM-4 PM Keep the park looking its best. Throw your trash in a proper receptacle. Museum Campus Includes: 1848 Carry a backpack to hold your items Warehouse Museum, Aiken One-Room until you can throw them away. School House, Barn, Blacksmith Shop, Heritage Center, and Canal Market.
STAY CONNECTED Find us on Carry your phone in case you need to LaSalle County Historical Society Museum contact someone or call for help in and Lasalle County Burgoo Festival an emergency.
HIKE TOGETHER SATURDAY-SUNDAY 12-4 WITH EXPANDED SUMMER HOURS Hike with a friend or let someone 101 E. Canal Street • Utica • 816-667-4861 know your expected arrival, return, lasallecountyhistoricalsociety.org and your planned route if hiking solo.
BE SAFE Avoid dangerous falls by remaining on marked trails. The ground may be unstable off trail due to the nature of the sandstone.
USE LEASHES Keep your pets safe too. Keep them on a leash at all times.
STAY DRY In some areas, your feet may get wet in rainy seasons due to run- off; however, please remember that wading and swimming are not permitted in the park.
BRING CARRIERS For infants and toddlers, it is best to wear a carrier, since strollers do not work well on most trails.
BE PREPARED Apply sunscreen and bug spray before beginning your hike. BUNDLE UP NO BULL For winter hiking, wear warm outerwear and be sure to wear YakTrax over your boots for greater traction on snow and ice. PickUs OTTAWA il.com
16 | ENJOYLASALLECOUNTY.COM ILLINI STATE PARK 2660 EAST 2350TH ROAD • MARSEILLES 815-795-2448
ith its abundant wildlife and bordering the Illinois River, Illini State WPark was once home to the Illini Indian tribe. Today, LaSalle County birders mention this park as one of the best sites in the county for view- ing migrating vireos, warblers, thrushes, and other songbirds in fall.
Illini is a 510-acre park with a baseball field, a campground with 104 sites, and a boat ramp, along with areas for fishing, hiking, biking, and more. During the winter, you can trek the cross-country skiing trails and enjoy sledding on the hills. A shelter is available to warm up after hours of fun.
At the far west end of the park stands a living monument, which cele- brates the lives of soldiers lost in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Illinois Fall- en Soldiers Tree Memorial consists of 250 oak trees on 2.5 acres of land.
Starved Rock Marathon along the canal I & M CANAL ©Barbara Crew STATE TRAIL
rom Seneca To LaSalle FThis multi-purpose trail offers visi- tors scenic hiking and bicycling, combined with the opportunity to experience LaSal- le County’s natural resources and histor- ical sites. Walk or bike the canal towpath where horses pulled passenger boats from 1848 until 1852 and mules pulled the heavy freight required to build Chicago and north- ern Illinois. Follow the footsteps of famous Illinoisans, such as Abraham Lincoln, “Wild For Access In LaSalle County: Illinois & Michigan Canal Lock 14 Bill” Hickok, and Chief Shabbona along the LaSalle: I&M Canal Lock #14 Access Canal Road By Rt 351 • LaSalle shady canal across LaSalle County from Rt. 351/Joliet Street Restored to its 1848 condition, this lock Seneca on the east to LaSalle on the west. Utica: Parking west of downtown on Canal is representative of the mid-19th centu- Enjoy the turtles sunning themselves or Street/Dan Carey Park ry canal locks. Lock 14 was built with local spy many varieties of birds. Check out the Ottawa/Buffalo Rock: Access Dee limestone and possesses massive white oak restored lock at the LaSalle access, the Fox Bennett Road gates and swing arms. This site also pro- River aqueduct at the East Ottawa access, West Ottawa: Boyce Memorial Drive vides visitors with an idea of the scale of and the restored MJ Hogan grain elevator East Ottawa: Fox River Park • Park in the canal boat operation. Only a short distance in Seneca. Seven access points in LaSalle lot on Superior Street. further downstream of Lock 14 along the Il- County provide parking and access to the Marseilles: Main Street and canal intersect linois and Michigan State Trail system, vis- 10-foot-wide crushed limestone trail. The Seneca: Main Street and canal intersect itors can view the canal’s confluence with 61.5-mile trail will take you all the way east the Illinois River. to Joliet. canalcor.org • lasallecanalboat.org
ENJOYLASALLECOUNTY.COM | 17 Illinois’ Newest RV & Tenting Campground
GOLF COURSES 9 HOLES ANDERSON FIELD 1901 N Bloomington Street • Streator 815-672-3702
DAYTON RIDGE GOLF CLUB 926 N 2150th Rd, Oglesby, IL 61348 • Info/Reservations: (815) 431-0936 • pleasantcreekcampground.com 3076 E 18th Road • Ottawa 815-434-0145
EARLVILLE COUNTRY CLUB 400 Oak Street • Earlville Slide into family fun all year long! 815-246-9329 Set sail for pirate-themed waterslides, lazy river, play area with giant overflowing PINE HILLS GOLF CLUB water bucket and more. 1665 N 2501st Road • Ottawa 815-434-3985 pinehillsgc.com And don’t forget Subway® or Mama DeLuca’s® Pizza when you’re ready PRAIRIE LAKES COUNTRY CLUB & INN to grab a bite. 2550 N 32nd Road • Marseilles 815-795-5107 prairielakescc.com Located at Holiday Inn Club Vacations® Fox River Resort 2558 N 3653rd Road, Sheridan, IL 60551 SOUTH BLUFF GOLF COURSE (815) 496-3292 | piratescay.com 229 N 2550th Road • Peru 17-ROOP-0119 815-223-0603
TWIN CREEKS - EASTWOOD 2000 Eastwood Avenue • Streator 815-673-5553
18 HOLES THE BOURNE 2359 N 35th Road • Marseilles 815-496-2301
MENDOTA GOLF CLUB 35666 US Hwy 34 • Mendota 815-538-7241
SENICA’S DEER PARK GOLF CLUB 100 Deer Park Lane • Oglesby 815-667-4239
SENICA’S OAK RIDGE GOLF CLUB 658 E US 6 • LaSalle 815-223-7273 senicasoakridge.net
© PINE HILLS GOLF CLUB
18 | ENJOYLASALLECOUNTY.COM ADDITIONAL
Allen Park ©Ottawa Visitor Center PARKS Additional parks and preserves with bodies of water, boat launches, fishing, or paths to walk and hike. ALLEN PARK MCPHEDRAN PARK 400 COURTNEY STREET • OTTAWA OAKWOOD AVENUE • OGLESBY This riverfront park includes an amphitheater, two This park features a fishing pond with a beautiful pier boat launches, three docks, a fishing area, playground, right off the track. The track is 1/3 of a mile long with toboggan run, a riverwalk, and shelters. six workout stations. There is a playground with baby swings, regular swings, a pirate ship, and bongo drums. BAKER LAKE McPhedran Park is unique because it is the only park 2700 AIRPORT ROAD • PERU in town that is pet friendly–dogs are allowed! Baker Lake is a man-made lake that offers fishing, a one-mile paved walking path, a covered picnic area, MITCHELL’S GROVE NATURE PRESERVE picnic benches, and restrooms. EAST 5TH RD • LASALLE This 184-acre preserve offers hiking and hunting and CATLIN PARK is located on the Troy Grove Blacktop, one mile north 2560 EAST 1251ST ROAD • OTTAWA of LaSalle, at the junction of Tomahawk Creek and Lit- Catlin County Park is a 333-acre park acquired in tle Vermilion River. 1970 by the LaSalle County Conservation District. Marilla Park The park’s well-organized trail system hosts fourteen RIVERWALK AND FOX RIVER PARK ©Bob Gillette distinct trails, plus numerous connecting trails. These 1025 ONTARIO STREET • OTTAWA trails course throughout the park’s habitat, which in- A paved walking path starts at Fox River Park at East Su- cludes its various streams and ponds. The park’s horse perior and Champlain Streets and continues to Down- trails are also recognized as some of the best trails in town Ottawa along the Illinois River. The park includes the area. Open May through November. a splash pad, 9-hole disk golf course, playground, shel- ter, docks, boat launch, fishing area, and more. DAYTON BLUFFS 2997 ROUTE 71 • OTTAWA SANDY FORD NATURAL AREA The 253-acre Dayton Bluffs Preserve is the Ottawa 1399 NORTH 18TH ROAD • STREATOR community’s newest public preserve, which is owned This beautiful 200-acre site with hiking trails is locat- by The Conservation Foundation and managed by the ed on the east bank of the Vermilion River. It contains City of Ottawa. The preserve follows the Fox River for two creeks, a floodplain forest, dry bluffland forest, nearly a mile, sporting 14 ravine systems and a drop of hill prairies, and sandstone cliffs. more than 100 feet from the bluffs to the river. Though there is a parking area, public amenities, such as for- SHABBONA COUNTY PARK mal trails and bathrooms, do not yet exist. Planning 4178 CO HWY 22 • EARLVILLE is in process. The grand opening is on May 20, 2017. Picnic areas, open fields, fishing ponds, and several shelters–many with electricity–are featured at this Baker Lake HOPALONG CASSIDY RIVER TRAIL county-owned park on the banks of Indian Creek. ©City of Peru & CANOE LAUNCH The 21st century tranquility sharply contrasts with WEST MAIN STREET, ROUTE 18 • STREATOR the violent clash of cultures that earned the park its Visitors can follow this trail through an urban forest place in American history. The park is named for the of mulberry, hackberry, oak, and maple. Fish or canoe Potawatomi Chief Shabbona who tried to protect the from the canoe launch area on the Vermilion River. white settlers. Open May – October. LAKE KAKUSHA SNYDER’S GROVE ROUTE 251 • MENDOTA EAST 4TH ROAD • MENDOTA Lake Kakusha is a man-made lake with fishing, shel- Snyder’s Grove is a 104-acre preserve with hiking ters, picnic areas, and trails. trails, playground, picnic area, and shelter. MARILLA PARK SPRING LAKE NATURE AREA MARILLA PARK ROAD • STREATOR 1413 EAST 16TH ROAD • STREATOR This park is a 60-acre wooded park with fishing, hik- This is a city park with a natural waterfall, creeks, hik- ing, and a six-mile mountain bike trail used for part of ing trails, playground, picnic area, and shelter. the Illinois State Championship Series. Hopalong Cassidy River Trail & Canoe Launch ©Canoe the Vermilion
ENJOYLASALLECOUNTY.COM | 19 SENECA AREA HERITAGE MUSEUM AT SENECA STATION 431 N. Main St. • Seneca • 815-769-5077 senecahistory.com • [email protected]
• Adventures • Itineraries • Get-A-Ways • Meetings • Special Events
CALL JULIE
@ 815•883•0232 StarvedRockConnections.com
HORSEBACK RIDING, AMPHIBIOUS TOURS, & GREAT FOOD AJOIN THE FUN IN CEDAR POINT APPETIZERS HOURS: BURGERS ANCH LLC MON & TUES CLOSED WED & THURS 11:30AM - 8PM STEAK SANDWICHES HORSEBACK RIDING 815-481-3337 Bar open until 10PM HAND-CUT FRIES FRI &SAT 11:30AM - 9PM Bar open until 11PM SMOKED BBQ SUN 11:30AM - 8PM FRIED CHICKEN
HORSEBACK CATERING AVAILABLE Banquet facilities available RIDING FOR for weddings, receptions, Introducing and social gatherings ALL AGES GATOR CREEK CRUISE LIVE ENTERTAINMENT COME OUT AND EXPERIENCE AMPHIBIOUS TOURS CCRStables.com Weight limit is 250 Lbs. - No Exceptions TheGunsmokeGrill.com SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS A A A A A 20OPEN | ENJOYLASALLECOUNTY.COM 7 DAYS A WEEK Year-Round 11 AM - 4 PM CALL FOR RESERVATIONS 815-481-3337 249 EAST IL ROUTE 71 CEDAR POINT, IL 815-446-4017 75th ANNUAL SENECA SHIPYARD DAYS June 21-24, 2017 DOWNTOWN SENECA Celebrating Seneca’s rich history and its role in WWII as home to the “Prairie Shipyard.”
PRAIRIE SHIPYARD CRUISE NIGHT August 26, 2017 5 PM-10 PM DOWNTOWN SENECA
SENECA AREA HERITAGE MUSEUM OUTDOOR RECREATION FAMILY FUN 4 MARINAS RIVERFRONT DINING, ENTERTAINMENT, AND TIKI BAR
senecail.org
HORSEBACK RIDING, AMPHIBIOUS TOURS, & GREAT FOOD AJOIN THE FUN IN CEDAR POINT APPETIZERS HOURS: BURGERS ANCH LLC MON & TUES CLOSED WED & THURS 11:30AM - 8PM STEAK SANDWICHES HORSEBACK RIDING 815-481-3337 Bar open until 10PM HAND-CUT FRIES FRI &SAT 11:30AM - 9PM Bar open until 11PM SMOKED BBQ SUN 11:30AM - 8PM FRIED CHICKEN
HORSEBACK CATERING AVAILABLE Banquet facilities available RIDING FOR for weddings, receptions, Introducing and social gatherings ALL AGES GATOR CREEK CRUISE LIVE ENTERTAINMENT COME OUT AND EXPERIENCE AMPHIBIOUS TOURS CCRStables.com Weight limit is 250 Lbs. - No Exceptions TheGunsmokeGrill.com SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS A A A A A OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Year-Round 11 AM - 4 PM CALL FOR RESERVATIONS 815-481-3337 249 EAST IL ROUTE 71 CEDAR POINT, IL 815-446-4017ENJOYLASALLECOUNTY.COM | 21 Crafting Quality
Breweries, wineries, distilleries, and &tasting roomsLifting are beginning to dot the socialSpirits landscape in LaSalle County. They all have one common goal in mind – to craft quality products and to bring people together for a great experience.
LocatedTangled in the heart Roots of Downtown OttawaBrewing cal engineer Company and his various responsibilities is the Tangled Roots Brewing Company. Life at SABMiller to the table. Tangled Root’s takes us in all different directions and some- head brewmaster Louis Rizzo’s hometown times, it brings those paths together. Be it is Spring Valley. While he may not have the chance or destiny, life offers the opportunity background of his older colleagues, Rizzo’s for people from all over the globe to create passion for the craft has given him a repu- something worthwhile together. This is the tation for producing quality products. When story of Tangled Roots. Originally from La- entrepreneurs Inga Carus of Ottawa and her Salle County, Chicago, South Africa, and native German husband Peter Limberger met Germany, a team was born. Pearse and Struchen, the dream of Tangled Roots began to take root. Tangled Roots Chief Commercial Officer and Chicago native, Scott Struchen comments, The brewery not only has a tasting room, “It’s the Great American Beer Story – the but also the dual-level brew pub and farm- American melting pot.” Struchen’s back- to-table restaurant – The Lone Buffalo. Ex- ground is in the Windy City’s restaurant and ecutive Chef Brok Kellogg, Chef de Cuisine brewing industry, including VP of the Chica- Scott Seese, and Sous Chef Theron Walker go Beer Company. Keith Pearse’s roots began make everything from bison chili, ribeye, and in South Africa. Pearse brings his experience salmon to the bison burger, flatbreads, and building breweries in the UK as a mechani- delectable salads and desserts.
22 | ENJOYLASALLECOUNTY.COM AugustFarming Hill is in Mark Wenzel’sWinery blood. When he was young, he enjoyed watching his grandfather, August (Augie) Engelhaupt, tend to the crops. Wenzel had grown to love the land as well. He had dabbled in winemaking over the years, but it was when he dis- covered that French-hybrid grapes grow well in the Illinois climate that his hobby became August Hill Winery. The winery uses locally harvested grapes and the products are all hand-crafted.
If you prefer the sparkling variety, Wenzel also produces the Illinois Sparkling Co. line by the traditional French method, which uses a sugar solution and yeast to create the CO2. Using the time-honored, hand-crafted methods means a higher quality product.
August Hill Winery has a tasting room in Down- town Utica with three options where you can sit and enjoy their wine. There is the tasting bar, the lounge with tables and upholstered seating, and the 3-season patio. They also offer a choco- late sampler, bread and dipping oil, or a platter of various meats, cheeses, crackers, fruit, and nuts for you to enjoy as well.
Tasting Rooms at Cattails &
Clarks Run Creek Gifts & Wine Stadel and friends at Cattails If you are looking for places to taste wine and craft beer from various wineries and breweries in the same location, then check out Cattails and Clarks Run Creek Gifts & Wine – both in Utica.
Katelyn Stadel of Henry and her friends begin their girls’ day out with lunch and then they head over to Cattails. “One of my favorite places to enjoy wine is Cattails,” Stadel says, “because their tastings are large and they always have new wines to try.” Weather permitting, Cattails of- ten has live music on the patio as well. After Cattails, they head over to Clark’s Run Creek Gifts & Wine. Stadel notes that the people there have always been extremely knowledgeable about the wine and they have a good variety there as well. The last stop of their day is usually August Hill. There, the ladies will purchase a bottle of wine and a meat and cheese Clarks Run Creek tray and enjoy the rest of the evening together. Why not make a day of it?
ENJOYLASALLECOUNTY.COM | 23 InStar the spirit Union of the Illinois SpiritsValley’s commercial her- itage, Bob Windy, a Chicago graphic artist and Peru native, wanted to give back to his hometown commu- nity. The Westclox building, where Windy’s grandfa- ther spent a lifetime working, seemed like the perfect location for Bob Windy and his neighbor, attorney Jeff Yosowitz to invest in and help bring back to life.
Currently under construction in the historic Westclox building in Peru, Star Union Spirits will open its doors in late 2017. The craft distillery, founded by longtime winemaking friends Bob Windy and Jeff Yosowitz, will manufacture hand-crafted spirits, such as brandy and whiskey, that will be made in small batches from locally sourced fruit and grain. Star Union Spirits will also offer a variety of artisanal cocktails.
For those interested in how it’s made, Star Union Spirits will offer tours of the facility. Visitors will EnterKindred into Kindred SpiritsSpirits Distillery Distillery in North Utica and you get learn a bit about the art of distilling and what it takes the feeling of a down-home, laid-back atmosphere. The distillery to hand-craft spirits from farm-to-bottle. Also, for serves small-batch spirits from craft distillers, along with a variety those lovers of spirits or for those who are curious to of wine and beer and specialty and seasonal drinks. Soon produc- try them, a tasting room with the 100-gallon, copper tion will be under way for the distillery’s own line of moonshine, still from Germany is in the works as well. unaged whiskey, rum, and their very own Blue Line Vodka. The vod- ka is dedicated to law enforcement who serve and protect with a portion of the proceeds benefitting families of fallen officers.
As a second-generation police officer, owner Pete Haun says, “My motivation for Kindred Spirits Distillery and the Blue Line Products is to distill a top-shelf product that everyone can enjoy and afford Illinois River Winery after a hard day’s work.” The story of Illinois River Winery began during Greg Kane’s annual Missouri Wine Country family bike ride. They said that as they traveled along the Katy Trail, they found that the best wines were ones that were affordable. With dreams of great wine and the desire to get back into farming, Kane and his family began planting a vineyard. Within a few short years, they were producing their own wine.
Today Illinois River Winery has more than 30 hand-crafted wines. They have the tasting bar in Uti- ca and live music in the garden every weekend from May-October.
See listings on PG 25 for locations.
24 | ENJOYLASALLECOUNTY.COM COFFEE SHOPS THE BEAN BOX ESPRESSO • LASALLE DEJA BREW COFFEE• PERU MALL DUNKIN’ DONUTS • OTTAWA & PERU JEREMIAH JOE COFFEE • OTTAWA LOCK 16 CAFÉ • LASALLE STARBUCKS • PERU
FARMERS MARKETS
Jeremiah Joe Coffee MAY – OCTOBER ©sethmorrisphotography.com OLD TOWN FARMERS MARKET Every Saturday • 8 AM – 12:30 PM DOWNTOWN OTTAWA
JUNE – SEPTEMBER LASALLE FARMERS MARKET Every Tuesday • 3–6 PM HEGELER PARK • LASALLE
JUNE – OCTOBER STREATOR FARMERS MARKET Every Saturday • 9 AM – 1 PM STREATOR CITY PARK • STREATOR
MENDOTA FARMERS MARKET Every Saturday • 8 AM - Noon MAIN STREET • MENDOTA SEPTEMBER2017 16 & 17 SAT 11 AM-6 PM JULY – SEPTEMBER Two brands. One roof. OGLESBY FARMERS MARKET SUN NOON-5 PM Every Thursday • 3–6 PM Lots of Passion. WALNUT STREET • DOWNTOWN OGLESBY Matthiessen State Park WINERIES, BREWERIES, & DISTILLERIES Rt 178 | Oglesby, IL 61348 AUGUST HILL WINERY & ILLINOIS SPARKLING CO. & SEE AD PG 25 106 MILL STREET • UTICA 815-667-5211 • augusthillwinery.com • iscbubbly.com
Wine tastings, flights, gifts & accessories CATTAILS • WINE & CRAFT BEER TASTING 2949 IL ROUTE 178 • UTICA Visit our tasting room or plan your next 815-667-4550 private event or party with us. starvedrockmarketplace.com
CLARKS RUN CREEK GIFTS & WINE 106 Mill Street * Utica, IL 61373 WINE & CRAFT BEER TASTING 815.667.5211 143 MILL STREET • UTICA • SEE AD PG 52 vintageillinois.com • illinoiswine.com 815-691-8047 • clarksruncreek.com augusthillwinery.com iscbubbly.com enjoyillinois.com * ILLINOIS RIVER WINERY 723 SOUTH CLARK STREET • NORTH UTICA 815-667-4012 illinoisriverwinery.com
KINDRED SPIRITS DISTILLERY • SEE AD PG 56 2958 IL ROUTE 178 • NORTH UTICA 815-579-5105 • KindredSpiritsDistilleryIL.com
STAR UNION SPIRITS • OPENING LATE 2017 300 5TH STREET, SUITE 135 • PERU Coming soon: starunionspirits.com
TANGLED ROOTS BREWING COMPANY SEE AD INSIDE BACK COVER 808-814 LASALLE STREET • OTTAWA 815-324-9549 tangledrootsbrewingco.com Vintage Illinois Wine Festival ©Illinois Wine SEE CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR WINE & BREW FESTS
ENJOYLASALLECOUNTY.COM | 25 MAY MIDWEST MOREL FEST Festivals STREATOR FEST JUNE 2 RIVERS WINE FESTIVAL Shows SENECA SHIPYARD DAYS CELEBRATE LASALLE
Sweet Corn Festival & ©Mendota Area Chamber JULY PLUTO FEST SEPTEMBER STREATOR’S 4TH - AMERICA’S BEST LASALLE’S MUSIC FESTIVAL SUMMER FUN FEST MARSEILLES RENAISSANCE FAIRE MARSEILLES FUN DAYS VINTAGE ILLINOIS WINE FESTIVAL SUMMERFEST BOOGIE SCARECROW FESTIVAL AUGUST OCTOBER SUMMERFEST BOOGIE BURGOO FESTIVAL & CAR SHOW OTTAWA’S RIVERFEST HARVEST FEST SWEET CORN FESTIVAL
MAUD POWELL ARTS CELEBRATION 2 Rivers Wine Festival ©Ottawa Visitor Center
PERFORMING ARTS Streator Engle Lane Community Theater englelane.org
LaSalle Stage 212 stage212.org
Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra LaSalle’s Music Festival ivso.org Maud Powell Arts Celebration ©City of LaSalle ©City of Peru
LIVE MUSIC LIVE MUSIC SEASONAL: YEAR-ROUND: SENECA • Boondocks Tiki Bar OTTAWA • Lone Buffalo, including Sunday August Hill Winery, Cattails jazz brunch, Shakers, Dockside Bar & Grill, UTICA • Row House LASALLE • Haze Smokehouse, Hegeler Carus Mansion, Uptown Grill OGLESBY • Starved Rock Lodge - Back Door Lounge CEDAR POINT • Gunsmoke Grill LASALLE • 9th St. Pub, OGLESBY • Starved Rock Lodge Machelles’ Backstreet OTTAWA • Washington Park PERU • Art Deco STREATOR • Plumb Pavilion Riverfest ©Ottawa Visitor Center
26 | ENJOYLASALLECOUNTY.COM Salt Well TO OTTAWA STATE PARK PARK STATE AND OTTAWA TO BUFFALO ROCK ROCK BUFFALO TO Illinois Canyon PARKING PICNIC AREA SEASONAL RESTROOMS WHEELCHAIR
ILLINOIS RIVER Shelter Council Council Lone Point Point Lone Overhang Council Overhang * 3.9 mi. Council Overhang Kaskaskia Canyon *4.0 mi. Canyon Kaskaskia Canyon Kaskaskia Kaskaskia Photography by Kathy Casstevens Kathy by Photography Ottawa Ottawa Canyon PLAYGROUND CAMPGROUND SHOWERS DUMP STATION MAY-OCT. 1/2 mile Canyon Canyon Canyon Overlook Hennepin Hennepin Ottawa Canyon *4.0 mi. Canyon Ottawa Wildcat Canyon * 1.0 mi. Canyon Wildcat VISITOR CENTER VISITOR LODGE AID FIRST RANGER STATION Hidden Canyon & Overlook Owl Canyon Owl Canyon
Parkman’s PlainParkman’s CONNECTING TRAIL CONNECTING MAY-OCT. INTERIOR CANYON OR INTERIOR CANYON WHITE DOT: going are you Means the Lodge TOWARD Center and Visitor DEE BENNETT ROAD DEE BENNETT SEASONAL Tonty Canyon *1.9 mi. Canyon Tonty LaSalle Canyon St. Louis Canyon * 1.5 mi. Canyon St. Louis SEASONAL from the Lodge the Lodge from Youth Group Camping Youth Tonty Tonty RIVER TRAIL Canyon YELLOW DOT: YELLOW going are you Means AWAY Center and Visitor Canyon Lonetree Lonetree Overlook SEASONAL Sandstone Point Point Sandstone Canyon Basswood Basswood Permit Booth Permit B L UFF TRAIL Beehive Beehive POST COLOR: POST which type you Tells on. are you trail of Overlook VISITOR CENTER VISITOR Canyon Wildcat
ILLINOIS WATERWAY ILLINOIS WATERWAY Lasalle Canyon *2.0 mi. Canyon Lasalle Dam Overlook Eagle Cliff Eagle Cliff Overlook * 0.8 mi. Cliff Overlook Eagle Pontiac Pontiac Canyon
Overlook Lover’s Leap Leap Lover’s Island ROCK Leopold Leopold STARVED STARVED French Canyon MAJOR STAIRWAYS MAJOR OVERLOOKS ROUTE 71 ROUTE ROADS AND PARKING AND ROADS LEGEND Visitor Center Visitor Aurora Canyon Plum Island French Canyon *0.4 mi. *0.4 Canyon French Sac Sac Canyon VISITOR CENTER • 815-667-4726 VISITOR 2678 EAST 873RD ROAD • OGLESBY ROAD 873RD EAST 2678 Canyon Kickapoo SEASONAL STATE PARK STATE both locations year-round. locations both STARVED ROCK STARVED Canyon Wheelchair Access, Restrooms, Restrooms, Wheelchair Access, St. Louis Louis St. and Food Service are available in available Service are and Food VISITOR CENTER AND LODGE CENTER AND LODGE VISITOR
Boat Ramp
ROUTE 178 ROUTE
TO MATTHIESSEN STATE PARK STATE MATTHIESSEN TO TO UTICA TO Starved Rock Lodge Rock Starved - All distances are measured one way from the Visitors Center. the Visitors from one way measured are - All distances Trails of * Length Starved Rock *0.3 mi. Rock Starved
ENJOYLASALLECOUNTY.COM | 27 EARLVILLE 1. Earlville Historical Society Museum 2. RT 34 Drive-In Theater 3. Shabbona County Park LASALLE 4. Hegeler Carus Mansion IL & MICHIGAN CANAL STATE TRAIL 5. Lock 16 Visitors Center/Lock14/I & M Canal Boat 6. Mitchell Grove Nature Preserve MARSEILLES ILLINI STATE PARK 7. Middle Eastern Conflict Wall Memorial MENDOTA 8. Breaking the Prairie Museum 9. Hume-Carnegie Museum & Veterans Park 10. Lake Kakusha 11. Snyders Grove 12. Union Depot Railroad Museum OGLESBY 13. Memorial Park MATTHIESSEN STATE PARK 14. McPhedran Park STARVED ROCK STATE PARK AND VISITOR CENTER OTTAWA BUFFALO ROCK STATE PARK 15. Catlin Park CHICAGO • 95 MILES 16. Dayton Bluffs GRAND RAPIDS • 242 MILES 17. I & M Tollhouse and Replica Canal Boat 18. IL Waterway Visitors Center INDIANAPOLIS • 239 MILES 19. LaSalle County Geneology Guild LOUISVILLE • 350 MILES 20. Ottawa Visitors Center MILWAUKEE • 163 MILES 20. Reddick Mansion QUAD CITIES • 93 MILES 20. Washington Square Park and Murals ST. LOUIS •225 MILES 21. Riverwalk & Fox River Park 22. Skydive Chicago PERU 23. Baker Lake Park 24. Westclox Museum SENECA 25. IL LST (Landing Ship Tank) Memorial 26. MJ Hogan Grain Elevator 27. Seneca Area History Museum SHERIDAN 28. Norsk Museum STREATOR 29. Hopalong Cassidy River Trail & Canoe Launch 30. Sandy Ford Conservation Area 31. Spring Lake Nature Area 32. Streator City Park 33. Streatorland Historical Museum 34. Weber House 35. WWII Canteen Monument TROY GROVE 36. Wild Bill Hickok State Memorial UTICA 37. Father Marquette Memorial 38. Heritage Corridor CVB Visitors Center 39. LaSalle County Historical Society Museum Campus WEDRON 40. Charles Lindbergh Crash Site Marker
1 ATTRACTION CAMPGROUND HORSEBACK CAMPGROUND Take a scenic route. On holiday SCENIC DRIVES: weekends, it is best to take an Part of the Illinois River Road Scenic Byway and Canyon Drive with connecting Roads. alternate exit, since RT 178 at To extend your Drive to Illini State Park and Exit 81 tends to be backed up.
LEGEND other LaSalle County locations along the river.
28 | ENJOYLASALLECOUNTY.COM LASALLE COUNTY SCENIC DRIVES & ATTRACTIONS MAP LASALLE, PERU, AND OGLESBY TO STARVED ROCK ROUTE 71 TO OTTAWA MATTHIESSEN STATE PARK 178 ROUTE FOR INFORMATION, GO TO THE STARVED ROCK VISITOR CENTER OR CALL 815-667-4726 2500 IL RT 178 • OGLESBY ROCK STARVED TO
Horseback
Campground 815-433-2220 PRIVATE WATER WATER GOLF STRIDER I & M CANAL STATE TRAIL TRAIL STATE CANAL I & M COURSE MATTHIESSEN LAKE STATE PARK STATE BUFFALO ROCK BUFFALO FROG Bridge & Dam Lake Falls Giant’s Bathtub DELLS AREA TOTAL MILEAGE: 3.2 MILES Cascade Falls Cedar • OTTAWA (DEE BENNETT ROAD) ROAD 27TH 1300 NORTH &Wishing Well Point CATFISH
Devil’s Paint Box Horseback Parking
Strawberry ROAD BENNETT DEE Rock TURTLE INFORMATION CENTER INFORMATION OFFICE PARK PARKING RESTROOMS SHELTER SLOPE STEEP TRAIL ROAD TRAIL I&M CANAL STATE FIELD BASEBALL
ILLINOIS RIVER
SNAKE LEGEND UTICA
VERMILION RIVER AREA NORTH TO VIA HORSE TRAIL 1 MILE
BOAT RAMP RAMP BOAT MALLARD BAY MALLARD 2425TH ROAD 2425TH TRAIL 2659TH ROAD MARASOTTAWA DELLS AREA VIA TO SENECA FALLS HORSE TRAIL GREAT
1 MILE
Dam
TO E 24TH & I-80 & 24TH E TO Horseback MARSEILLES TO
Parking MAIN STREET MAIN 2350TH ROAD 2350TH ROUTE 178 ROUTE CAMPING PINE GLEN YOUTH GROUP GROUP YOUTH
WHITETAIL PERSON CREEK PERSON
VERMILION RIVER
ILLINI-WEK CROSS-COUNTRY SKI TRAIL
ILLINOIS RIVER
VERMILION GROVE RIVER AREA SYCAMORE TOTAL MILEAGE: 1.9 MILES SUNRISE COUNCIL RIVER MEADOWS ILLINI STATE PARK ILLINI STATE 815-795-2448 • 2660 EAST 2350TH ROAD • MARSEILLES 2350TH ROAD EAST • 2660 815-795-2448 OAKS POST COLOR: LEGEND ANCIENT Tells you which type ARCHERY RANGE PARKING of trail you are on. FORT PICNIC AREA
BELLS ISLAND
BLUFF TRAIL MODEL AIRPLANE FIELD RESTROOMS BOG WILDCAT WILDCAT YELLOW DOT: BRIDGE PHONE Means you are going POINTS OF INTEREST SHELTER AWAY from the fort or parking ROADS AND PARKING HORSEBACK RIVER TRAIL CAMPGROUND
WHITE DOT: 1/4 mile OFFICE PARK PARKING TOILET FLUSH SHELTER TRAIL ROAD FIELD BASEBALL Means you are going Locks
Ski Trail Maps are available at the ski Horse Trail Maps are Marseilles
TOWARD the fort TREE 2653RD ROAD MEMORIAL rental trailer in the Dells Area and the available at horseback LEGEND or parking TO OTTAWA Starved Rock Visitor Center. parking lots and the INTERIOR CANYON OR Starved Rock Visitor Center. CONNECTING TRAIL GENTLEMAN TRUMBO ROAD
30 | ENJOYLASALLECOUNTY.COM Westclox – Then [ & Now ]
hat began as a dream of an inventor in working conditions, but they were also were pi- generations and loved by many in the area. West- W1884 became one of the largest alarm oneers in developing employee benefits – com- clox was not only a business, but within the walls clock factories in the world. Though the fledgling plete with group insurance, paid vacation time, and beyond, it was a true community of people United Clock Company faced financial and mar- pension plan, sickness benefit, and a hospital and that lived, worked, and had fun together. keting issues, under the new ownership of F.W. surgical insurance plan. Matthiessen and new name, the business start- Today, the old Westclox building is being revi- ed to grow exponentially in the late 1800’s into As the company’s profits and growth increased, talized. Purchased a few years ago by Promier the early part of the 20th century. With a lot of they expanded into exporting their merchan- Products, the building has taken on a new life. hard work and a bit of faith in what could be, the dise around the globe. One of their best-known The west wing is filled with businesses for the newly named Western Clock Company began to products was the Big Ben alarm clock, which first surrounding community, such as yoga, art, music, be profitable. The profits were reinvested in the appeared on store shelves in 1910. This popular and custom jewelry studios, a salon, gymnastics company with a building expansion and the up- clock was long lasting and dependable. By casting school, and even a hallway art gallery. While the dated equipment. some of the clock components together, clocks east wing consists of small manufacturers and a could be assembled with greater ease – increas- crossfit gym. The Western Clock Company was known for ing production and keeping the price affordable. its quality products and for the way the man- The center of the building will be a thriving cen- agement treated their employees. They firm- The company that later became known as West- ter for tourism. The Westclox Museum is just the ly believed that happy employees equal happy clox closed its doors in LaSalle-Peru in 1980 leav- beginning. The museum features clocks, watches, customers. They not only achieved excellent ing a legacy of a business that impacted many military items and remnants of the once bustling factory. There are also many photos, promotional films, and copies of the Tick Talk Magazine, which was produced by the company for its employees. Much history can be pulled from those pages. “Each of these little magazines is a time capsule in itself,” said the museum curator Ruth Spayer. Currently, there are over 50 years worth of mag- azines that are being converted into a searchable digital archive, so that people can easily find out more about those that once worked there. The entire collection was donated to the museum by former employees and by those whose lives were touched by Westclox.
Near the museum is State Senator Sue Rezin’s office and two photography studios, while the first floor houses the Promier Products offices. Behind the main factory doors will soon be a hot spot for locals and tourists alike as construction is currently underway for Star Union Spirits. The new craft distillery and tasting room is set to open late 2017. Beyond that area there is room for continued growth to lease space within the factory and other vacant floors and build to suit for additional businesses, restaurants, and shops.
The Westclox building is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photos courtesy of the Westclox Museum.
ENJOYLASALLECOUNTY.COM | 31 Historic Homes
Reddick Mansion
The Reddick Mansion, a wonderfully unique land- mark, stands proudly on the corners of Columbus and Lafayette streets in Ottawa. This twenty-two room Italianate mansion has drawn attention for many years as a private residence, a public library, and a public office building. Built in 1858 by William Reddick, it remained the family home for thirty ye- ars. William Reddick was a respected businessman and politician, but he was also a philanthropist.
With education being of utmost importance to him, he was instrumental in laying the foundation for the University of Illinois and the organization of free public schools in Ottawa. In accordance with the wishes of Mr. Reddick, upon his death the home became the property of the City of Ottawa to be used as a library. In 1974, the Reddick Mansion As- sociation was chartered as a non-profit corporation in charge of ensuring the restoration, maintenance, and operation of the property. Visitors may tour the mansion several days a week; see website for Reddick Mansion details. 815-433-6100 • 100 West Lafayette Street ©Ottawa Visitor Center OTTAWA • reddickmansion.org
Hegeler Carus Mansion
Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Hegeler Carus Mansion is a source of pride to the Illinois Valley. This architectural mas- terpiece, built from 1874-1876, is a key to the his- tory of the Illinois Valley, the Midwest, and the na- tion. The home remained a private residence until 1995 when the Hegeler Foundation was formed to protect and preserve the home. The mansion is an example of high artistic achievement in ar- chitecture and interior design, yet also highlights accomplishments in industry, philosophy, pub- lishing, and religion. One hour tours are available Wednesday thru Sunday at Noon, 1 PM, 2 PM, and 3 PM. • 815-224-6543 • 1307 7th Street LASALLE • hegelercarus.org Hegeler Carus Mansion ©Kelly Klobucher
Weber House and Garden
Streator is home to this charming country Tudor. Owner Ted Weber welcomes visitors to experience themed rooms and ex- tensive gardens. The home was built in 1938 by his parents, Ernest and Zelma Weber. Ted became a radio interviewer for a Chicago station and had his own syndicated show. During his career he interviewed many celebrities and was able to travel extensively. His travels furthered his appreciation of architecture and art. Realizing the importance of preserving his family home, Ted Weber moved back to Streator in 1983 and has made it his passion. The Weber House has uniquely decorated rooms, which are appropriately named for celebri- ties he once interviewed. Each room reflects a different period design. The home now has a beautifully manicured English garden that is segmented into rooms. Mr. Weber, feeling the need to promote tourism in Streator, opened his home to the public. Open Daily 10AM - 5PM • April through October Unplanned Closings May Be Possible. Please Phone Ahead. Weber House and Garden 815-672-8327 • 1503 Baker Street ©Kathy Casstevens STREATOR • weberhouseandgarden.com
32 | ENJOYLASALLECOUNTY.COM Memorials
Middle Eastern Conflict Wall Memorial
This beautiful granite memorial honors fallen men and women who have served during Middle East- ern conflicts. Names are etched in the stone. This memorial was established in 2004 by the Illinois Freedom Run organization. Riverside Plaza • MARSEILLES
WWII Canteen Monument
This monument honors the hundreds of volun- teers who met 1.5 million World War II soldiers and sailors on troop trains at the Santa Fe station, serving them coffee and sandwiches as their trains passed through. Often, it was the first snack and friendly face the troops had seen since their train ride began.Santa Fe Burlington Northern Depot North Illinois Street • STREATOR
Middle Eastern Conflict Wall Memorial
WWII Canteen Monument Illinois LST Memorial ©Streator Tourism ©Seneca Historical Guild
Streator City Park Illinois LST Memorial Wild Bill Hickok State Memorial
War memorials, Reuben Soderstrom Memorial, This granite memorial honors those men and This memorial marks the birthplace of the leg- Ralph Plumb Memorial, Plumb Pavilion, Heroes women who built and sailed Landing Ship Tanks endary frontier scout and U.S. Marshal “Wild Bill” Mural, and two 19th century fountains during WWII and in Korea and Vietnam. The last Hickok. Main Street • TROY GROVE East Hickory and North Park Street • STREATOR of the 157 LST’s was launched from Seneca’s ship- yard on June 8, 1945. Crotty Park • SENECA Father Marquette Memorial
This memorial is dedicated to Father Jacques Mar- quette who observed the first Catholic mass in the Veterans Park ©fineartamerica.com/artists/paula+guttilla Illinois Territory in 1675. St. Mary’s Church 303 Division Street • UTICA
Memorial Park
Memorials include: WWI, WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam. The park also has a WWI restored can- non, a Vietnam-era helicopter, a statue of a sailor, and a General Pulaski monument. Corner of Jordan & Woodland • OGLESBY
Veterans Park
Memorials and canons next to the Hume-Carnegie Museum • MENDOTA
ENJOYLASALLECOUNTY.COM | 33 Museums, Landmarks, & Visitor Centers
I & M Tollhouse and Replica Canal Boat
The restored tollhouse, built in 1848, is the last of its kind along the I & M Canal. Today, the build- ing is furnished as it once would have been and visitors can view tools and other artifacts. Near- by, stands a replica canal boat. Call for a tour. 815-434-2737 • 1221 Columbus Street • OTTAWA
Illinois Waterway Visitor Center
Watch the towboats as they navigate through the operating lock & dam and view the indoor displays. Observe American Bald Eagles during the winter. 815-667-4054 • 950 North 27th Road • OTTAWA
Ottawa Historical Scouting Heritage Museum
Promoting and preserving the traditions of scout- ©Illinois Waterway Visitor Center ing, this museum features many scouting items as well as three year-round outdoor hiking trails. Earlville Community Historical 815-431-9353 • 1100 Canal Street • OTTAWA Breaking the Prairie Farm Museum Society Museum ©fineartamerica.com/artists/paula+guttilla
LaSalle County Genealogy Guild 150 years of Earlville history housed in the old 1895 Hardware Store building. Admission to the Ever wonder about your family history or have museum is free. The museum is closed during some historical records to share? People come the winter months. For hours or to view the mu- from all parts of the globe to study their genealogy seum, please call 815-246-7076 or 815-246-9978. in the Guild’s library. 815-433-5261 136 South Ottawa Street • EARLVILLE 115 West Glover Street • OTTAWA earlvillehistory.org
Washington Square Park
Commemorating the location of the first Lin- Breaking the Prairie Farm Museum coln-Douglas debate on August 21, 1858 with large bronze statues centered above a reflecting pond Depicting agriculture in the early years of Men- and fountain made of limestone. The park also in- dota, this museum honors the farm families, their cludes the 1873 Goddess of Liberty Civil War Sol- machinery, and their livestock. The Mathesius diers Monument and Veterans Memorial. Brothers’ barn can now be viewed all day long OTTAWA • pickusottawail.com through the large windows. Special tours of the Country Chapel and Mathesius Barn can be ar- ranged by calling the Mendota Museum & Histor- ical Society office. 815-539-3373 • 684 8th Street MENDOTA • mendotamuseums.org
Union Depot Railroad Museum ©fineartamerica.com/artists/paula+guttilla
Union Depot Railroad Museum
Displays at the Union Depot Railroad Museum included railroad memorabilia, a model rail- road, and exhibits that depict the history of the railroad in Mendota. Open Memorial Day thru Labor Day. 815-538-3800 • 783 Main Street MENDOTA • mendotamuseums.org Hume-Carnegie Museum ©Mendota Area Chamber Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center Hume-Carnegie Museum
Visit the state-of-the-art Visitor Center to learn Preserving the history of the Mendota area with about trails, wildlife, vegetation, and history of an extensive collection of photography, “Wild Bill” Starved Rock State Park. You will find interac- Hickok collection, medical equipment from the tive displays, fish from the Illinois River, histor- early 1920’s, and much more. Open Saturday & ical artifacts, informational movies, and much Sunday 1-4 PM • March 1st to the 2nd Sunday in Washington Square Park more. 815-667-4726 • 2678 East 873Rd Road December • 815-539-3373 • 901 Washington Street ©Ottawa Visitor Center OGLESBY• starvedrockstatepark.org MENDOTA • mendotamuseums.org
34 | ENJOYLASALLECOUNTY.COM Museums, Landmarks, & Visitor Centers
MJ Hogan Grain Elevator Westclox Museum ©sethmorrisphotography.com Norsk Scandinavian Museum ©fineartamerica.com/artists/paula+guttilla The Westclox factory was an integral part of the community since the early 1900’s until it closed in the 1980’s. Generations worked to not only create a much needed product, but also a sense of community. The museum holds a collection of products, documents, antiques and history of the Westclox Company from those who remem- ber it fondly. 815-250-0617 • 350 5th Street, Suite 265 • PERU • westcloxmuseum.com
Norsk Museum
From June-September, the Norsk Museum is open Saturdays and Sundays, 1-5 PM. The two-build- ing museum is dedicated to the Scandinavian settlers who founded the Norway area in the ©Westclox Museum 1800’s. It contains articles of Scandinavian life, such as dishes, clothing, furniture and spinning wheels. 815-343-5070 • 3656 East 2631st Street Seneca Area Heritage Museum SHERIDAN • norskmuseum.org
Discover the Seneca area’s rich history – from coal Streatorland Historical M.J. Hogan Grain Elevator mining to its shipyard days – at the new Seneca Area Society Museum Heritage Museum. Exhibits are changed seasonally Erected in 1861, this 65-foot-tall, 70,000-bushel and are all housed in a beautifully restored, historic Nineteenth century clothing, a music room, local capacity elevator is one of the oldest remaining train depot that dates back to 1912. Seneca Station products, and photographs depict the history of Stre- grain elevators. 815-357-6197 815-769-5077 • 431 North Main Street • SENECA ator and Streatorland natives. 124 West Williams • SENECA senecahistory.com 815-672-2443 306 Vermillion Street • STREATOR
I & M Canal Boat
Climb aboard The Volunteer, a replica 19th century mule-pulled canal boat, and ride the route Lincoln traveled! Your guides, dressed as canal-era crew, will take you back in time to life on the American frontier and the Illinois Prairie. Meet our mules, Moe & Joe, and learn how horses and mules pulled passengers and cargo between Chicago and LaSalle. Group tours & private rentals are also available. April 29th – October 29th • 815-220-1848 • 754 First Street • LASALLE
Lock 16 Visitor Center ©LaSalle County Historical Society The Lock 16 Visitor Center contains a café & gift shop, which serves breakfast and lunch, in addition to catering events. Lock 16 is housed in a restored building that was once home to a horse buggy maker. Now, it’s a hub for I & M Canal Boat LaSalle County Historical Society Museum Campus rides, activities, visitor information, afternoon teas, cultural programs, shopping, dining, and private parties. 815-223-1851 • 754 First Street • LASALLE The LaSalle County Historical Society’s museum campus is located in the lasallecanalboat.org heart of Downtown Utica along the historic Illinois and Michigan Canal– itself a historic landmark. The museum campus features five facilities: the 1848 Canal Warehouse, the 1865 One-Room School House, the Heritage I & M Canal Boat Center, the Blacksmith Shop, and the 1875 Barn. ©fineartamerica.com/artists/paula+guttilla The Canal Warehouse displays an extensive collection of Native Ameri- can artifacts, pioneer furnishings, and more. The Aitken School is furnished with period pieces and each year more than 1,200 children receive lessons and more from materials once used in one-room schoolhouses. The Heri- tage Center’s exhibits focus primarily on the 20th century and the military. Be sure to check out the coal mine exhibit. The Blacksmith Shop is still a functioning shop with forge and smith, just as it has since it first opened in 1892. The Barn next to the Blacksmith Shop houses agricultural exhib- its from horse-drawn farm equipment to 19th century veterinary tools. 815-667-4861 • 101 East Canal Street • UTICA lasallecountyhistoricalsociety.org
ENJOYLASALLECOUNTY.COM | 35 MODEL HOME TOURS Weekdays & Weekends by Appointment “The Log Home People”
Serving LaSalle County since 1872 255 S. Main Street | Seneca, IL | (815) 357-6144
A GREAT TIME AT GLENWOOD RV RESORT
• Full & Limited Hookups Thinking of of building building a anew new Log log Home, home, Cabin cabin oror otherother • Primitive Sites Loglog building? Building? Visit Visit our our fully fully furnished furnished NorthernNorthern WhiteWhite • Tents Allowed Cedar Model Home, located in a beautiful wooded area Cedar Model Home, located in a beautiful wooded area • Swimming north ofof LaSalle. LaSalle. Benefit Benefit from from our moremore than than 3835 years of Loglog homeHome design, Design, sales, Sales and & Constructionconstruction Experience.experience. • Kids’ Fishing On-Site • Convenient Store DON ZUKOWSKI & ASSOCIATES • Hay Wagon Rides 339 N 3179 Road, LaSalle, IL 61301 • Tennis OPEN YEAR-ROUND Free Color Glenwood RV Resort Brochures Catalogs • Playgrounds (815) 223-6050 & Much, Much More! 551 Wilson Street | Marseilles www. katahdincedarloghomes.com (Illinois Dealer) Since 1978 - Serving the Midwest & Beyond An overnight, seasonal, and ownership RV resort nestled in the lush 815-795-6000 Illinois River Valley, 1 mile from the Illinois River & 16 miles from GlenwoodRVResort.com Starved Rock State Park. Enjoy local sightseeing and water sports.
36 | ENJOYLASALLECOUNTY.COM The 1,485 campsites on 400 acres. Each site is approximately ick ion 5,000 sq. ft. equiped with water, electric, and sewage disposal. dd Mans s e & Garden R O t t a w a , I L
Woodsmoke Ranch is a private recreational community providing leisure time activities for the enjoyment of its property owners, their families, and their guests. Call for an appointment today to come see for yourself how one of our recreational sites can provide your family with the leisure lifestyle you’ve dreamed about without the long drive. Woodsmoke Ranch Realty The Reddick Mansion anchors Ottawa’s Washington Sharon Tolomei, Managing Broker Square, the site of the first Lincoln-Douglas debate. Phone: 815.357.1338 or visit our website at woodsmokeranch.com Built before the Civil War, this ornate 22-room mansion is open for tours Wednesday through Monday, 11am - 3pm. - 2 Heated Pools - Tennis Courts Winter hours may vary. For other times and - 2 Pavilions - Baseball Field group tours, call 815-433-6100.
Woodsmoke Ranch Woodsmoke - Horseshoe Pits - Basketball Courts 100 W. Lafayette Street, Ottawa, IL 61350 - Stocked Lakes - Volleyball for fishing - Playgrounds www.ReddickMansion.org
ENJOYLASALLECOUNTY.COM | 37 QUEST WATERSPORTS Off-Roading 1851 OLD CHICAGO ROAD • OTTAWA Bring your 4x4, ATV, or motorcycle and head out to one of the 815-433-2200 • questwatersports.com area’s off road terrain parks for the ride of your life.
STARVED ROCK ADVENTURES, INC. THE CLIFFS INSANE TERRAIN 1 DEE BENNETT ROAD • OTTAWA 2400 E BLUFF STREET • MARSEILLES 815-434-9200 • starvedrockadventures.com 815-795-5200 • thecliffsinsaneterrain.com 14 Geocaching DIRT RUNNER Activities Fun Do you have a love of scavenger hunts? Geocaching is a great way 2725 E 2625TH ROAD • MARSEILLES to spend time outdoors. There are a number of locations through- 630-291-0250 • dirtrunner.us To Do out LaSalle County for those who love a challenge. geocaching.com FOX VALLEY OFF ROAD 1952 N 35TH ROAD • OTTAWA IL RIVER ROAD NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY 815-431-9913 • foxvalleyoffroad.com 613 W MARQUETTE STREET • OTTAWA 815-433-5830 • illinoisriverroad.org/geocaching Racing Outdoors Watch the thrill and excitement of the races. Racing fans can OTTAWA HISTORICAL AND SCOUTING HERITAGE MUSEUM watch the races on the 1/4-mile, high-banked clay track. 1100 CANAL STREET • OTTAWA 815-431-9353 or 815-433-1361 LASALLE SPEEDWAY Amphibious ATVing 578 E US ROUTE 6 • LASALLE The Gator Creek Cruise is a guided amphibious ATV ride. Explore Go Carting 815-223-6900 • lasallespeedway.com historic sites along with the beauty of the land, water, and animals Have a need for speed? Race just like the pros in original or pre- on Cedar Creek Ranch. Riding for all ages open year round. Call mium Italian carts, which are capable of speeds of 50 mph or for reservations. Skydiving more. GATOR CREEK CRUISE • NEW IN 2017 Experience the thrill of free falling. Tandem jumps with highly 249 E IL ROUTE 71 • CEDAR POINT experienced instructors is available. CONCEPT HAULERS MOTOR SPEEDWAY 815-481-3337 • ccrstables.com 3674 E 2603RD ROAD • SHERIDAN SKYDIVE CHICAGO 815-496-2467 • concepthaulersmotorspeedway.com 3215 E 1969TH ROAD • OTTAWA Biking 815-433-0000 • skydivechicago.com ILLINOIS & MICHIGAN CANAL STATE TRAIL Hiking From Seneca to LaSalle LaSalle County has some beautiful areas for hiking. Starved Rock Walk or bike the canal towpath on the 10-foot-wide crushed Watching Wildlife and Birding State Park has been voted the #1 attraction in Illinois. The parks in limestone trail where horses pulled passenger boats from 1848 Seeing wildlife in their natural habitat is always a fun experience. LaSalle County are teeming with amazing rock structures, flowing until 1852 and mules pulled the heavy freight required to build In LaSalle County, there are red foxes, deer, turkeys, cranes, peli- streams and rivers, beautiful waterfalls in the spring and after heavy Chicago and northern Illinois. cans, and so much more. The area also has a great variety of col- rains, a great variety of wildlife, and dense forests filled with colorful For access points, see the listing in the Parks and Recreation sec- orful songbirds. Sometimes it may be difficult to find them among foliage in the fall. Hiking can be relaxing or invigorating – the pace tion or visit iandmcanal.org/experiences/trails2. all the foliage; Starved Rock State Park hosts several Migratory is up to you. For locations to hike in LaSalle County, see the Parks Bird Hikes to help you see them first-hand. Visit starvedrockstate- and Recreation section. MARILLA PARK park.org for more information. If you are looking for something a bit more adventur- ous and challenging, Streator’s annual “Dirty Mudder” Bike Horseback Riding Whitewater Rafting Race and “Thrilla at Marilla” may be what you are looking Do your legs need a break, but you still want to hit the trails? Looking for a bigger thrill than canoeing? Ready to get wet? Experi- for. These events are held in April and May. For more infor- Experience the beauty of LaSalle County on horseback and see it ence white water rafting in North Central Illinois on the scenic Ver- mation on these races, contact Bob Sandy 815-674-7666. as the pioneers once did centuries ago. Cowboy Up! milion River. Average trip time: 3-4 hours • Open May 1– Mid-July streator.org CEDAR CREEK RANCH VERMILLION RIVER RAFTING 249 E IL ROUTE 71 • CEDAR POINT 779 N 2249TH ROAD • OGLESBY Boating 815-481-3337 • ccrstables.com Launch a canoe, kayak, stand-up paddleboard, jet ski, pontoon 815-667-5242 • vermillionriverrafting.com boat, speed boat, or house boat on the Illinois or Fox River. Are PUNKIN ACRES PAINTS you nervous about attempting kayaking or paddle boarding? Zip Lining 381 N US 3179th Road • LaSalle Quest Watersports’ Hobie Pedaled Kayaks offer greater stability It’s fun zipping through the canopy 85 feet off of the ground. Zip 815-223-9076 • punkinacrespaints.com and ease of use than standard kayaks and the paddleboards are on 8 cables from 150-1000 feet in length and reaching speeds easy to use with just a little balance. up to 45 mph. Ice Climbing AYERS LANDING & CANOE RENTALS Adventure is for winter too! When conditions allow, climbing up ZIP CHICAGO 3494 E 2089TH ROAD • WEDRON the frozen waterfalls in four canyons within Starved Rock State 2681 E US ROUTE 6 • MARSEILLES 815-434-2233 • ayerslandingcanoerental.com Park is a fun alternative to rock climbing. Ice climbers must sign 815-795-5001 • zipchicago.com in and out at the park office. Call the office for current conditions. C&M CANOE &KAYAK RENTALS Equipment rental is not available at the park. 3401 E 2062ND ROAD • OTTAWA 815-434-6690 • cmcanoerental.com STARVED ROCK STATE PARK EXIT 81 AT UTICA ON INTERSTATE 80 CANOE THE VERMILION Located East Of The Intersection Of Routes 178 & 71 1903 E 1251ST ROAD • STREATOR VISITOR CENTER 815-673-3218 • canoethevermilion.com 2678 E 873RD ROAD • OGLESBY 815-667-4726 • starvedrockstatepark.org
38 | ENJOYLASALLECOUNTY.COM ©Quest Watersports ©Gator Creek Cruise
©Fox Valley Off Road ©Skydive Chicago
©Cedar Creek Ranch
ENJOYLASALLECOUNTY.COM | 39 TBM Avengers Salute to Veterans
n May 20th, 1950, the U.S. celebrated the Ofirst Armed Forces Day to honor those who serve our country. This May 20th, 2017, Peru 2ND ANNUAL REUNION OF TBM AVENGERS - SALUTE TO VETERANS SATURDAY, MAY 20TH, 2017 • ALL-DAY EVENT 4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS DISPLAY will be celebrating Armed Forces Day with the JULY 3RD • (RAIN DATE OF JULY 4) ILLINOIS VALLEY REGIONAL AIRPORT 2nd Annual TBM Avengers – Salute to Veterans HALLOWEEN PARADE event. This is one event you don’t want to miss! OCTOBER 21ST • 2 PM ROTARY PARK The TBM Avenger is a WWII torpedo bomber PEARL HARBOR DAY PARADE DECEMBER 2ND • 11:30 AM and with less than 20 of these warbirds still air- WATER STREET borne worldwide, to see the majority of them in CHRISTMAS PARADE one place at one time is a rare treat. DECEMBER 2ND • 1:30 PM SANTA FLY-IN This is an all-day event, which will include DECEMBER 3RD • 1:30 PM many other aircraft – both military and civil- ILLINOIS VALLEY REGIONAL AIRPORT ian – traveling to the Illinois Valley Regional Airport from all over the country. The event will feature a flag raising ceremony, flight for- mations - including the “missing man,” flight demonstrations, and simulated torpedo runs.
Admission and parking for the event is free due to a generous donation from Marquis En- TOUCH-A-TRUCK EVENT JUNE 17TH • CENTENNIAL PARK MAUD POWELL ergy, LLC in Hennepin. Food and refreshments ARTS CELEBRATION will be available for purchase. So invite your AUGUST 19TH friends, grab your camera, and come celebrate our Armed Forces for their dedication, service, The Maud Powell Arts Celebration commemo- and sacrifice for our country. rates the 150th birthday of Maud Powell, interna- tionally acclaimed violin- ist, who was born in Peru. The weekend features displays of work of local artists, student musicians and outdoor concerts.
peru.il.us
40 | ENJOYLASALLECOUNTY.COM Event Calendar ONGOING EVENTS Engle Lane Theater Performances June - August • Jammin’ at the Clock 28 • Birthday Party, 14-20 • Animal Crackers, April May June Friday evenings • 5-7 PM Every Thursday • Starved Rock Walkers Club 11-17 • Steel Magnolias, 9-15 • The Lion King Jr. Experience, July Heritage Park • Main & Monroe • Streator • streator.org Weekly guided hike through Starved Rock State Park, Matthiessen September 10-16 • I Hate Hamlet and October 15-21 • Sister Act State Park, I & M Canal, and the occasional walk into a nearby See englelane.org for more information. June - September nature preserve. Every Thursday morning, year-round. The group meets in the lobby of the lodge and departs at 9:00 AM. Hikes last LaSalle County Historic Tours Summer Sunset Concert Series 2-3 hours depending on the destination. This event is free and Step back to 1848 and take a ride on the I&M Canal on The June • 9th - Cody Calkins, 16th - Last Call, 23rd - Crossroads, open to the public. Please note: We will not hike on Thanksgiving Volunteer, a mule-pulled I&M Canal Boat. Meet our guides and 30th - Double Dave Trio July •7th - Bagshot Row, 14th - Written Warn- Day. Starved Rock Lodge • 815-220-7386 • starvedrocklodge.com hear their stories of life along the canal in 1848, when the I&M ing, 21st - Moementum, 28th - Steve N’ Steve August • 4th - Midsum- Canal first opened and Illinois was a western frontier. Explore Lin- mer Nights Glee, 11th - 70’s Rewind, 18th - Al and Jeannie Brown, January - February • Bald Eagle Trolley Tours coln-related sites with Mary Todd Lincoln. Walk through an amaz- 25th - Katie Belle and the Belle Rangers September • 1st - Hen- ry Torpedo Boys • Grounds open at 5:30 PM for picnics. Music Mondays & Wednesdays 11 AM ing 10-room garden and cottage house or a Victorian masterpiece. from 7-8:30 PM. Weather Permitting • Concerts are held on the Saturdays 9 AM & 11 AM & Sundays 10:30 AM Visit a lock-tender’s house and the oldest gran elevator along grounds of the Hegeler Carus Mansion in LaSalle. Admission is $5. Be mesmerized by the beautiful bald eagles at Starved Rock. the I&M Canal, as well as a lock and aqueduct. Lunch included 815-224-5897 • hegelercarus.org Ride our trolley to the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center for eagle with every tour! Reservations required. April 29th – October 29th viewing and an educational program. Ticket price includes your I&M Canal Boat • 815-220-1848 • LaSalle • lasallecanalboat.org Visit a Canyon Tour selection from our special lunch menu during the week and iandmcanal.org Mondays & Sundays 10AM • Saturdays 10AM & 12:30PM brunch on Sunday in the Main Dining Room. Bundle up and bring Enjoy a historic trolley ride with stops at the Starved Rock State your binoculars and camera. No tours on Eagle Watch Weekend. April - November Park Visitor Center, the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center, as well Starved Rock Lodge • 815-220-7386 • starvedrocklodge.com Take a Hike & Lunch as historic Downtown Utica and a scenic, guided walk to Council Saturdays & Sundays Overhang and Ottawa Canyon. The walk is less than a mile and February - December • Musical Tribute Shows Group will depart from the hotel lobby of the Lodge with a will take about 45 minutes. Tour includes: a Starved Rock map knowledgeable guide to see canyons and bluffs made from St. If you love Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Patsy Cline, and performers backpack, snack, and bottle of water. This tour is not recommend- Peter’s Sandstone. Waterfalls are a good possibility in the spring from yesteryear, you’ll love our Tribute to the Stars series. Each ed for individuals with limited mobility. For more information or and early summer, since they are seasonal. The hike is consid- musical tribute show includes lunch or dinner with a performance to book, call 815-220-7386. Starved Rock Lodge ered strenuous. Lunch included. Hike is approximately 4.5 miles. by talented entertainers that take you back in time! starvedrocklodge.com Starved Rock Lodge • 815-220-7386 • starvedrocklodge.com 11 AM-2:30 PM • Advanced reservations are required as space is limited. For more information or to book, call 815-220-7386. Land and Water Cruises Starved Rock Lodge • starvedrocklodge.com March -December • History Trolley Tours Wednesdays & Fridays 11 AM March Tour includes a historic trolley ride, hot lunch at Starved Rock Lodge, Saturdays and Sundays: 12-1:30 PM and 1:30-3 PM Stage 212 Performances and a leisurely 1-hour river cruise on the Belle of the Rock - an 21-30 • The Hallelujah Girls, 14-30 • A Chorus Line, April & May April July authentic paddlewheel boat. For more information or to book, call 15-17 • Reefer Madness, 3-12 • 6 RMS Riv Saturdays: 3 PM September November 815-220-7386. Starved Rock Lodge • starvedrocklodge.com Sundays: 12-1:30 PM, 1:30-3 PM and 3-4:30 PM Vu • LaSalle • stage212.org June - September Dinner & Evening Cruise Mondays: 1:30 PM & 3 PM May - September • Canal Market Mondays & Thursdays Tuesday thru Saturday: 3 PM Come roam the vendors at our Antique/Flea Market. It’s Burgoo Board a Starved Rock Trolley and travel to the Belle of the Rock Sundays: 12-1:30 PM, 1:30-3 PM, and 3-4:30 PM excitement all season long! Sundays 10 AM - 4 PM for a leisurely, scenic cruise on the picturesque Illinois River. After October 815-667-4861 • lasallecountyhistoricalsociety.org the cruise, the trolley returns you to the lodge where you will Monday thru Saturday: 3 PM enjoy dinner and dessert from our special dinner menu. 5-8 PM Sundays: 12-1:30 PM, 1:30-3 PM, and 3-4:30 PM For more information or to book, call 815-220-7386. November & December Starved Rock Lodge • starvedrocklodge.com Saturdays & Sundays: 12 PM & 1:30 PM Board a trolley outside of the Great Hall area of the Lodge. Learn June - October • “In the Good Old Summertime” Concert Series about the rich history and legends of Starved Rock State Park and The series features musical performances summer through fall Lodge. Travel to the Lock and Dam, historic Downtown Utica, and free of charge. Plumb Pavilion in Streator City Park the Starved Rock Visitor Center. Reservations are recommended. Streator • 815-672-2055 • streator.org For more information or to book, call 815-220-7386. May - October Starved Rock Lodge • starvedrocklodge.com Help Wanted Tour • Everyday July - August • Music in the Park Be a captain, a deckhand, or a mule-tender for the day! During this July • 1st - The Burls (Patriotic Night), 8th - The Kramers (Gospel April - May • Waterfall and Canyon Tours interactive living history tour, you will get to roll up your sleeves Night), 15th - Flat Cats, 22nd - Crash, 29th - Mary Pfeifer & the for a first-hand look at life on the canal in the year 1848–the Mondays 11 AM • Saturdays 9 AM & 11 AM Troublemakers • August • 12th - The Templetons, 19th - The New year that the I&M Canal first opened. Reservations required. Experience the fun of outdoor adventure at Starved Rock State Invaders, 26th - Mason Rivers • The City of Ottawa proudly pres- I&M Canal Boat. (815)220-1848 • LaSalle • lasallecanalboat.org Park with a guided walk to three spectacular waterfalls and can- ents their “Music in the Park” Series on Saturday evenings at the yons: French, St. Louis and Ottawa. The tour will also include hot historic Washington Square Park! This family-friendly event offers lunch and a relaxing trolley ride. Waterfalls are dependent upon Step Back in Time Tour • Fridays Step back in time aboard The Volunteer with a 1-hour historic a variety of live music for all ages! Don’t forget to bring your lawn rainfall. For more information or to book, call chairs! 6-8 PM • Washington Park • Downtown Ottawa 815-220-7386. Starved Rock Lodge • starvedrocklodge.com mule-pulled boat ride. Period-dressed crew will take you back in time to life on the Illinois & Michigan Canal. Visit the ca- pickusottawail.com (Rain Location: TBA) April -October nal-themed Lock 16 Café & Gift Shop for lunch. Then tour the historic Westclox Museum to view a variety of antiques, docu- December - March • Guided Winter Hikes I&M Canal Boat Tours ments, and photos about the history of the Westclox Company. Saturdays & Sundays Climb aboard The Volunteer, a replica 19th century mule-pulled I & M Canal Boat • LaSalle • 815-223-1851 • lasallecanalboat.org Join us for a guided hike with the possibility of frozen waterfalls canal boat and ride the route Lincoln traveled! Your guides, and eagles. Participants meet in the hotel lobby of the lodge to dressed as canal era crew, will take you back in time to life on Mules, Mansion, Mimosas • Sundays pick up a snack and a Starved Rock backpack. The tour concludes the American frontier and the Illinois prairie. Meet our mules Enjoy a mimosa at Lock 16 Café, a historic 1-hour mule-pulled at the lodge about 2 PM. In the event of ice and snow, we advise Moe & Joe and learn how horses and mules pulled passengers boat ride on the I&M Canal Boat, and a tour of the historic Hege- YakTrax for extra traction. The hike is approximately 4.5 miles. Re- and cargo between Chicago and LaSalle. Group tours & private ler Carus Mansion. Reservations required. I&M Canal Boat. 815- member to bring binoculars and camera. Advanced reservations rentals are also available. April 29th – October 29th 220-1848 • LaSalle • lasallecanalboat.org are required. Starved Rock Lodge • 815-220-7386 I&M Canal Boat • 815-220-1848 • LaSalle • lasallecanalboat.org starvedrocklodge.comVISIT ENJOYLASALLECOUNTY.COM FOR UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION
ENJOYLASALLECOUNTY.COM | 41 Shop • Dine • Stay • P lay BUCKS LOG CABIN 815•795•7767
Our town is full of great places, wonderful people, and amazing things to see. With a slow pace, but plenty to do, Utica makes for a great place to visit for a day or a long weekend. 2017 Events Winter Wine Walk February 11 • 11 AM - 5 PM
Mardi Gras Parade February 25 • 5 PM
St. Pat’s Parade March 11 • 4 PM Utica Garden Faire, Plant Sale, & Walk June 10-11 • 9 AM - 3 PM • Family Owned & Operated Vintage Wine Festival September 16-17 • 3 Bedrooms & Loft Matthiessen State Park • Comfortably Sleeps 7 Car Show October 7 • 1-7 PM • Wood Stove • Outdoor Grill & Firepit Burgoo Festival October 8 • 9 AM-5 PM • 25 Acres of Private Playground Fall Colors Weekend October 21-22 Veteran’s Day Parade November 5 • 1 PM Beautiful Rustic Luxury Christmas Walk Near Marseilles,IL December 10 • 1-4 PM utica-il.gov N 23RD ROAD (ARMY ROAD) Photography by Paula GuTtilla, Near Marseilles State Fish & Wildlife Area buckslogcabin.com Hatchet Canyon Photography
Blaze wn Your Trail
Just outside Chicago is the I&M Canal Heritage Corridor, Route 66 and Starved Rock Country. Journey through beautiful state parks and scenic byways. Raise your expectations at sporting events, historic theatres, and exciting casinos. Uncover new tastes at wineries and craft breweries.
Blaze your own trail at ChicagolandsLargestPlayground.com Blaze Your Own Trail at ChicagolandsLargestPlayground.com
42 | ENJOYLASALLECOUNTY.COM APRIL May 6 • Spring Migratory Bird Hike May 21 • SCCR Celebration Car Show and Fly-In Join the park naturalist and local bird expert, Tom Williams, as we Sports Car Club of Rockford Car Show on the grounds with skydiv- For ongoing concerts, markets, tours, cruises, hikes, teas, and hike to seek out resident birds and greet our spring migrators. ers flying into the event as well. Skydive Chicago • Ottawa dinner lectures, see page 41. For farmers markets, see page 25. Bring your binoculars and your favorite field guide. Hike lasts ap- 815-433-0000 • skydivechicago.com proximately 2 hours. Meet at the Starved Rock Visitor Center at April 15 • Easter Egg Hunt 7:30-9:30AM • Starved Rock Visitor Center • 815-667-4726 11 AM • Carey Memorial Park • Utica • utica-il.gov May 21 • Wildlife Prairie Park starvedrockstatepark.org Live reptiles and amphibians from Wildlife Prairie Park. 1:30 PM Starved Rock Visitor Center • 815-667-4726 April 15 • Easter Egg Hunt starvedrockstatepark.org Sponsored by Safe House Animal Rescue. Over 20,000 Easter Eggs. A Visit with the Easter Bunny. All eggs filled with candy and toys with a possibility of larger prizes. Raffle Baskets, Baked Goods. MAY 26 - 28 • STREATOR FEST The fest is held in the City Park and will feature music, vendors Hunt free for all, age divided. Lunch available. Hunt starts at noon, and family fun. For more information contact the Streator Com- Photos with the Easter Bunny and kid’s crafts start at 11 AM. Face munity Center • Streator City Park • 815-257-5113 • streator.org painting, games, cake hop, bake sale are following the hunt. Peck Park • South end of State Street • Ottawa pickusottawail.com MAY 6 • MIDWEST MOREL FEST May 27 • Starved Rock Country Craft Beer Festival Learn, hunt, buy morel mushrooms during Ottawa’s Midwest Mo- Noon - 5 PM • Ottawa • pickusottawail.com April 16 • Easter Egg Hunt and Bunny Jump rel Fest! This unique festival offers everything mushrooms for Come see the bunny-suited jumper! Bring the kids for a large- the morel enthusiast to the curious observer! Home brew tasting, May 29 • Memorial Day Celebration on the I & M Canal Boat Join us on the historic I&M Canal and take a tour on “The Volun- scale Easter egg hunt on the grounds. Get your photo taken with food, music, and handcrafted vendors • 7:00 AM - 5 PM • Jordan teer”, a 1848 replica packet boat as we celebrate Memorial Day. the Easter Bunny after he jumps into the drop zone from 13,500 Block Park • 111 Lincoln Place • Ottawa • pickusottawail.com To celebrate, all veterans will receive a FREE Lock 16 Gift with the feet! Skydive Chicago • Ottawa • 815-433-0000 purchase of a I&M Canal Boat Ticket. Call 815-220-1848 for boat skydivechicago.com May 9 • Streator Municipal Equipment Expo The community, known as a manufacturing hub, will feature local schedule and reservation. LaSalle • lasallecanalboat.org April 22 • Sip ‘N Snip manufacturing companies offering a variety of municipal prod- Wine tasting, live music, silent auction. Food available. ucts. Contact Jack at the Streator Chamber of Commerce for more May 29 • Memorial Day Parade 9AM • Mill Street • Utica •utica-il.gov 12-4 PM • August Hill Winery • Downtown Utica • utica-il.gov information. 815-672-2921 • Streator • streatorexpo.com
April 22 • Earth Day Hike May 13 • Starved Rock Country Marathon and Half Marathon JUNE Hike with a naturalist to the top of Starved Rock and to the bot- The start and finish line is located next to Washington Square in For ongoing concerts, markets, tours, cruises, hikes, teas, and tom of French Canyon. 11 AM to 12:30 PM Downtown Ottawa with the course going through scenic Starved dinner lectures, see page 41. For farmers markets, see page 25. Starved Rock Visitor Center • 815-667-4726 Rock Country. 7AM • starvedrockcountrymarathon.org starvedrockstatepark.org June 2 • Joe the Mule’s Birthday Celebration May 14 • Mother’s Day Boat Tour Celebrate Joe’s birthday at Lock 14 aboard the I&M Canal Boat. April 23 • Wildlife Prairie Park Travel back in time to 1848 on the replica packet boat “The Vol- Joe, the beloved Canal Boat Mule, pulls “The Volunteer” a full- Amazing Animals. Wildlife Prairie Park presents live animals such unteer” at Lock 14 in LaSalle. Treat Mom to a special day and en- size replica packet boat down the I&M Canal as he walks on the as skunks, turtles, and owls. 1:30 PM • Starved Rock Visitor Center joy your adventure on the historic I&M Canal. The period-clothed canal path. The mules (Moe & Joe) are like celebrities in these 815-667-4726 • starvedrockstatepark.org Captain and Crew tell the story of the Canal. Call 815-220-1848 parts, and we invite you to celebrate Joe’s birthday with him and for boat schedule and reservations. LaSalle • lasallecanalboat.org enjoy a peaceful ride along the I&M Canal. FREE piece of birth- April 29 & 30 • Mega Hike day cake for every boat ticket purchased! Call 815-220-1848 for Have you ever wanted to hike all the canyons in the park? Well May 19 • Brews, Buds & Blooms Beer Tasting boat schedule and reservations. LaSalle • lasallecanalboat.org now you can do it in one day. Hikes leave the Lodge at 8:30, 9:00 Event will again be held behind Herman’s in the “salt mines”. Over & 9:30 AM. both days. Finish times are approximately 4:30, 5:00 100 beers and a few other special products will be available to and 5:30 PM. You will board a trolley with a pair of guides and be sample. Special Guest Tangled Roots Brewing will also be on taken to the east end of the park where you will begin your trek. hand, so that you may try their amazing brews. 6 PM – 8 PM Reservations required. Starved Rock Lodge • 815-220-7386 Herman’s Package Store • 504 West Main Street • Ottawa starvedrocklodge.com pickusottawail.com
April 29 & 30 • Annual Wildflower Pilgrimage May 20 • Earlville’s Cruise Night Join the Starved Rock guides as we hike to overlooks and canyons DJ, food, playground, 50/50 raffle, booths& more, Dash plaques throughout the park enjoying the variety of spring wildflowers and goodie bags for the 1st 200 vehicles. Free NSRA safety in- and sparkling waterfalls at Starved Rock State Park. Learn about spections. Pin striper available. 5:30 PM • Downtown Earlville June 3 • National Trails Day the history and geology of the park. Guided hikes leave the lasallecountycruisers.com Celebrate National Trails Day by hiking with the park naturalist! Starved Rock Visitor Center at 9 AM & 1 PM each day. Hike to the top of Starved Rock and into the bottom of French Starved Rock Visitor Center • starvedrockstatepark.org May 20 • Kids’ Fishing Expo at Baker Lake Canyon. Learn about the history and geology of the park. Meet at FREE beginning fishing how-to clinic for boys and girls ages 6 and the Starved Rock Visitor Center. 10-11:30AM up. 8 AM – 2 PM • Baker Lake • Peru Starved Rock Visitor Center • 815-667-4726 better-fishing-assoc.org starvedrockstatepark.org
May 20 • Reunion of TBM Avengers • Salute to Veterans June 9 • Relay for Life This all-day event will feature TBM Avengers and many other Streator City Park • Streator • streator.org warbirds, which are gathering to honor and pay tribute to veter- ans of all conflicts. This event will feature flight demonstrations, JUNE 9 - 11 • 2 RIVERS WINE FESTIVAL formation flying, and simulated torpedo runs. Bring your camera! Wine, food, lobster and the sweet sounds of jazz! RAIN OR SHINE, April 30 • Dirty Mudd’r Bike Race Food and refreshments will be available for purchase on the air- we will keep you dry! Friday 5-10 PM, Saturday Noon- 10 PM, Sun- Contact Bob for more information at 815-674-7666 • Marilla Park port grounds. Illinois Valley Regional Airport • Peru • peru.il.us day Noon-5 PM • For more information, go to Streator • streator.org ottawa2riverswinefest.com May 20 • Food Truck Festival Food, vendors, music, and beer garden • 12-7 PM June 10 & 11 • Utica Garden Club Faire MAY Downtown Streator • streator.org Huge Plant Sale & Craft Faire • Rain or Shine For ongoing concerts, markets, tours, cruises, hikes, teas, and Annuals, perennials, herbs and vegetables. Both days include a dinner lectures, see page 41. For farmers markets, see page 25. May 21 • The Amazing Race Starved Rock Lodge Style self-guided tour of private gardens. Cash or check only. Try to be the first to uncover the Legend of Starved Rock. Teams Sat. 9 AM - 4 PM • Sun. 9 AM - 3 PM • Exit #81 on I-80 May 6 • May Mansion Market are 2-4 people. Starved Rock Lodge • 815-220-7386 Mill St & Clark St • Utica • 815-667-4856 Reddick Mansion • Ottawa • 815-433-6100 • reddickmansion.org starvedrocklodge.com uticagardenclub.org • utica-il.gov Event Calendar ENJOYLASALLECOUNTY.COM | 43 ILLINI STATE PARK • ZIPLINING • BOATING • CAMPING • PUBLIC POOL Paddleboard &