Places To See

Buffalo Rock State Park

P.O. Box 2034
Ottawa, Illinois 61350
815-433-2220

Buffalo Rock State Park is located on a bluff which was once an island in the Illinois River. Now standing majestically on the north bank, this promontory affords a magnificent sweeping view of the Illinois River.

Illinois Waterway Visitor Center

Illinois Waterway Visitor Center
US Army Corps of Engineers
Route 1; 950 North 27th Road
Ottawa, Illinois 61350
815-667-4054

Ever want to see the operation of a lock and dam? The Illinois Waterway Visitor Center offers you that as well as impressive towboats of mammoth proportions navigating through the Starved Rock Lock, which is one of eight on the Illinois Waterway.

LaSalle County Historical Museum

Mill & Canal Streets
P.O. Box 278
Utica, Illinois 61373
lasallecountyhistoricalsociety.org

The museum complex is located on the banks of the Illinois & Michigan Canal a few miles south of I-80 on Route 178 in historical Utica, Illinois. The two-story stone museum was built during the presidency of Zachary Taylor in 1848. Originally it was a general store serving the needs of early pioneers and the traffic along the canal. Steeped in tradition, all its natural charm has been preserved by the Society.

Matthiessen State Park

Box 509
Utica, Illinois 61373
815-667-4868

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

Starved Rock State Park & Lodge

One Lodge Lane
Oglesby, Illinois 61348
815-667-4906 starvedrocklodge.com

Experience the fun of outdoor adventure at Starved Rock State Park. Whether you enjoy hiking along the nature trails or viewing the many spectacular overlooks along the Illinois River, recreational opportunities abound. From picnicking to fishing to boating, from horseback riding to camping to enjoying winter sports, there’s so much to do that you’ll come back again and again.