All of us in the LaSalle County Tourism Coalition invite you to experience a family vacation destination that was worth waiting for.

• 3,000 acres of lush forests to explore
• 18 waterfalls to gaze upon
• Towering river bluffs to picnic by
• Rivers to raft, boat or fish
• Scenic boat tours to relax on
• After your close encounter with nature, shop in charming downtown districts, eat favorite local dishes, step back in time at one of the many museums and mansions, and then rest-up at LaSalle County’s unique lodging.

So what are you waiting for?

For More Information Visit our Web-Site at www.enjoylasallecounty.com

The Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway unites more than 100 nature-based destinations throughout the Illinois River Valley, beginning in Ottawa and ending 140 miles south in Havana.

The Byway showcases great places where visitors and residents alike can go to discover and experience the nature of the region. From hunting, fishing, hiking, biking, canoeing, wetlands, gardens, birding and watching wildlife, the possibilities for adventure are endless.

As it follows the Illinois River south, the Byway travels through a mixture of backwater lakes, bottomland forests, floodplain wetlands, upland forest, savanna and some of the country’s last remaining tallgrass prairies. The river and these adjacent habitats provide an ideal environment for diverse birds, butterflies and other wildlife as well as numerous plant communities native to the valley. The Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway will guide you through the Valley to some of Illinois’ most treasured, natural gems.

The stately Hegeler Carus Mansion is an architectural masterpiece and a key to the rich history of the Illinois Valley, the Midwest and the nation. Virtually unaltered since its completion more than a century ago, the mansion is at once a family home, an example of the high artistic achievement in architecture and interior design, and the site of historic accomplishments in industry, philosophy, publishing and religion.

The mansion is located near Starved Rock State Park at the western end of the Illinois & Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor (Only minutes from downtown Utica), was built in 1874-1876 by Edward C. Hegeler, partner in the Matthiessen and Hegeler Zinc Company.

The mansion also housed offices of Open Court Publishing Co., one of the earliest academic presses in the country, founded by Hegeler in 1887. Under the leadership of Paul Carus, Hegeler’s son-in-law, Open Court became among the earliest American publishers to produce English translations of oriental religious texts.

As a young man, D.T. Suzuki, later a renowned Zen Buddhist scholar, worked at Open Court for eleven years as a translator and researcher. In 1995, the Hegeler Carus Mansion was added to the National Register of Historic Places, the official list of the nation’s cultural resources worthy of preservation.

Tour Hours

• Wednesday thru Sunday: Noon, 1pm, 2pm & 3pm
• Closed on major holidays
• Special Tours may be arranged by calling 815-224-5892

–PLUS–

“The Little Shop In The Big House”
The shop features local artists’ work as well as fine antiques.
Open to the public.
For more information call: 815-224-5891

The Canyonside Pavillion

Challenge the kids to 18 holes of fun at Canyon Creek Miniature Golf Course.

This 18-hole mini golf adventure is a blast with a flowing stream and waterfall. The course is open weather permitting.

Located at Grand Bear Lodge.