The Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau was incorporated in 1984 to service the communities along the Illinois and Michigan Canal. The Bureau is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of leaders in the tourism industry from the four areas serviced by the Bureau. The Bureau covers Chicago Portage/Southern Cook County, Greater Will County, Grundy County and Starved Rock/LaSalle County.

The Illinois and Michigan Canal opened in 1848 to usher people and goods between the Illinois River and a little lakeside settlement called Chicago. The twenty-two hour trip was considered state of the art in speed and comfort compared to a bumpy stagecoach.

During its glory days, canal towns sprung up along the waterway to provide raw materials and grain that would ultimately reach the eastern seaboard and the Gulf of Mexico. When the railroads laid tracks parallel to the canal in 1853, the importance of the canal as a mode of general passenger and freight transportation diminished and became obsolete.

The canal remained unkempt until the 1970s when the Illinois Department of Natural Resources took over management of the waterway and worked volunteers to turn it and its adjacent lands into open public space. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan signed an Act of Congress which created the 97-mile I&M Canal National Heritage Corridor – America’s first National Linear Park. This designation would serve as model for future “partnership parks” in the United States.

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. Located approximately three miles west of Ottawa in LaSalle County, this 298 acre park has long been a favorite picnic area, as well as a nature lovers delight.

The area of Buffalo Rock was the home of the Illinois Indians when Louis Jolliet, the French explorer, and the Jesuit missionary priest Father Jacques Marquette made their trip up the Illinois River in 1673. Later the Illinois Tribe was virtually annihilated in protracted warfare with the aggressive Iroquois.

History

Buffalo Rock is said to have served the French as an early military, trading and missionary post. LaSalle and Tonty, after building Fort St. Louis on Starved Rock during the winter of 1882-1883 gathered almost 4,000 Indian warriors at the front of Buffalo Rock and formed a confederation against the Iroquois. Among the tribes in the confederation were the Miami who built their own fort on Buffalo Rock.

Through the many years that followed, Buffalo Rock was used by a religious sect as a place for holding camp meetings, and still later was used as a site for a tuberculosis sanatorium. The Crane Company of Chicago purchased Buffalo Rock in 1912 and for a period of about 16 years maintained a sanatorium for sick employees and a summer vacation ground for thousands of employees and their families. In 1927 the Crane Company moved their recreation park to a larger area and donated the land to the state to become a park. The deed to the property was turned over to the State of Illinois on November 15, 1928, with the provision that it would become a permanent state park and that the caretaker, Robert Barnett, who was then 72 years of age, be retained in that capacity during the remainder of his lifetime as a reward for his loyal services.

A full time Interpreter is on site to provide information and answer questions. Public programs and tours are available as well as organized group and school group programs. For more information about Interpretive programs contact the Interpretive office at (815)433-2224.

Natural Features

Titled “Effigy Tumuli” in tribute to the Native American burial grounds that inspired it, this unique “earth art” depicts five sculptures native to the Illinois River. The Effigy Tumuli was the vision of artist Michael Heizer who created the sculptures of a snake, turtle, catfish, frog and a water strider. To better appreciate the sculptures, it is best to look first from a distance and then walk around on top of them to better understand the effigies.

Picnicking

The picnic areas that are shaded by mature oak, hickory and walnut trees provide the perfect setting for a family picnic or special outdoor occasion. Picnic tables and cooking grills are provided. Drinking water and restroom facilities are located near both shelters. The larger of the two shelters complete with a large stone fireplace may be reserved, the smaller shelter is on a first-come, first-serve basis. A playground area is located by the large shelter and a baseball diamond is located near the center of the park. A great game of horseshoes can also be enjoyed during your visit.

Bison

Two American bison call Buffalo Rock home. Their pen and grazing area is located across from the baseball diamond and they can be seen daily.

Trails

The River Bluff Trail offers a walk high above the Illinois River with two observation decks with spectacular views of the Illinois River. The Woodland Trail provides an opportunity for close-up of the trees, plants and wildlife prospering in the park.

I&M Canal State Trail Access

Just across the road from Buffalo Rock State park is the Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail Buffalo Rock Access area. This area provides parking for approximately seven vehicles. Water and restroom facilities are not available at this site.

Camping

There are three primitive camping areas along the trail between Buffalo Rock and Utica. The campsites have fire rings but no water or restroom facilities are available. Sites are accessible by walk or bike in only, no vehicular access is allowed. One of the camping areas designed for youth camping has a shelter with a fireplace. Permits must be obtained from Buffalo Rock State Park prior to camping.

Directions

From Ottawa: From Rte. 6 turn south on W.D. Boyce Memorial Dr. Continue on Boyce to Ottawa Ave. and turn right. Proceed on Ottawa Ave., which becomes Dee Bennett Rd for approximately three miles, the park is located on the left and the I&M Canal Access area is on the right.

From Utica: Take Dee Bennett Rd. east five miles to Buffalo Rock.