Just 90 miles outside of Chicago, LaSalle County has many great sites to see and things to do. Whether you are looking for adventure or a quiet getaway, there is something for everyone.
LaSalle County is a hidden gem in Illinois. It is home to four state parks with river views, bluffs, or sandstone canyons and waterfalls. The area is also rich in history. LaSalle County has great opportunities for adventure, along with fantastic locations to shop and dine. For additional attractions and things to do, visit enjoylasallecounty.com
Here are just a few of the most visited parks and historic sites in LaSalle County:
Starved Rock State Park is located near Utica, IL on the banks of the scenic Illinois River. The park features more than 13 miles of hiking trails, seasonal waterfalls, sandstone canyons and amazing bluff views. In addition to its rich cultural history, this park is abundant with wildlife and wildflowers. This National Historic Landmark attracts over 2.5 million visitors per year.
Matthiessen State Park
IL-178
North Utica, Illinois 61373
Phone: (815) 667-4868
https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/Pages/Matthiessen.aspx
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.
Buffalo Rock State Park
1300 N 27th Rd.
Ottawa, Illinois 61350
Phone: (815) 433-2224
https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/Pages/BuffaloRock.aspx
Buffalo Rock State Park is an Illinois state park on 298 acres (121 ha) in LaSalle County. The park is located in LaSalle County next to Starved Rock State Park, and was once used as a "blind canyon" for Indians to capture buffalo. Effigy Tumuli consists of five earth art animal sculptures native to the Illinois River and was constructed as a tribute to Native American tradition. The park is located 5 miles (8.0 km) east of Utica, Illinois (Starved Rock State Park), and approximately 85 miles (137 km) southwest of Chicago, Illinois. Now, this sandstone bluff carved by the Illinois River during the Pleistocene epoch, serves as a State Park for local residents and tourists.
Illini State Park
2660 East 2350th Rd.
Marseilles, Illinois 61341
Phone: (815) 795-2448
https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/Pages/Illini.aspx
Illini State Park is the type of park you think of when you think of big picnics and family gatherings. With its rustic Civilian Conservation Corps buildings and riverside picnic areas, Illini State Park offers beautiful views and a sense of history not found in many other parks.
Named for the Native Americans who once inhabited the area, the 510-acre Illini State Park is located south of the Illinois River between Marseilles and U.S. Route 6. In the mid-1920s, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built a barge canal to bypass the rapids. The canal borders the park, and visitors can watch as large barges pass through the Marseilles Locks. Less than a mile north of the park is the historic Illinois and Michigan Canal, completed in 1848 when the section from Marseilles to Morris opened.
IL River Road Scenic Byway
Office location: 613 W. Marquette St.
Ottawa, Illinois 61350
Phone: (815) 433-5830
www.illinoisriverroad.org
Make it an adventure! Take a trip down the Illinois River Road today! The Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway recognizes and promotes the natural, cultural, historical, archaeological, and intrinsic values of communities and sites along the Illinois River from Ottawa to Havana, IL. A federally-designated route, the Illinois River Road provides travelers with the opportunity to “get off the beaten path” and explore authentic America.
The City of Ottawa is a gateway community on the Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway. From Ottawa, the Illinois River Road route heads west along Dee Bennett Road to North Utica, up Illinois Route 178, and then west on U.S. Highway 6. Illinois Route 23 to Streator is a tributary of the Illinois River Road. There is something for everyone to experience along the Illinois River Road. Visit Illinoisriverroad.org to plan your trip today!
LaSalle Canal Boat, Lock 16 and I&M Canal
754 1st St.
Lasalle, Illinois 61301
Phone: (815) 223-1851
www.lasallecanalboat.org
In 1848, Illinois was a very different place! Prairies covered much of the state, settlers used wagons and stagecoaches for transportation and to ship goods, and La Salle, IL was bigger than Chicago! Journey back in time aboard the “Volunteer,” a 70-passenger, mule-pulled 1840’s replica canal boat as it coasts gently up and down the I&M Canal.
Meet the period dressed deck hands and the mule tender as he hitches “Larry” & “Moe” the Volunteer’s canal mules to the boat. Our salty captain regales visitors with stories of the canal as the boat coasts up the canal and back.
Families of all ages, historians, photographers and nature lovers will love this historic journey into Illinois’ scenic past! Visit the online calendar to see available dates. Tours run throughout the week April to October. Group tours also available! Call 815-220-1848 for tour information.
Reddick Mansion
100 W Lafayette St.
Ottawa, Illinois 61350
Phone: (815) 433-6100
www.reddickmansion.org
Reddick Mansion, a three-story, 22-room Italianate mansion has drawn attention for many years. This wonderfully unique landmark, stands proudly on the corners of Columbus and Lafayette streets in Ottawa. Built in 1858 by William Reddick it remained the family home for thirty years. William Reddick was a respected businessman and politician, but 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. The library served Ottawa for over 85 years until it moved to newer facilities. In 1974, the Reddick Mansion Association was chartered as a non-profit corporation in charge of ensuring the restoration, maintenance and operation of the property. This site is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors may tour the mansion Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday 11 am – 3 pm, every Sunday 11 am – 2 pm. Closed Tuesday. For other times and group tours call (815) 434-6100.
Weber House & Garden
1503 Baker St.
Streator, Illinois 61364
Phone: (815) 672-8327
www.weberhouseandgarden.com
Weber House & Garden is a private residence featuring 11 unique English-style gardens spanning 1.5 acres and a cozy cottage brimming with 18th century charm. The 1940’s Tudor-style home features themed rooms decorated with antique furniture and china. Most visits include an entertaining story from Weber House owner, avid gardener and tour guide, Ted Weber. A retired TV/radio personality and Chicago native, Weber delights guests with stories from his extensive travels and interviews with celebrities and politicians throughout his career. Located in Streator at 1503 Baker Street and well worth the short drive. Open all year (weather permitting), daily 10 am – 5 pm, with special events and evening hours during the winter holidays.
Hegeler Carus Mansion
1307 7th St.
LaSalle, Illinois 61301
Phone: (815) 224-6543
www.hegelercarus.org
Surround yourself in over 140 years of stories. Built in 1874, The Hegeler Carus Mansion features the latest innovations in architecture and design. Within the home, advances in manufacturing, engineering, and science, philosophy and religious dialogue occurred. It is the home of an inventor, a philosopher, a pioneering woman engineer, and three generations of one family. The house is a 24,000 square foot treasure chest of rare and wonderful artifacts and fascinating stories.
The house is open year round for guided tours, Wednesday through Sunday at noon, 1 pm, 2 pm and 3 pm; and hosts over 100 special events. Check out hegelercarus.org for event information.
