Step back in awe and look forward with wonder as you view canyons and bluffs, aqueducts and architecture, natural lands and natural resources, landscapes and townscapes, history and progress, all because of the waterways.
LaSalle County, both in the past and today, made its connection to the world by its waterways. Louis Joliet and Father Jacques Marquette explored LaSalle County in the early 17th century and realized the importance of connecting the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River. Since then, LaSalle County and the Midwest have grown in commerce and industry because of their connection with the waters. From Native Americans to modern day farmers and industrialists, the history of LaSalle County continues to be written by the waterways.
Boat & Canoe Rentals
Ayers Landing and Canoe Rentals
3494 E. 2989th Road
Wedron
(815) 434-2233
Canoe trips on the beautiful Fox River. Call for reservations.
C&M Canoe Rental
3401 E. 2062nd Road
Wedron
(815) 434-6690
www.cmcanoerental.com
The friendly people at C & M Canoe Rental can supply you with everything you need for your 2-3 hour or 2-day canoe outing. Open 7 days a week, Spring – Fall. Reservations required.
Canoe the Vermilion
1903 E. 1251st Road
Streator
(815) 673-3218
www.canoethevermilion.com
We provide all the canoe equipment instruction and transportation to let you experience and enjoy the beauty of the Vermilion River. Spend the day swimming, picnicking or taking in the sights and sounds of Mother Nature or camp overnight along the river.
Starved Rock Adventures, Inc. (view ad)
Located at Starved Rock Marina
Dee Bennett Road
Ottawa
www.srarock.com
Wave runners, pontoon boats, speed boats and fishing boats.
Vermilion River Rafting
781 N. 2249th Road
Oglesby
(815) 667-5242
www.vermilionriverrafting.com
Experience White water rafting and kayaking on the Big Vermilion in North Central Illinois. May 1 - mid July. Average trip time: 3-4 hours
Marinas
Black Marina, Inc.
1 E Dupont Road
Seneca
(815) 357-6666
www.anchorinmarina.com
Heritage Harbor Marina
100 Heritage Harbor Drive
Ottawa
(815) 431-1338
www.hhottawa.com
Hiddencove Marina
219 River Drive
Seneca
(815) 357-6869
www.thehiddencovemarina.com
Spring Brook Marina
623 West River Road
Seneca
(815) 357-8666
www.springbrookmarina.com
Starved Rock Marina
Ottawa
(815) 433-4218
www.starvedrockmarina.com
Boat Tours
Belle of the Rock (view ad)
1 Dee Bennett Road
Ottawa
(815) 434-9200
There’s no better way to explore the Illinois River than on an authentic paddlewheel boat. This narrated excursion is approximately one hour and leaves from Starved Rock State Park. Spring to early Fall.
Canal Boat & Trolley Tours
Starved Rock Lodge
Utica
(815) 667-4211, Ext. 386
www.starvedrocklodge.com
Begin your tour with a delicious lunch in the dining room. Board a trolley for a ride to the Visitors Center and then to the new Canal Boat located in LaSalle. Final stop is at the Lock 16 Visitor Center.
Casual Dinner & Evening Cruise
Starved Rock Lodge & Conference Center Utica
(815) 667-4211 Ext. 386
www.starvedrocklodge.com
Board a Starved Rock Lodge Trolley and travel to the Belle of the Rock, an authentic paddle wheel boat, for a leisurely cruise on the picturesque Illinois River. After the cruise, the trolley will bring you back to the Lodge where you will enjoy dinner served with cheesecake for dessert. Call for reservations.
Illinois Waterway Visitor Center (view ad)
Dee Bennett Road
Utica
(815) 667-4054
Located at Starved Rock Lock & Dam, the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center is owned by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The center provides history of the water transportation in Illinois with close up views or river barges and other watercraft as they “lock through” the Starved Rock Lock and Dam. In the winter, the observation deck offers FREE eagle watching.
Ottawa Lady Riverboat (view ad)
1 Dee Bennett Road
Ottawa
(815) 434-9200
www.starvedrockadventures.com
This family-friendly 70-passenger riverboat is a journey you won’t want to miss! Enjoy the sights along the river or simply go for a romantic evening under the stars. Sunset Cruises are offered Wednesday, Friday & Saturday. A Dinner Cruise is offered on selected Saturdays. Ottawa Lady sails May through October.
Land and Water Cruise
Starved Rock Lodge & Conference Center Utica
(815) 667-4211 Ext. 386
www.starvedrocklodge.com
Tour includes a historical trolley ride, hot lunch buffet at Starved Rock Lodge and a leisurely cruise on the “Belle of the Rock”, an authentic paddle wheel boat.
LaSalle Canal Boat (view ad)
I & M Canal Boat Dock
754 First Street
LaSalle
(815) 220-1848
www.lasallecanalboat.org
Climb aboard 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.
Spirit of Peoria Tours (view ad)
100 NE Water Street
Peoria
(800) 676-8988
www.spiritofpeoria.com
Historic riverboat cruises to and from Starved Rock aboard our authentic paddle wheeler, featuring old-fashioned entertainment. All inclusive.
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