Water Recreation

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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.

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.

Whether you’re enjoying the breathtaking vista of the Illinois River Valley from atop Starved Rock, or plunging into a weightless freefall whose sheer beauty and daring leave you breathless at Skydive Chicago, La Salle County will take you far away from congestion and big-city smog. You can catch your breath here in La Salle County.

A new addition to LaSalle County is Grizzly Jack’s Grand Bear Resort and Indoor Water Park. This charming lodge is set in 60 wooded acres of beauty. Guests may choose to enjoy luxurious accommodations in oversized rooms, suites or vacation villas complete with amenities. The lodge features several restaurants, snack bars, ice cream and gift shops. The Grand Bear Lodge offers skin-drenching fun in its 24,000 square foot indoor water park. The indoor park houses America’s first motion and sound adventure water slide. Guests may spend time speeding down the Body Slide or relaxing in the Lazy River. The water park features a wave pool, a large dump bucket, hot tubs and swimming pools. For the little ones, the park offers a zero depth play area as well as a tot pool. When ready to dry off, guests might choose to enjoy the state of the art fitness center or challenge their family or friends to a game of miniature golf. Weather is never a problem at the Enchanted Forest - an indoor amusement park located at Grand Bear Resort. Ride exciting full-sized amusement rides. There is a full-service pizza parlor and sports bar in The Enchanted Forest as well. Two huge high definition TVs show the latest sports games. Further information can be found at grizzlyjacksresort.com.

Due to open in the spring of 2008, the Frontier Lodge Resort will be one of Illinois’ largest indoor waterparks. The 110,000 sq. ft. waterpark will feature a 4 story Tornado Slide, large wavepool, huge bowl slide and Illinois’ only Flowrider. Amenities will include several restaurants, a spa and fitness center and a 20,000 sq. ft. conference center. Frontier Lodge will offer 464 beautifully appointed condo-hotel units and 170 themed Pioneer Homes for purchase or rental. Visit thefrontierlodge.com for more information.

Boat & Canoe Rentals

Ayers Landing and Canoe Rentals
3494 E. 2989th Road • Wedron
(800) 540-2394 or (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

Canoe the Vermilion
1903 E. 1251st Road • Streator
(815) 673-3218
www.canoethevermilion.com
Equipment rentals and livery. Enjoy the Vermilion, Illinois and I&M Canal Waterways in the Starved Rock area.

River Adventures
At Skydive Chicago • Ottawa
(815) 434-2142
www.canoethefox.com
April-November. Experience the
natural beauty and tranquility of
the Fox River. Bike and hydrobike rentals available. Call for reservations.

Starved Rock Adventures, Inc.
Located at Starved Rock Marina
Dee Bennett Road • Ottawa
(815) 434-9200 • 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 in
North Central Illinois. May 1-mid July. Average trip time: 3-4 hours.

Boat Tours

Belle of the Rock
1 Dee Bennett Road • Ottawa
(815) 434-9200
Regularly scheduled one-hour
cruises on an authentic paddlewheel boat leaving from Starved Rock State Park.

Land and Water Cruise
Belle of the Rock
1 Dee Bennett Road • Ottawa
Tour includes history trolley ride, soup and salad bar lunch at Starved Rock Lodge, and a leisurely 1 hour river cruise on the Belle of the Rock, an authentic paddle wheel boat. Tickets are $30.00 per person for tickets and information call
800-868-7625 ext. 386.

Casual Dinner & Evening Cruise
Belle of the Rock
1 Dee Bennett Road • Ottawa
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. $34.95 per person. Please call
800-868-7625 ext.386 for reservations.

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

Marinas

Black Marina, Inc.
4 E Dupont • Seneca
(815)357-6666

Spring Brook Marina
623 W River Drive • Seneca
(815)357-8666

Starved Rock Marina
Dee Bennett Road • Ottawa
(815)433-4218
www.starvedrockmarina.com

Hiddencove Marina (view ad)
219 River Drive • Seneca
(815) 357-6869
www.sycmarina.com

Heritage Harbor Marina (view ad)
Opening 2008
100 Heritage Harbor Drive • Ottawa
(815) 431-1338
www.hhottawa.com