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.
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Boat & Canoe Rentals
C&M Canoe Rental
3401 E. 2062nd Road
Ottawa
(815) 434-6690
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
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.
Quest Watersports (view ad)
1851 Old Chicago Raod
Ottawa
(815) 433-2200
QuestWatersports.com
Rent a Pau Hana Malibu paddleboard or Hobie Kaya. You’ll be amazed how easy and FUN paddleboading and pedaled kayaking can be…call us today to reserve.
Starved Rock Adventures
1 Dee Bennett Road
Ottawa
(815) 434-9200
starvedrockadventures.com
Put some adventure in your vacations…Starved Rock Adventure. We offer jet ski, speed boat, pontoon boat and houseboat rentals. Training Provided. No special license needed.
VermiLlion River Rafting
779 N. 2249th Road
Oglesby
(815) 667-5242
vermillionriverrafting.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
Anchor In Marina (view ad)
1 East Dupont Road
Seneca
(815) 357-1285
anchorinmarina.com
Heritage Harbor Marina (view ad)
100 Heritage Harbor Drive
Ottawa
(815) 433-5000
heritageharborottawa.com
Hiddencove Marina
219 River Drive
Seneca
(815) 357-6869
thehiddencovemarina.com
Spring Brook Marina
623 West River Road
Seneca
(815) 357-8666
springbrookmarina.com
Starved Rock Marina
1130 North 27th Road
Ottawa
(815) 433-4218
starvedrockmarina.com
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Boat Tours
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.
Illinois Waterway Visitor Center (view ad)
950 N 27th Road
Ottawa
(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.
Land and Water Cruise
Starved Rock Lodge & Conference Center
2668 East 875th Road
Oglesby
(815) 667-4211 Ext. 386
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
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.
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