ATTRACTIONS
Public Art Murals
Located in downtown
Visit these murals throughout downtown Ottawa that portray figures or events that have been important to Ottawa's history, including local industry, prominent citizens, or the creation of a major internal improvements project. more...
Hegeler Carus Mansion (circa 1874)
1307 Seventh Street • LaSalle, IL 61301
815-224-6543
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this 57 room Victorian mansion, is open on Wednesday through Sunday afternoons, for one hour tours. The seven-level mansion has 16,000-square-feet and features a mansard roof; dormer windows; molded cornices; decorative brackets; and a tower crowned by a 30-foot cupola. Although faded, the interior of the mansion is virtually unchanged, since the 19th century, with the original decor. Among the highlights is the mansion's two-story gymnasium, which spans the basement and ground levels. more... mapReddick Mansion Association (circa 1856)
100 West Lafayette Street • Ottawa, IL 61350
815-434-2737
This three-story, 22-room mansion is one of the most expensive and elaborate Italianate homes constructed prior to the Civil War. Several of the rooms have been restored. Today the mansion is home to several non-profit organizations, as well as the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce. mapWeber House and Gardens
1503 Baker Street • Utica, IL 61364
Streator
815-672-8327
This elegant home offers a look back into the 18th century with beautiful furnishings and lush gardens. Take a tour through the house and grounds and enjoy the splendor of days gone by. more... map
Lincoln - Douglas Debate Memorial
Located in Washington Square Park
815-434-2737
Large bronze statues complete with a reflecting pond, outlined in limestone, and a fountain commemorates the location of the first Lincoln - Douglas debate on August 21, 1858.Lock # 14 - Illinois & Michigan Canal
Intersection of Route 351 and Canal Road • LaSalle, IL 61301
1800-926-2262
This is one of fifteen locks, built on the Illinois & Michigan Canal, to to accommodate the differences in elevation along the route. Restored to its 1848 condition, this lock is representative of mid-19th century canal locks. map
LaSalle County Historical Museum
101 East Canal Street • Utica, IL 61373
815-667-4861
Housed in an 1848 warehouse on the I & M Canal, this museum features an array of Native American artifacts, and early La Salle County historical items including period furnishings, clothing and farm tools. A barn, blacksmith shop and school are also located on the grounds. Among the Historical Society's many programs and events probably the best known is the Burgoo Festival, held every year on the Sunday of Columbus Day Weekend. Along with the Burgoo stew, a pioneer dish cooked slowly over a wood fire, the Festival includes over 200 craft and flea market vendors who sell their wares on the streets of downtown Utica. more... mapOttawa Scouting Museum
1100 Canal Street • Ottawa, IL 61350
815-431-9353
This museum celebrates, preserves and promotes the traditions of the Boy and Girl Scouts, as well as Camp Fire Boys and Girls. On display is a variety of memorabilia including uniforms and literature. Also housed at the museum is the Ziteman Collection from Rockford, the Sullivan Collection from Friendship Village, and many local items. map
Frozen Waterfalls
Starved Rock State Park • Utica, IL 61373
During this time of year, the waterfalls at Starved Rock freeze completely! As the weather grows colder the ice falls grow larger and can be as much as eighty feet high. This winter wonder is a must see! map
Illinois Waterway Visitor's Center
950 North 27th Road • Utica, IL 61350
815-667-4054
See an operating dam and lock at this U.S. Army Corps of Engineers center. An "Ilinois Watchable Wildlife" site, it also features a book store and history displays. more... map
Belle of the Rock
1 Dee Bennett Road • Utica, IL 61350
Located at Starved Rock State Park
815-434-9200
Enjoy a one hour cruise on an authentic paddlewheel boat. The boat leaves from Starved Rock State Park. more...Historic Auto Tour
100 West Lafayette • Ottawa, IL 61350
Take a tour of Ottawa in your own vehicle. The tour includes 26 historic houses, buildings and historic sites. A tour book with information on each location, a map, and directions can be obtained at the Ottawa Visitor's Center. mapWaterfall and Canyon Tours
Rt. 178 • Utica, IL 61373
Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks
This outdoor adventure includes a guided walk through waterfalls and canyons and a trolley ride. A special lunch is included. map
Vineyards, Wineries & Breweries
August Hill Winery
106 Mill Street • Utica, IL 61373
815-667-5211
This family owned winery offers wonderful tours, a tasting room with artisan cheese and gourmet chocolates and a shop where you can purchase handcrafted wines. more... mapIllinois River Winery
723 South Clark Street • Utica, IL 61373
815-667-4012
Visit this winery and tasting room and discover the delicious wines from the Illinois River Valley. mapO'Briens Wine Cellar
2724 Fourth Street • Peru, IL 61354
815-224-7701
With a boutique and frequent wine tastings, this two level wine cellar is a great place to find fine wines, spirits and accessories. more... mapStarved Rock Wine Cottage
Route 178 • Utica, IL 61373
815-667-4550
This quaint wine cottage features regional Illinois wines. Visitors enjoy sampling the wines while shopping for gourmet foods, wine accessories and unique gifts. map
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