Ayers Landing & Canoe Rentals
3494 E 2089th Rd, Wedron, IL 60557
Ayers Landing provides enjoyable and safe canoe, kayak and float trips down the beautiful Fox River. Simply make a reservation at www.ayerslanding.com to start your journey between the sandstone walls of the Fox. You can choose the 12 mile trip at 9am and 10am ONLY (4-6 hours without stopping) or you can choose the 6 mile trip at 11am, 12pm, or 1pm.
C&M Canoe & Kayak Rentals
3401 E 2062nd Rd, Ottawa, IL 61350
C&M Canoe Rental, located in the charming town of Wedron, IL, offers both 7-mile and 12-mile canoe and kayak rentals throughout the summer season. Simply call to reserve your vessel, and they’ll take care of the rest. Craft your own unique adventure on the water and unwind at their waterfront bar.
Cedar Creek Ranch
249 IL-71, Cedar Point, IL 61316
Nestled within 60+ acres of lush woodlands, meandering creek crossings, and expansive fields, Cedar Creek Ranch offers a picturesque retreat just a stone’s throw away from Starved Rock State Park, Matthiessen State Park, and Grand Bear Lodge, all within a 10-12 mile radius. Located just east of Cedar Point, Illinois, our ranch is a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Cedar Creek Ranch offers experiences like horseback riding, amphibious vehicle tours, goat yoga and a petting zoo.
The Cliffs Insane Terrain
2681 US-6, Marseilles, IL 61341
From first-time drivers looking to explore the hobby to veteran off-roaders with custom-built vehicles, The Cliffs Insane Terrain is the perfect place to test your skills. Home to the popular Mud Turtle and Carnage trails, The Cliffs Insane Terrain features miles of custom-designed, challenging off-road routes for you to enjoy. For those new to off-roading, you don’t need to bring your own UTV. At The Cliffs, you can rent a Yamaha Wolverine or Viking and enjoy a guided one-hour tour in the woods that’s sure to make you a lifelong fan of this outdoor adventure. Prices include driving lessons, instructions and helmets for all participants.
Fox River Park Splash Pad
717 Hudson St, Ottawa, IL 61350
Fox River Park, 717 Hudson Street, offers many amenities over 15-acres including playground equipment, splash pad, basketball court, shelter, boat ramp, docks, fishing, and parking. In 2022 a newly designed 18-hole disc golf course. A restroom facility is located on the northside of East Superior Street.
Fox River Resort Pirate’s Cay
2558 N 3650rd Rd, Sheridan, IL 60551
Ready to take the excitement up a notch and have a splashy, fun adventure while you live out your inner pirate? Then have we got a treasure waiting for you! Pirate’s Cay is Fox River Resort’s on-property indoor waterpark, and it’s perfect for kids of all ages. You and your family will have so much fun racing down winding tubes and floating past the palm trees while you glide down the lazy river. The little ones will love getting drenched by dump buckets, shooting water guns, and climbing aboard Parrot’s Perch, a pirate ship playscape.
Grand Bear Resort Water Park
2643 IL-178, North Utica, IL 61373
Utica’s Grand Bear Resort, located just outside of Starved Rock State Park, features a variety of cozy suites, cabins, villas and over 11,000 square feet of event space. Grand Bear is also home to a massive 24,000 square foot indoor water park featuring play zones, slides, a wave pool, lazy river, and 15 person hot tub. Surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the Starved Rock Area, Grand Bear Resort is a great place to host your next family gathering, wedding, holiday party, meeting or family getaway. Come experience the oasis where relaxation meets adventure.
Heritage Harbor Marina
421 Great Loop E Dr, Ottawa, IL 61350
Just 90 minutes from Chicago a vibrant marina is ready and waiting to give you the boating experience you have been looking for. Positioned on the Illinois Waterway, the Heritage Harbor Marina offers 32 acres of nearly 8-foot deep harbor, boasts a harbor opening width of 200 feet and hosts 186 boat slips ranging between 35 and 60 feet. You’ll enjoy the single-load floating docks and private dock boxes for each slip.
Hiddencove Marina
219 River Drive, Seneca, IL 61360
Enjoy convenient, relaxed boating on the calm waters of the Illinois River. When winds make Lake Michigan unpleasant or unmanageable, the river is probably calm. Hiddencove Marina offers stable, wide boat slips with water and power connections. The marina lies within a natural, protected harbor and has launch facilities, picnic gazebos, and large, clean bath facilities. Think of the Hiddencove Marina of the Seneca Yacht Club as your second home.
I&M Canal Boat Tours
A St &, Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail, La Salle, IL 61301
This 76-foot boat is the first on the canal in over 70 years, but the star of the show for adults and kids alike is Moe the Mule, who pulls the boat and passengers down the canal for a brief glimpse of what canal travel was like in 1848, when Chicago was the western frontier. The ride is about an hour long, enough to learn the history from the guide and the recorded history, but not too long for the kids. You are allowed to walk around the boat, sit in the cabin, or explore the upper deck. Catch a view of turtles sunning themselves on the rocks, while birds, fish, and other animals may make an appearance.
I&M Canal Bike Rental
754 1st St, La Salle, IL 61301
The I&M Canal National Heritage Area’s bike rental program removes the biggest challenge to taking a scenic ride along the legendary waterway – transporting your own bikes to the trailhead. Thanks to the app-based bike sharing system, you can soak in the history and natural splendor of the canal for just $5 an hour using one of several convenient locations in Marseilles, Utica and La Salle using a simple smartphone app.
Kayak Starved Rock
1170 N 27th Rd, Ottawa, IL 61350
kayakmorris.com/starved-rock-kayak-tour
Enjoy a guided kayak tour or convenient kayak rental near Starved Rock State Park! Available May through October, guests can choose between two hour-long guided kayak excursions, perfect for the novice kayaker or those looking to familiarize themselves with this stretch of the scenic Illinois River, or for two-hour, half day or daily rentals of single or tandem kayaks. These super stable Perception brand kayaks are an inexpensive and fun way to explore the waters of Starved Rock Country. For more information, visit Kayak Starved Rock on Facebook.
The Lakes Country Club
2550 N 32nd Rd, Marseilles, IL 61341
Escape from the hustle and bustle of day to day life at this rural oasis of a golf course. Featuring 9 holes, on-site lodging, a pro shop and restaurant offering daily specials. The Lakes is perfect for weddings and parties, with their full hotel and banquet facilities. Book your tee time today!
Mendota Tri-County Fair
405 1st Ave, Mendota, IL 61342
facebook.com/mendotatricountyfair
Bringing affordable and family-friendly entertainment to the Tri-County area every Labor weekend. The fair boats free parking, free gate admission, a free petting zoo, live music, food vendors, demolition derbies and carnival rides.
Quest Watersports
1800 N2871st Road, Ottawa, IL 61350
Paddle along the serene waters of the Illinois River, exploring hidden coves and discovering the area’s natural wonders from a different perspective. Quest specializes in the rental and sales of high-end Hobie brand pedal kayaks (with select models capable of fitting up to four people) and premium stand-up paddleboards. With its top-notch equipment and friendly staff, Quest Watersports ensures that your aquatic adventures in Starved Rock Country will be both memorable and incredibly convenient. Looking to continue the adventure on land? Quest also offers a fleet of convenient e-bike rentals that can help you start exploring popular trails like the nearby I&M Canal.
Skydive Chicago
3215 E 1969th Rd, Ottawa, IL 61350
See Starved Rock Country from a whole new perspective: around 14,000 feet in the air. Soar above some of the most beautiful vistas Illinois has to offer at Ottawa’s Skydive Chicago. Home of many record setting jumps and soon to be the host of the 2024 USPA Nationals in September, Skydive Chicago is widely regarded as the Midwest’s premier destination for jumping. The staff at Skydive are some of the best in the nation and ready to take you from novice to your first-ever tandem jump. Your three-plus hour experience will provide all the instructions, equipment and plane ride you need to complete your first skydiving experience. An excursion to Skydive Chicago makes a great gift for those who love adventure. Reservations are a must; night jumps and other opportunities are available for more seasoned jumpers.
South Shore Boat Club
2380 Water St, Peru, IL 61354
South Shore Boat Club originated on the south bank of the Illinois River. It was nothing more than a wooden plank walkway, located just downstream from the old Peru River bridge. Today, the boat club features 48 member slips and regularly hosts exciting events at their private club house, patio, pavilion and beach.
Splash Field at Washington Park
Park Rd, Peru, IL 61354
The baseball-themed splash pad is approximately 12,000 square-foot with hundreds of jets spraying water. The splash pad was designed with an emphasis on inclusivity and includes things that make it particularly friendly toward children with various disabilities. The splash pad is open daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day.This facility is partially made possible through the generous donation from the J.A. Happ family.
Spring Brook Marina
623 W River Dr, Seneca, IL 61360
With a vast knowledge of the boating marketplace and proven track record of exemplary customer service, Spring Brook is the go-to spot if you are looking to buy, sell, or service a powerboat of any size range. Proudly representing Prestige Yachts, Jeanneau Powerboats, Sirena Yachts, Pardo Yachts, Wellcraft, & Barletta Pontoon Boats. Spring Brook’s main location is in Seneca, Illinois on the scenic Illinois River with three protected harbors and 210 slips. Spring Brook Marina is perfectly situated just a short drive from the hustle and bustle of the city and is located in a quaint small town that offers a quiet, scenic setting away from hectic city life.
Starved Rock Lodge River Cruises
One Lodge Ln, Oglesby, IL 61348
Looking for an intimate river cruise experience? Starved Rock Lodge’s guided river cruise is a must-book tour. Departing from the scenic Starved Rock State Park, this cruise provides an up-close and personal encounter with the natural beauty of the Illinois River. Guided by knowledgeable naturalists, you’ll gain insight into the region’s flora, fauna and geological wonders. As you meander downriver, keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles, herons and other wildlife that call this area home.
Starved Rock Marina
1130 N 27th Rd, Ottawa, IL 61350
Started in 1957 by the Powers family, the marina expanded and thrived over the next few decades adding slips, boat sales, a full-time service shop, and a restaurant. In 2021, Ben and Alissa Bumpus became the proud new owners of Starved Rock Marina. They hope to honor the history of the marina by keeping it’s best traditions while transitioning into a more modern updated facility. Their focus is on providing an exceptional customer experience while maintaining an affordable family atmosphere. Join them and their children (Zach, Paige & Henry) as they share all that Starved Rock Country has to offer.
Vermillion River Rafting
779 N 2249th Rd, Oglesby, IL 61348
The Vermillion river is a fisherman’s paradise, with numerous eddies, slack pools, overhanging and downed trees, deep holes and rocky shorelines. If a leisurely trip is what you have in mind, bring along your fishing poles and a picnic lunch. Don’t forget, however, that this is a whitewater trip, and sooner or later, you are going to get wet! For a modest charge of $40 per adult and $30 for children 16 and under, Vermillion River Rafting supplies a 4 or 6 man raft, paddles, life vests and rafting instructions. They also now rent funyaks, an inflatable type of kayak for $40 per person. The best time of year to run the river is from May to mid July when spring rains bring water levels up to about 4 feet deep. The 3 MPH pace reveals another striking feature of the river; its total lack of development along its banks.
Zip Chicago
2681 E. US 6, Marseilles, IL
Capable of accommodating solo zip line tours up to a large company retreats, Zip Chicago’s professionally trained guides are ready to send you flying over a picturesque tree-lined valley. This facility, located a short drive from I-80, features eight zip lines and two suspension bridges that run below the tree canopy. For those dabbling in zip lining, there’s a “short tour” available that gives you a sample of the thrills on offer. Zip Chicago is a safe, affordable and family-friendly way to enjoy some excitement in Starved Rock Country. Advance reservations are highly encouraged.