Clarks Run Antiques
215 N Division St, North Utica, IL 61373
Utica’s largest antique store features a highly curated selection of finds from over 70 vendors. You’ll find rusty, old, recycled, weathered, refinished, shabby-chic, vintage, antique, chippy, trendy, or just plain cool items. The recent addition of an on-site wine bar and outdoor patio makes Clarks Run a must-stop on your next trip through Utica.
Clarks Run Creek Gifts & Wine
143 Mill St, North Utica, IL 61373
Clark’s Run Creek Gifts and Wine, located just a short drive from Starved Rock State Park, is the perfect place to enjoy a wine tasting, do some gift shopping, or just relax with friends! They offer a wide variety of wines to buy and taste, and there’s even an upstairs lounge where you can relax with your purchases.
Jobst Monuments & Gifts
402 W Main St, Ottawa, IL 61350
instagram.com/jobst_monument_and_gifts
Jobst Monument & Gifts is a unique gift shop offering a variety of lawn and garden decor, religious and bereavement gifts, statuary, and more. Such items include kinetic art, hummingbird feeders, gazing globes, wind chimes, and Isabel Bloom sculptures. There’s something for everyone at Jobst. So, stop in today, you won’t be disappointed.
Lock 16 Gift Shop
754 1st St, La Salle, IL 61301
More than just a souvenir shop (though this shop located inside the visitors center does have an array of a Illinois, Lincoln and Canal-centric shirts, books, postcards and mementos), the Lock 16 Gift Shop offers a host of colorful floral decor, whimsical household treasures, artisan foodstuffs, cards, books and clever gifts for children. Make sure to stop in during the winter holidays to peruse their selection of ornaments, decorations and toys direct from “Santa’s Workshop.”
Starved Rock Country Welcome Center and Illinois Made Gift Shoppe
248 W Canal St, North Utica, IL 61373
Visit the Starved Rock Country Welcome Center & Illinois Made Gift Shoppe today and get a chance to speak with local experts and browse a curated collection of gifts from Illinois artisans, makers, and attractions.
Starved Rock Lodge Gift Shop
One Lodge Ln, Oglesby, IL 61348
The Starved Rock Gift Shop is located just off the Great Hall near the restaurant. The Gift Shop offers a wide assortment of Starved Rock souvenir sweatshirts, t-shirts and books. Check out the latest boutique items including ladies’ fashion, jewelry and handbags. Toys, trinkets and gifts for the kids, too!
Sullivan’s Foods
1102 Meriden St, Mendota, IL 61342
Quality, Freshness, and Service is Guaranteed at Sullivan’s. This modern grocery store, located in Mendota, was started in 1967 by John and June Sullivan and has grown to offer such modern amenities as online ordering.
VISITOR INFO:
City of LaSalle
La Salle is a historic city that maintains high standards of living for its residents while promoting growth within the city borders through efficient and steadfast governance. To accomplish this mission La Salle aims to provide a clean and safe environment for families, a healthy economic structure, and multiple opportunities for future development.
City of Marseilles
Marseilles is known for its rapids on the Illinois River and was the site of much industry, including an early hydro-electric plant and the National Biscuit Company building in the 20th century. It is now home to Illini State Park and the Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial. The memorial wall started in 2004 and now has over 8,000 names. In 2016, Marseilles resident Seattle Sutton founded a community museum, located in the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad Depot. Its collection includes historical items from the Nabisco factory, other Marseilles businesses and archived recordings of Marseilles war veterans.
City of Oglesby
Experience Oglesby- a small-town feel with large-scale amenities. Located near the Vermilion and Illinois Rivers and less than 100 miles from Chicago, Oglesby is uniquely situated to bring its residents the best of both worlds. The residents of Oglesby enjoy the benefits of state parks and recreation in their backyards along with year-round festivals and community events. Top tier public services including dedicated ambulance, fire, and police departments and high performing schools make Oglesby a great place to live and work.
City of Peru
The City of Peru’s mission is to provide top-quality, fiscally responsible municipal services in a manner that promotes the high standards of our City. Peru became an industrial powerhouse in the 1800s and into the 1900s, with companies including Maze Lumber, Maze Nails and Illinois Zinc. Westclox was the largest clock factory in the world, producing over 1 million alarm clocks each year and is now being converted into an arts and entertainment venue with the Star Union Spirits Distillery in the building. Note the statue of Peru native Maud Powell on Main Street. Born in 1868, she was a world-renowned concert violinist. Peru’s downtown first developed along the riverfront, but was eventually moved up the bluff away from flooding. See the historic waterfront buildings and dine in the eclectic restaurants.
Lock 16 Visitors Center
754 1st St, LaSalle
If you’re looking for fascinating local history, unique gifts and a delicious bite to eat, chart a course for the Lock 16 Café & Visitors Center. This historic brick building serves as the headquarters of the I&M Canal National Heritage Area and features exhibits on the history, and lasting impact, of this man-made waterway. At the Lock 16 gift shop you’ll find a great selection of commemorative apparel, souvenirs and educational books for all ages.
Illinois Waterway Visitors Center
950 North 27th Road, Ottawa, IL 61350
mvr.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Illinois-Waterway
See the operation of a real lock and dam up close, and learn about the Illinois Waterway’s significance as a part of the nation’s water highway system.
Illinois Valley Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development
Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development has served the region for 113 years, helping businesses locate, grow, and sustain. Economic Development with a focus on job creation, business development, education, and support are the organizations scope of work. IVAC’s intention is to enhance the quality of life in the Illinois Valley – creating results that translate directly to their 400+ member businesses and our community.
Mendota Area Chamber of Commerce
The Mendota Chamber of Commerce, established in 1945, is a not-for-profit organization of businesses representing industry, retail, service, professionals, and agriculture in partnership with tourism and government to further promote economic growth and quality of life in Mendota. The chamber sponsors and promotes events like the Mendota Fireworks Celebration, A Mendota Christmas, and the Mendota Easter Hop. The Mendota Area Chamber of Commerce biggest event of the year is Mendota’s Annual Sweet Corn Festival (one of the largest harvest festivals in the Midwest), annually attracting more than 60,000 visitors.
Ottawa Visitors Center
1028 La Salle St, Ottawa, IL 61350
The Ottawa Visitors Center is a must-visit spot for anyone taking a trip to the Starved Rock Country area. This informational hub, located at the start of this picturesque downtown district, is home to a wide array of visitors pamphlets, helpful staff and selection of great Ottawa-centric merchandise. While you’re there, be sure to grab a copy of Ottawa’s historic walking tour brochure. This guidebook will take you on a stroll through the city’s turn-of-the-century Old Town – pointing out sites of historical and cultural significance as you meander along lush walkways, past boutique shops and unique restaurants.
Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center
2668 East 873 Road, Oglesby
The Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center is the perfect place to start a day of hiking in Starved Rock State Park. Here, you’ll find interactive educational displays, free videos on the park’s history, hiking maps and a bookstore – complete with plenty of Starved Rock souvenirs. While you’re there, be sure to check out Trailhead Concessions and Gifts for a great selection of hiking provisions and snacks.
Starved Rock Country Welcome Center and Illinois Made Gift Shoppe
248 W Canal St, North Utica, IL 61373
https://www.hcdestinations.com/srcwelcomecenter
Located a block away from Utica’s bustling downtown Mill Street, this informational center and Illinois Made Gift Shoppe is the perfect first stop before you start exploring nearby Starved Rock State Park. Featuring a curated section of items made by Illinois Makers and Artisans, perfect for souvenirs or any gift giving occasion. Inside, you’ll find beautiful artisan-made walking sticks, pottery and greeting cards – all made in Illinois or celebrating the region. From children’s toys to New York Times best-selling accounts of local history, there’s no shortage of unique items in store for you at this exciting new addition to downtown Utica. In addition to all these great items, you’ll find all the useful brochures, maps and guidebooks you need to plan your stay in the Starved Rock Country area.
Streator Tourism
The beautiful and historic city of Streator features plenty of activities that will keep you entertained year round. Featuring a robust arts and entertainment scene – including live music, theater and murals – along with plenty of scenic nature spaces for outdoorsy types. You can enjoy trails, parks, golf, and more at Straetor’s city parks and the Vermilion River, giving opportunities for fishing and canoeing. Attractions vary from learning about the city’s storied legacy at Streatorland Historical Society to enjoying the gardens at Weber House. The Streator Public Library hosts numerous events throughout the year – for both kids and adults.
Village of North Utica
Located two minutes from the entrance of Starved Rock State Park, and just a short drive from I-80 and I-39, you’ll find a true hidden gem, the village of North Utica. This canal town, steeped in rich history and beautiful nature, features some of the best pub-style dining and boutique shopping that north central Illinois has to offer.
Village of Seneca
This small village dates back to the building of the canal, and today its biggest asset is the scenic Illinois River providing boating, fishing, eagle watching, kayaking and viewing spectacular sunsets through several marinas and a free public boat launch. Historical attractions such as the Hogan Grain Elevator on the I&M Canal, Seneca Area History Museum, LST Memorial in Crotty Park and the Veterans Memorial Wall at the Seneca library, as well as its part of I&M Canal State Trail, attracts nature lovers, historians, photographers, hikers, bicyclists, joggers and snowmobilers.