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Looking for a unique gift that won’t risk being delayed in the mail during the holiday rush? Consider buying your loved ones an authentic experience in Starved Rock Country. From guided tours to live theater, we’ve assembled a convenient collection of small businesses that offer unforgettable, local experiences.
Book An Awesome Ottawa Tour
Prepare to have your perception of Ottawa altered forever. Starved Rock Country native Tom Aussem provides fascinating and informative tours, detailing the town’s storied past. Over the course of the trip, you’ll hear tales of crime, liberation and perseverance that all played a part in shaping this beautiful riverfront town.
A gift certificate from Awesome Ottawa can be redeemed for such fan-favorite programs as Radium Dial Girls of Ottawa, Illinois and Graveyard Stories: Heroes, Hobos, and Murderers, Unearthed. A popular 1.5-mile walking tour, “Ottawa’s Underground Railroad: Uncovered,” was featured in a Chicago Tribune story that chronicled a forgotten chapter of Illinois’ abolitionist movement. To reserve your space on this tour and others, visit awesomeottawatours.com or call 815-343-4940.
Plan A Trip Aboard The Sainte Genevieve Riverboat
If you’re seeking a leisurely and nostalgic way to experience the Illinois River, the Sainte Genevieve Riverboat is your ticket to the past. A charming replica of a 19th-century paddlewheeler, the Sainte Genevieve offers visitors a chance to step back in time and imagine the days when passenger riverboats traversed these waters. Departing from a conveniently located dock near the confluence of the Fox and Illinois river, this delightful sternwheeler offers a variety of cruises, including narrated tours that delve into the area’s rich history.
As you leisurely glide along the Illinois River, you’ll be treated to stunning views of Starved Rock State Park, Buffalo Rock State Park and beautiful St. Pierre limestone bluffs that have witnessed centuries of history. Whether you’re enjoying a romantic sunset cruise with delectable small plates or a family-friendly matinee sightseeing tour, the Sainte Genevieve Riverboat offers an unforgettable journey through time and nature. Gift certificates, redeemable for future tours, are available at SteGenRiverboat.com
Starved Rock Country Golf Card
StarvedRockCountry.DailyDealbuilder.com
Looking for a great deal on golfing in Starved Rock Country and the surrounding areas? Pick up the 2026 Starved Rock Country Discount Golf Card! This card entitles you to one round of golf with FREE CART for only a $29 green fee at 13 popular regional golf courses.
Players must schedule tee times for each course prior to playing, each cardholder must pay mandatory $29 green fee. Discount Golf Card to be used by signature player only and are good through Dec. 31, 2026. For more information, and to reserve your 2026 Golf Card, head to StarvedRockCountry.DailyDealbuilder.com
This year’s participating courses include: Anderson Fields Golf Course (9), Dwight Country Club (18), Earlville Country Club (9), Edgewood Park Golf Club (18), Fairways Golf Course (18), Hidden Lake Golf Club(18), Indian Oaks Country Club (18), Mendota Golf Club (18), Midland Golf Club (18), Senica’s Oak Ridge Golf Club (18), Shady Oaks Golf Club (18), Spring Creek Golf Club (18) and Wyaton Hills Golf Course (9+).
Support The Starved Rock Foundation By Buying A Calendar
starvedrockhikers.com/product-page/2026-calendar
This holiday season, celebrate the natural beauty of the Starved Rock Country region by buying a Starved Rock and Matthiessen Calendar. Featuring the work of local photographers, 100% of the proceeds from this project will be benefitting the Starved Rock Foundation the volunteer-run organization that supports the State Park through educational programs, guided hikes, exhibit updates, park improvements and more.
Starved Rock and Matthiessen Calendars are now available to buy in-stores and online through Starved Rock Hikers at starvedrockhikers.com/product-page/2026-calendar
Want to ensure you get your hands on a calendar ahead of the holidays? Consider buying a calendar from a local retail partner like the Starved Rock Country Welcome Center (248 W. Canal St., North Utica), Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center Gift Shop (One Lodge Lane, Oglesby), LeRocher Bookstore and Gift Shop (2668 E. 873rd Road, Oglesby), Lock 16 Café and Visitor Center (754 First St., La Salle), Prairie Fox Books (719 La Salle St, Ottawa), Bruce & Ollies at The Bickerman Building (166 Mill Street, Utica), The Rock and Soul (229 S Clark St, North Utica).
Gift Live Theater From Festival 56
Small town meets big drama at Princeton’s Festival 56, a renowned celebration of the performing arts that brings together rising acting talent from across the country. Looking to buy the perfect Christmas gift for your favorite theater goer? Treat them to a world of drama, laughter and unforgettable performances at Princeton’s Festival 56.
The fest’s Santa Special 2026 Festival Pass is $150, a savings of $25 if you buy it before the end of the year. This pass includes one ticket for each of the main stage shows, including New Works, all cabarets and same-day entry to any main stage production where seating remains available – a total of 9 tickets per subscription, limited to available dates and times. There’s also a special Flex Four for 2026, running $110 – this pass is perfect for sharing. It features four tickets for their Main Stage productions to use one at a time, all at once or in any combination. Prices raise after 12/31, so act fast. Buy at Festival56.com.