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Begin your Starved Rock Country adventure this fall by paying a visit to some of the region’s top-rated welcome centers. These popular tourist spots offer free local information, expert recommendations, entertainment for the kids and must-have souvenirs. Join us as we take an inside look at five of the area’s visitor centers.
Ottawa Visitors Center
1028 La Salle St., Ottawa
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday
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 the picturesque downtown district, is home to a wide array of visitor pamphlets, along with helpful staff and a selection of great Ottawa-centric merchandise. Items include regional T-shirts, postcards, water bottles, totebags, ornaments, locally made pottery and much more.
While you’re there, be sure to grab a copy of Ottawa’s visitor guidebook. This free publication will take you on a stroll through the city’s turn-of-the-century Old Town – pointing out sites of historical and cultural significance, boutique shops and unique restaurants.
Illinois Waterway Visitors Center
950 N. 27th Road, Ottawa
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Sunday
Located at the Starved Rock Lock & Dam, the Illinois Waterway Visitors Center is operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – who maintain the lock and dam system along the entire Illinois Waterway from Lake Michigan to its terminus in Grafton.
This enormous waterway spans 333 miles and more than 160 feet in elevation drops through locks and dams – this immersive visitors center gives you the rare opportunity to see the process in action. The center also provides up-close views of river barges, watercraft and many migratory birds. You’ll find a selection of informative books for all ages, collectibles and stuffed animals featuring the lock’s popular bald eagles for sale in the visitor center’s gift shop.
Starved Rock Country Welcome Center and Illinois Made Gift Shoppe
248 W. Canal St., North Utica
HeritageCorridorCVB.Com/SRCWelcomeCenter
Hours: open noon to 6 p.m. seven days a week
Located a block away from Utica’s bustling downtown Mill Street, this informational center and Illinois Made Gift Shoppe will be the perfect first stop before you start exploring nearby Starved Rock State Park. It features 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 the great items, you’ll find all the useful brochures, maps and guide books you need to plan your stay in the Starved Rock Country area.
Starved Rock State Park Visitors Center
2668 E. 873rd Road, Oglesby
815-667-4726
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Sunday
The Starved Rock State Park Visitors 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. The LaRoche Gift Shop, which sports a variety of souvenirs and local literature, is open most days from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Movies are available in the visitor center screening room upon request, with titles including: “In the Shadow of the Rock” (history) – 15 minutes, “Orientation to Starved Rock” – 9 minutes, “Smokey the Bear and Friends” (cartoon for kids) – 9 minutes, “Civilian Conservation Corps” (history of the CCC at the park) – 15 minutes and “On the Wings of the Wind” (bald eagle film) – 15 minutes.
Lock 16 Café and Visitor Center
754 First St., La Salle
Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday
If you’re looking for fascinating local history, unique gifts and a delicious bite to eat, chart a course for the Lock 16 Café and Visitor Center. The 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 an appealing selection of commemorative apparel, souvenirs and educational books for all ages.
Located inside a former carriage shop, originally built in the early 1910s, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more architecturally interesting place to enjoy a latte in Starved Rock Country. The Lock 16 Café stocks a wide variety of beverages, everything from artisan sodas to a signature house-brewed iced tea.