Ottawa, Illinois
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Buffalo
Rock State Park is located a mile east of Starved Rock State
Park. This park is located on a bluff that was originally an island in
the Illinois River. This area served the French as a common place where
trading and missionary activities occurred. In 1928 Buffalo Rock was donated
to the State of Illinois and became a state park. Visitors can enjoy the
incredible scenery while hiking, camping and picnicking.
Adjacent to the park, visitors will find Effigy Tumuli,
a tribute to native American Indians. More than 2,000 years ago native
Indians created earthen sculptures with their burial mounds. Five figures,
a snake, turtle, catfish, frog and water strider were created by modern-day
artist, Michael Heizer. The sculptures cover a mile and a half with the
snake alone measuring more than 2,000 feet. For more information call
(815) 433-2220.
Starved
Rock State Park is located 1 mile south of Utica on the Illinois
River. This 2,630- acre park receives more than two million visitors each
year and its no wonder why when you see the bounty of beautiful sites
the park has to offer. Starved Rock itself is a sandstone butte that towers
125 feet above the river. There are six spectacular overlooks within the
park for viewing the fascinating rock formations and wildlife. The park
is home to 18 stream-fed canyons that sprout waterfalls in spring months.
There are 16 miles of marked hiking trails that cover the park and offer
scenic views of bluffs, canyons, and the river. Other activities available
at Starved Rock include fishing, boating, camping, and picnicking. For
additional information about Starved Rock call (815) 667-4726.
Named for France’s King Louis XIV, Fort St. Louis
was built by French explorers under the direction of Henri de Tonti in
1682. The fort was constructed on top of Starved Rock to protect the French
explorers from the local Iroquois Indians. For nearly 20 years the fort
was the center of French influence and power in the Illinois country.
The fort contained four buildings and was surrounded by a wall of 1,800
pickets. It was abandoned in 1702 and later, in 1720, completely destroyed
by a fire.
Matthiessen State Park, nearly 2,000 acres of breathtaking nature, is located just three miles south of Utica. The park was originally a 176-acre private park named Deer Park that was owned by Frederick Matthiessen. This park offers spectacular views of rock formations, bluffs and canyons which can be seen from the park’s seven miles of marked hiking trails. The park also offers nine miles of equestrian trails and equestrian campgrounds. In the winter months, trails are converted to accommodate winter guests with cross country skiing.
The Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail is a 60-mile path that runs along the canal banks. The old canal towpaths have been transformed to become the Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail. Starting in Joliet and ending in LaSalle-Peru, this trail offers beautiful scenery while hiking or biking along it. Two lockkeepers houses, four aqueducts, and ruins of several locks are among the sites to see on the trail. For information about the Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail, call (815) 942-0796.