Seven Reasons to Visit LaSalle County, Illinois in Summer

The growth of LaSalle County in north-central Illinois was fueled by the 1848 opening of the 96-mile Illinois & Michigan Canal, an architectural achievement connecting Lake Michigan from Chicago to the Illinois River. Today, the county – which includes the towns of LaSalle, Ottawa and North Utica, among others – attracts visitors with friendly charm, natural beauty, exceptional attractions and a host of outdoor activities, including a state park voted the top attraction in Illinois.

Summer is the ideal time for a day trip or extended stay to enjoy the natural beauty, outdoor adventure, delicious cuisine, historical sites and more. Check out a few reasons to visit LaSalle County.

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1. Flow Through History

A great place to begin your visit to LaSalle County is the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center, where you’ll learn the importance of the Illinois & Michigan Canal and the Illinois River. Visitors can observe the operation of the waterway’s lock and dam, and the center’s wildlife viewing area is a great place to spot local inhabitants.

To further your knowledge of local history, spend some time at the LaSalle Historical Society’s museum, which showcases the area’s rich legacy through artifacts, exhibits and special activities. Situated in downtown North Utica, the museum features five facilities that reflect local history, including a one-room schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop and an 1875 barn.

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2. State Parks That Rock

For outdoor enthusiasts, LaSalle County offers a range of fun options, starting with its state parks, ideal for hiking and camping. Starved Rock State Park is not only acclaimed as the Illinois top attraction, but is unlike anything else with its canyons, seasonal waterfalls and more than 13 miles of trails. A National Historic Landmark, the park beckons visitors to stay awhile with accommodations including more than 100 campsites, 21 log cabins or its original historic lodge.

Discover even more outdoor adventure at Matthiessen State Park with its rock formations and trails, or at Buffalo Rock State Park, perched on a bluff and offering a sweeping view of the Illinois River.

3. Splash Into Fun

Alongside the state parks, the area’s rivers and lakes await water lovers with boating, fishing, canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding. Cyclists will enjoy a cruise along the I&M Canal State Trail. If the kids want to cool off, the baseball-themed splash pad in Peru has hundreds of soaking jets. Or check out the massive indoor water park at North Utica’s Grand Bear Resort with its play zones, slides, wave pool and lazy river.

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4. A Feast for Foodies

Mill Street in the heart of downtown North Utica is a food and drink paradise, with many spots offering patio dining perfect for summer evenings. Joy & Ed’s Bar and Grill has been serving burgers and drinks since 1958, while Canal Port has spent 25 years winning fans over with delicious eats and local craft brews. Skoog’s Pub & Grill is renowned for homemade food and generous portions, making it the ideal place to refuel after a visit to Starved Rock.

Nestled inside the historic Bickerman Building, Bruce & Ollie’s has something for every taste, including options ranging from sandwiches to ice cream, plus locally roasted coffees.

If hunger strikes in Peru, hustle to The Igloo, a local icon since 1937 that Food Network ranked as the top diner in Illinois.

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5. Sips & Spirits

Mill Street also has spots to quench your thirst after a long day out in nature. August Hill Winery serves award-winning, locally produced wines, while Clarks Run Creek stocks an eclectic selection of wines and craft beers. Lodi Tap House takes pride in showcasing Illinois craft brews accompanied by tasty food.

In the town of Peru, an artisanal small-batch distillery called Star Union Spirits delivers inventive brandy, vodka and whiskeys by the bottle or in artfully crafted cocktails. The company is housed in the historic Westclox factory, which once produced thousands of clocks each year. In the same building, the Westclox Museum traces the company’s history and collects the timepieces that made it famous.

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6. A Gem of a Place

Whether you’re a rock hound or just curious about crystals, The Rock and Soul houses a fascinating collection of gemstones, crystals, minerals and more. The shop in downtown North Utica also offers a diverse selection of unusual jewelry and meditation items. And be sure to try gem mining at the outdoor sluice, where you’re guaranteed to find hidden treasures.

7. Peek Into the Past

Built in 1855, the Reddick Mansion in Ottawa is a dramatic 22-room Italianate home where rooms have been restored to provide a glimpse into life in the 19th century. The home and its gardens overlook Washington Square, featuring a fountain and bronze statues that commemorate the first of the famous debates between Stephen Douglas and Abraham Lincoln. Discover another historic gem in LaSalle at the beautifully preserved Hegeler Carus Mansion, originally completed in 1876, impressing visitors with seven levels encompassing 57 rooms.

For more information and to plan your trip, visit the LaSalle County Tourism website, enjoylasallecounty.com, or email tourism@lasallecountyil.gov.