Resort Activities
Challenge the kids at Canyon Creek Miniature golf, an 18 hole course that’s fun for the whole family. If video games are your thing, try the Cave Arcade on the water park level.
There are high-tech video games for the whole family and prizes galore at our ticket redemption center. If the kids need some more play time, Bear Island features a fully equipped playground with equipment for kids of all ages.
There’s always the waterpark and the amusement park, but the Starved Rock area has just about every kind of activitiy you can think of.
If you’ve never hiked through the canyons at Starved Rock, you’re really missing something. Trails are maintained and steps are built over the really rough terrain, so you can bring the whole family. And if you’re a golfer, there are family-friendly courses just a few miles from Grizzly Jack’s. For those who like the water, there’s fishing, boat rentals, canoeing and even white-water rafting (Beginner’s Level).
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BikingThere are many bike routes throughout the area, primarily the bike and walking path along the I&M Canal that stretches from Joliet to LaSalle and Peru. I&M Canal Ottawa Accesses: Bicycle Rental – Mix’s Trading Post |
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Bird WatchingWatch all wildlife throughout the area, and in late winter-early spring its “Flock to the Rock”: come and watch eagles soar over the Illinois River at Starved Rock. Visit www.flocktotherock.com |
Boating/RentalTake a tour on an old time paddle wheel boat, enjoy a lunch cruise, rent a motorboat or jet ski: you can do all of these things within minutes of Grand Bear Resort. Ayers Landing C&M Canoe Rental Canoe the Vermilion Discovery Center Systems, Inc. |
Ottawa Fox River Canoe Rentals Ottawa (815) 433-4665 Ottawa Riverboat Co. Parkview Boat Tours Inc. River Adventures |
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FishingThis is a big sport in these parts. ESPN 11 televises 2 fishing tournaments from this area every year.Sandy Ford Canoe Launch Area Starved Rock Bait and Tackle Vermilion River |
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GolfingDayton Ridge Golf Club Pine Hills Golf Club Prairie Lake Lodge Golf Club Senica’s Oak Ridge Golf Club, Inc. |
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HikingWalk the many miles of nature filled forest trails within Starved Rock State Park or go for a picnic. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has information on hiking trails. |
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Horseback RidingRent ponies, horseback ride and hayrides all at Starved Rock Stables. Just 2 miles away.Horse Stables – Starved Rock Stables Black Sock Training Stable Inc. |
You’ll find history and points of interest around every corner through Utica, LaSalle and Ottawa.Hegeler Carus Mansion & Foundation Hume Carnegie Museum |
LaSalle County Historical Museum Blacksmith shop, barn, one-room schoolhouse Mill & Canal Streets, Utica Hours: Wed – Fri. 10am – 4pm Sat. – Sun. Noon – 4pm (815) 667-4861 Complex has museum in 1848 warehouse on the I&M Canal, barn, blacksmith shop, and school. Native American artifacts. www.lasallecountymuseum.org Memorial Park Mendota Museum & Historical Society Ottawa Scouting Museum |
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Starved Rock Pet ResortDedicated to a healthy, safe, and relaxing boarding experience for your pet. Visit Starved Rock Pet Resort. (815) 673-2069 |
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RacingStock Car Racing Chicagoland Speedway Route 66 Raceway |
ShoppingShop ’til you drop in all the quaint shops throughout the area.Bennett Garden Center Common Grounds Book Café Starved Rock Harley Davidson Antiques Country At Heart Antiques & Collectibles Peru Antique Mall Rural America Crafts & Antiques Arts/Crafts Apple Tree Acres Alpacas Crafters Village De’Ja’Vu The Dollhouse Stain Glass Inn Clothing/Accessories Bridal Elegance Famous Ladies Stonehead Tri City Frock Shoppe Western Factory Outlet Inc. Fine & Unique Art The Carver & The Artist |
Four Feathers 120 Mill Street, Utica (815) 667-4499 www.fourfeathers.freeservers.com Quality Native American jewelry, pottery, kachinas, storytellers, cards, tapes, and CD’s, flutes, blankets and wall hangings. Home Furnishings Village Oak Haus Gift Items Cattails Gift Shoppe Clark St. Studio and Village Pottery The Class Room Hartes Gifts/ Pellino’s Mainstreet Outlet The King & I The Mercantile Mix’s Trading Post Starved Rock Lodge Gift Shop My Favorite Things The Vine Christian Store Peru Mall |
State Parks/Visitor CentersA quick stop at our Visitor’s Centers will help you plan your exploration of this area’s incredible state parks. Enjoy breathtaking scenery, hidden waterfalls and woodland trails. Buffalo Rock State Park Illinios State Park |
Illinois Waterway Visitor’s Center Tour the facility, learn about the operation of the Lock and Dam and see it in action. During cold winter months – view the majestic bald eagle! Hours: 9am – 8pm daily Tours: Sat. & Sun. 11:30 am, 1:00 pm, and 3:00pm (Memorial Day – Labor Day) Dee Bennett Road at Starved Rock Lock and Dam (815) 667-4054 Matthiessen State Park Starved Rock State Park |
