STARVED ROCK STATE PARK
Experience the fun of outdoor adventure at Starved Rock State Park, located 6
miles east from the Uptown Grill. Whether you enjoy hiking the nature trails or
viewing the spectacular overlooks along the Illinois River, recreational
opportunities abound. From picnicking to fishing, boating, horseback riding,
camping or enjoying winter sports, there’s so much to do that you’ll come back again and again.
ILLINOIS MICHIGAN CANAL
Located 2 blocks south from the Uptown. In April 1848 Chicago celebrated the
long-awaited connection of the waters of the Mississippi River system with
those of the Great Lakes basin. Some say that the canal built Chicago. Although
not used for transporting cargo today, you can still enjoy hiking along the
towpath that follows the canal to downtown Utica. Fishing is also available
along the path.
HEGELER CARUS MANSION
Located 6 blocks northeast of the Uptown. “The Hegeler Carus Mansion and its collection are a direct link to that which
made Illinois a world cultural center in the later 19th century. The treasures
of the Hegeler Carus Mansion show it to be the most important survivor of
German heritage of its time. This is a unique distinction not only for La Salle
and Illinois, but also for the United States.”
VERMILLION RIVER RAFTING
The big Vermillion River starts its 50 mile course as a pair of creeks on the
border of Ford and Livingston counties, deepens as it rolls through Pontiac to
the dam at Streator, picks up speed as it winds through Matthiessen State Park,
and empties into the Illionois River near LaSalle-Peru. It is one of the rare
rivers in the US that runs South to North.
