continue tour:
     LaSalle/Peru | Ottawa

The River
The Illinois River, scenic sandstone bluffs and a rich Native American legacy shape the Utica area. The river valley is a haven for wildlife, and bald eagles are often spotted during the winter.

Native Americans settled in a grand village where the river rapids created a natural break in transportation. Today, Starved Rock Lock and Dam, opened as part of the Illinois Waterway in 1933, obliterated the river rapids. At the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center you can see huge barges going through a lock and learn about the waterway. One modern barge can carry 1500 tons – the same freight on the I&M Canal would have required 10 canal boats. One tugboat can push 15 barges at a time – that’s 22,500 tons or 870 truckloads.

Utica
The small town of Utica originally developed (with the name Science) on the banks of the Illinois River, but when the canal was built a mile north of the river, the town developed between its banks and the bluffs to the north where its cement mines were located.

State Parks
Utica serves as a gateway to Starved Rock State Park’s dramatic sandstone canyons, hiking trails, welcoming lodge, campgrounds and Illinois River access. Named for the prominent rocky outcropping over the river, it was once home to native people who hunted bison here, and later served as a French Fort.

Just south of Starved Rock, is Matthiessen State Park, which also offers hiking trails through spectacular sandstone canyons.

©2002 Canal Corridor Association