Located less than 100 miles southwest of downtown Chicago, LaSalle County is a haven for winter sports enthusiasts. Dress warmly to brave the Midwestern cold and enjoy activities in three nearby state parks, renowned for their exquisite scenery. After a day of adventure, explore the charming towns of Oglesby, Ottawa, and North Utica. Here, you’ll discover quaint shops and restaurants that are as beloved for their friendly hospitality as they are for their delightful offerings.
Day 1: Starved Rock State Park
Awe-Inspiring: One of the most beautiful natural wonders of Illinois, if not the entire Midwest, Starved Rock State Park in Oglesby is as spectacular in the winter as the summer. Take a three-hour, three-mile guided winter hike on Saturdays and Sundays. Experienced ice climbers can test their skill and nerves by scaling the numerous frozen waterfalls.
Where to Stay: Inside the park, Starved Rock Lodge has three types of accommodations, a modern hotel, rustic lodge-style rooms, and log cabins built in the 1930s. The amenities include five restaurants and an indoor, heated pool.
Ideal Time to Go: The park is known as a place for eagle watching, a popular pastime of Illinoisians. Stop by on Jan. 25-26 for Eagle Watch Weekend, when there will be live Birds of Prey programs, children’s activities and a photo opportunity with Sadie, Starved Rock’s eagle mascot.
Day 2: Matthiessen State Park and Ottawa
Fuel Up and Go: Start with an omelette or skillet at the Lodge’s self-named restaurant. You’ll need the carbs for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing the six miles of trails at Matthiessen State Park.
Eat and Drink Local: Cross the Illinois River and head into Ottawa. Grab lunch at The Lone Buffalo, the restaurant adjacent to the Tangled Roots Brewery. Warm up with the bison chili, followed by either the skillet bacon mac and cheese or the BBQ Brewmaster burger. Wash it all down with some of Tangled Roots’ award-winning beers made from barley grown on the brewery’s own farm.
Shop Local, Too: Look for gifts or something for yourself at Prairie Fox Books and RPS Toys. Then, venture away from downtown Ottawa for women’s clothes at Weeta’s Boutique or Starved Rock Hot Glass, where you can pick up one-of-a-kind pieces made on-site. Finish off the day at Hank’s Farm, which is beloved for its steaks, fried chicken and Italian favorites.
Day 3: North Utica and Buffalo Rock State Park
Country Charm: Head to North Utica for breakfast at Nonie’s Bakery & Café, where you can enjoy a cup of coffee and pastry to heartier weekend specials like the mushroom and Gouda wrap or jalapeno breakfast biscuit. Before leaving, peruse the selection of jams, candies and handcrafted items made in LaSalle County for sale.
Stunning Vistas: Buffalo Rock State Park is smaller than Starved Rock and Matthiessen, but its location on a 1.5-mile bluff provides gorgeous views of the Illinois River. Be sure to check out Effigy Tumuli, five large clay sculptures depicting animals native to the region.
Toast the New Memories: Enjoy a flight of three wines from August Hill Winery or its sister brand, Illinois Sparkling Co., paired with a cheese board or panini. Pick up a bottle or two from the shop to remember your LaSalle County vacation each time you open one.
