Starved Rock Country is one of northern Illinois's best weekend getaways, and the Illinois River is the reason. Around Ottawa you can cruise, pedal a kayak, ride a trail on an electric bike and hike bluffs, all within a few miles. Here is a flexible two-day plan built around Heritage Harbor Ottawa, about 90 minutes from downtown Chicago.
Seasons and hours change, so call ahead to confirm availability for the dates you plan to visit.
Before you go
- Book rentals early. Weekends fill up, especially on holidays.
- Dress for the water. Bring sport-type shoes (no flip-flops for eBike rentals), sunscreen and a light jacket.
- Pack light. A small daypack with water, snacks and a phone charger is plenty.
- Check the weather. Wind and storms can change plans, and that's normal on the river.
Saturday morning: get on the water
Start at Heritage Harbor Ottawa, a resort and marina with easy, uncrowded access to the river. You have a few ways to spend the morning, depending on your group.
Option A: pedal a kayak
Our kayak and paddleboard rentals launch from Heritage Harbor Marina. Hobie kayaks use the MirageDrive pedal system, so you pedal with your feet and keep your hands free for photos or fishing. Beginners can stay in the 32-acre harbor, while kayak riders only can venture onto the Illinois River and its 12+ miles between the Marseilles and Starved Rock locks.
- All riders wear a life jacket, and one is provided.
- Riders under 18 need a parent or guardian.
- Stand-up paddleboards stay inside the harbor.
- Stay close to shore and well clear of barges. The river is a working waterway.
Option B: join a boat club day
If you are curious about boating without owning, tour Quest Express Boat Club. Members reserve a boat, arrive and go, with Quest handling storage and maintenance. A tour is a good way to see the fleet and marina. Ask about on-water training and membership options.
Members can cruise the 13-mile Ottawa Pool, dock free at downtown Ottawa and anchor at spots like Bob's Beach. Learn more in our guide to boating the Illinois River.
Option C: rent a boat at the harbor
Heritage Harbor also operates boat rentals. Check their rental page for details and availability.
Saturday lunch: eat in Ottawa
After the water, refuel. You can eat at the harbor's own restaurant, Harbor House by Valentino's, overlooking the marina. Or head to downtown Ottawa, where casual and upscale restaurants, bars, antique shops and gift stores line the streets. Boat club members can even dock downtown.
Saturday afternoon: ride the canal by eBike
Switch from water to trail. The I&M Canal State Trail starts right at Heritage Harbor, and our eBike rentals begin and end there. Pick a distance:
- Easy: about 3 miles west to downtown Ottawa, the River Walk and the historic canal tollhouse.
- Medium: 4 miles east to Marseilles for a snack.
- Longer: 7.3 miles west to Buffalo Rock State Park and its bluff overlook.
Stay on the trail and River Walk rather than busy Route 23-71. For distances and stops, read our I&M Canal Trail eBike ride guide.
Saturday evening: relax
Ottawa has seasonal outdoor entertainment, festivals and downtown dining. Wander Washington Park, site of the first Lincoln-Douglas debate, or catch the sunset from the marina. Keep it unplanned.
Sunday morning: Starved Rock State Park
Starved Rock State Park is the region's headliner, with bluffs, canyons and river views. Starved Rock and Buffalo Rock are two of the best places to see the area's rock cliffs, and from the water you can see them from a different angle.
- Arrive early. Parking and trails get busy on nice weekends.
- Wear shoes with good grip, since trails can be muddy and steep.
- Check Illinois DNR for current trail conditions and closures before you go.
By eBike, Utica is 12.4 miles west of Heritage Harbor on the canal trail, just north of the park. It's a long ride, so plan on a full day and check your battery.
Sunday afternoon: Utica or home
Utica is a small, tourism-oriented canal town with restaurants, shops, wine tasting rooms and beer gardens, many along Mill Street. Make it a final stop before heading home. Or turn back toward the harbor for one last paddle if the weather cooperates.
Rainy-day backup plans
- Browse downtown Ottawa's antique and gift shops.
- Visit the Ottawa Visitors Center for ideas.
- Stop by Quest Watersports to look at kayaks, eBikes and boats.
- Take a look at the whole region on our Starved Rock Country page.
Sample schedule at a glance
- Saturday 9:30: kayak or boat club tour at Heritage Harbor
- Saturday 12:30: lunch
- Saturday 2:00: eBike ride on the I&M Canal Trail
- Saturday evening: downtown Ottawa
- Sunday morning: Starved Rock State Park
- Sunday afternoon: Utica or a final paddle
Plan your weekend with Quest
Quest Watersports is Ottawa's outfitter for kayaks, eBikes and boats. Call 815.433.2200 or stop by 1851 Old Chicago Rd, Ottawa, IL 61350 and we will help you build your weekend. Rentals at Heritage Harbor Marina run on weekends, weather permitting.
FAQ
How far is Starved Rock Country from Chicago?
About ninety minutes from downtown Chicago, and less from many suburbs.
Where do kayak and eBike rentals start?
Both begin and end at Heritage Harbor Ottawa Marina. Call ahead to confirm dates, since rentals are weather permitting.
Can beginners kayak on the Illinois River?
Beginners can paddle inside the protected 32-acre harbor. Kayak riders only may head out onto the river, where you should stay near shore and clear of barges.
How do I get from Ottawa to Utica by eBike?
Ride the I&M Canal Trail west. Utica is about 12.4 miles from Heritage Harbor, so plan a round trip of roughly 25 miles and watch your battery.
Can I try boating without buying a boat?
Yes. Quest Express Boat Club lets members reserve a boat at Heritage Harbor, while Quest handles maintenance and storage. Schedule a tour to learn more.