Rocks and Rivers
OTTAWA–Fall is the best time to enjoy the outside and the shoulder seasons of boat rentals, especially to float down the Illinois river and appreciate the natural beauty of the canyon walls.
If you're looking for a perfect autumn day trip, just an hour or so from the west suburbs - head to Ottawa, Illinois and combine adventure on water and land with a pontoon rental through October at Starved Rock River Adventures and an incredible hike at nearby Matthiessen State Park.
Located just 10 minutes from Starved Rock River Adventures, Matthiessen State Park is a hidden gem for hiking enthusiasts. Matthiessen is renowned for its picturesque waterfalls and rugged terrain. The park's trails wind through canyons carved by centuries of erosion, leading you to cascading waterfalls. The most popular route is the Dells Area, where you can descend into the Upper and Lower Dells, each offering a unique view of the park's stunning geology. As you hike, you'll cross picturesque bridges, follow wooden stairways, and navigate rocky pathways, all while surrounded by lush forest.
It felt like we were miles away from home, but with a quick walk up a stairway, we were back at our car driving to Starved Rock River Adventures, just a few minutes down the road.
Known for their fleet of well-maintained and easy-to-navigate boats, they provide an ideal way to explore the Illinois River at your own pace. Whether you're a seasoned boater or a novice, the staff at Starved Rock River Adventures ensures you feel comfortable before setting out. After a brief safety orientation, we were ready to cruise. We connected our music via Bluetooth, laid out the charcuterie, and popped the cork to begin our journey of Starved Rock State Park's beautiful towering sandstone bluffs from a unique perspective.
The serene atmosphere on the river was perfect for relaxing with friends. In the summer months you can rent a tube as well, and create an adventurous backdrop before anchoring at the nearby beach for a day of swimming fun. As the months cool in October and November you can also take advantage of renting The "Landon Shane", a 60ft. houseboat moored to the dock at Starved Rock Marina that can comfortably accommodate up to 8 guests.
Whether you're looking to unwind on the water or explore the rugged beauty of Illinois' natural landscapes, this day trip offers the best of both worlds!
OVERVIEW
Starved Rock River Adventures is located 5 minutes from Starved Rock State Park. They provide daily rentals 7 days a week when weather and river conditions permit. Pontoon rentals are available from May-October, and the Houseboat is available through Thanksgiving.
Starved Rock River Adventures
1132 N 27th Road, Ottawa
(815) 434-9200
Hours: Weather Dependent
Price $: Starting at $321/Two Hours
ABOUT THE WRITER
Kristen Kucharski’s days are never dull, her kids are never bored! Over the years #MomsLittleBlackBook has explored hundreds of kid friendly things to do in our surrounding community and on the road. As her girls have grown and gone away to college, she continues to enjoy unique activities, excursions, day trips, weekend get-a-aways, and road trips while rediscovering my own passion for adventure with friends, girls nights outs, and date nights. In her words: “Life is a journey–might as well have fun along the way. Go, fly, roam, travel, voyage, explore, discover!”
