Beautiful park land alongside the Illinois River. Campgrounds, picnic areas, lookout benches,…read moretrails, and boating in this lush forest by the river. There are places to launch your boat, $15.00 in one area and free by the Lock. Lots of things to do! A great place for the day or a few days!

The real rating is probably 2.5. It's not the worst campground you'll ever visit, but it leaves a…read morelot to be desired. We had campsite 32, which provided a decent amount of tree cover and wasn't too far to walk to the restrooms. Mosquitoes were out of control, so be sure to pack proper clothes and a metric ton of bug spray. There were two vault toilets available in our loop - no running water there. Also no light inside, which is an adventure. Our picnic table was covered in bird poop and other debris from nearby trees. I'm used to roughing it, but this table was as bad as I've seen in a park. Maybe a lack of rain left it in such bad condition. I recommend bringing your own chairs and table if you can. The restrooms with running water were pretty disgusting. Why does every camp bathroom reek of urine? Do we not have functional plumbing in these things? Are guys just hosing down the entire building with piss and refusing to flush? It's insane. There was one very empty soap dispenser available and only warm/hot water coming from the faucet. Of course, you can't control your neighbors at a campground. Most folks were keeping themselves under control, but one group was watching a basketball game or something and the sound of the ref's whistle echoed throughout the camp. I understand that's not the campground's fault. It was disappointing to hear traffic while at the campground. I go camping to get away from it all. This was unfortunate. I might return to Illini State Park if I need a place to crash, but there was nothing special about this place other than its relative proximity to Starved Rock (which had no available campsites the day I was headed there). If you need firewood, you can grab some at the Shell station not far away at 1441 Columbus St, Ottawa, IL 61350.

Such a nice camping spot! I've been going here for a few years now, couldn't camp last summer due…read moreto covid. This place is great! 15$ a night (10$ with a 5$ service fee online) You just pull up to your spot when you get there. They offer very private sites along with some sites in the open. Sites 90-95 & 98-101 are all great spots if you want some privacy. There's a small town with some cafes and bars just over the bridge so less than a mile away. Such a great spot & very relaxing.

Good sized park in the middle of downtown Ottawa that has a lot of history about it. If you didn't…read moreknow Lincoln was here, you know now. Washington Park is actually pretty big for being in the middle of town. Has lots of benches to relax on. There's also lots of cool statues. A few important events have occurred here. It's the site of the first Lincoln-Douglas debate, an important event in the history of politics. There's a mural along the wall of the building across the street. Check out the plaque at the northwest entrance to read more about this event. There's also a monument with statues of the two. Fun place for history buffs. It's been around a long time and was the site of several important events. This park also is nice just for hanging and walking.

Large park in what I imagine is downtown Ottawa. It's clear that it was once the center of the…read moretown; there are multiple churches across the street and the surrounding blocks; the Masonic Temple is also directly across the street. LaSalle County Courthouse is within a couple blocks, and kiddy-corner from the park is the Illinois appellate court. Across the street the other way is a home of a significant person in Ottawa's past. This park also appears to serve as a memorial to veterans of various wars. There are memorials on each side of the park. In the middle of the park is fountain featuring a statue of Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas (boo). Ottawa was the site of the first of the Lincoln Douglas debates (which is something you won't be able to forget whilst you're in this town). Something that is quirky and quaint is that this town seems to be fairly fond of time capsules! There are two of them buried in the park (at least--I only really explored one half of the park). One is set to be opened in 2037, I believe, and another one to be opened in 2058. I'm curious what is in them, of course, though luckily I'll probably forget they exist in a matter of days.

I personally would not make a reservation with this place for ziplining. All the reviews are spot…read moreon, $300 down the drain. This place will never get another dollar for me ever again. Their trails aren't great either. Can't go 3' without getting stuck. They need to give it up and let this place die. Place has no clue about customer service and maintenance.

Really great off road park in IL situated on 300 acres. We've been here more than a few times and…read morealways have a blast. If you're lookin to get dirty, this is the place! Whether you have an atv, dirt bike or 4x4, there are trails a plenty for you to get your kicks off or get stuck in. Lots of mud, steep hills, dense trees, creeks, boulders. Really beautiful sights. Some trails are more challenging than others, but they are all challenging. Make sure you have mud tires, cause you will get stuck and what a difference those tires make. A winch would be helpful. Be prepared. Rain boots are a good idea too. There are 4 trails and we usually stay on trails 1 & 3. As other reviews have mentioned, you'll run into parts that are not clearly marked. You may see a sign then a mile out nothing. It's easy to get lost so make a mental note of your turns cause they happen fast. Recently came on a Saturday and trails were super sticky, some drier than others but you'll definately run into muddy groves. Some parts of the creek had lower water levels than others, and boy was that fun to go through and doable with our 4Runner. Most of the trails are wide enough for 4x4's and not just 4 wheelers or bikes. Some parks aren't like this. So basically you can go through just about any trail. Everyone riding is super friendly and courteous and willing to help out should you need it. Surprisingly, we didn't get stuck in mud this time but by trees instead. Trying to get through, we were practically kissing a tree on the passenger side. This was the same time we saw storms coming in and knew we had to head back. This is were it got tricky as we lost sight of signs turn after turn. As luck would have it, it started hailing, lightening and pouring rain. We had to wait it out and called the office for help getting out, so as not to damage our vehicle any more than we did. After about an hour and a half Brad came and saved the day..super cool guy. Just know you can always call the office for help. They will charge you though, and it varies. Anywhere from $40+ depending on your situation. Cash only, fyi. If you're looking for more of a beginners park, I'd head to River Road Valley in McHenry. Much smaller and they have a wash station. Biggest downside of The Cliffs is no wash station. Closest car wash is only a few miles away; Irish Suds and the owner is on premises (for real) looking for people like us because he wants no mud in his stalls. So beware. If you're lucky, he might let you use the diy stalls depending on how much mud you got. But that's really your only nearby option for a wash. They have various events and even zip lining! Atv's are available to rent and Brad even does tours for a fee so you can get a feel for the park, he'll give you lots of pointers too. Check out their website. Never a dull moment here..and yes, you can really F up your vehicle if you don't know what you're doing and/or don't have the right set-up. One of the best off-road parks we found in IL. We always come back.

It's a nice memorial just a crappy road to get there and they could cut the grass and trim more…read moreoften , at least if your going to make a memorial take good care of it

At the end of the road in the Illini State Park by the Army Corp of Engineers and Locks sits this…read moremoving memorial for the Illinois men and women who gave their lives for our freedom. Borrowed from the Illinois Department of Transportation website: MARSEILLES - In honor of Veterans Day, Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig announced today the dedication of the Illinois Fallen Soldier Tree Memorial in Illini State Park in Marseilles. The new memorial park was put in place to honor Illinois Soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. "We want to do our part to honor and recognize the men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice," said Secretary Hannig. "This new memorial site will serve as a quiet and serene venue to remember Illinois' fallen and reflect on their great contribution to our state and our nation."

DO NOT PURCHASE TICKETS IN ADVANCE!!!! Is this business even open anymore? I bought gift…read morecertificates online in January for my niece's birthday. Now trying to book and their online booking system doesn't work, they don't answer their phone...ever, and I've even messaged via their Facebook page. Absolutely no response. I guess I wasted $100 on gift certificates. Wish I could give a zero star review. Feels like this place is a scam company. Any good reviews are from years ago and I wish I had noticed that prior to apparently donating my money.

This place was amazing extremely hot. Me & my friend went here for the first time & it was our…read morefirst time ziplining. The drive wasn't bad either perfect day. We arrived early & had to wait for the other 8 ppl. The more ppl the better experience. We did 8 zips & went twice on the racing zip. So much fun. When you're scared of heights your adrenaline get to going. The second to last zip we did was the longest & highest. Make sure you have on some closed toe shoes b/c there's a lot of hiking through the zips. Bring inspect repellent & sunscreen.

If you're into off the beaten path to see things and like history then I suggest this. You will…read moremiss it if you aren't looking closely as we did.

Charles Lindbergh was given the nickname "Lucky Lindy" for having jumped out of four crashing…read moreairplanes and living to tell the tale. His first two crashes were at airports in Texas and Missouri). His last two happened in farm fields in Illinois, within two months and under 100 miles of each other. Lindbergh's first crash occurred just outside of Wedron, Illinois (the other was near the town of Covel), on the night of September 16, 1926. Lindbergh had been trying to land in Chicago however, the fog was too thick. He was returning to St. Louis, but unknown to him a mechanic had replaced the plane's 110-gallon gas tank with an 80 gallon tank; Lindbergh ran out of fuel, and bailed out. On the 75th anniversary of the crash, the La Salle County Historical Society dedicated a marker at the site.

My little Lab Hollie adores K9 Paw Prints! I rescued her in October and when she came to me she was…read moreincredibly timid both around dogs and around people. Jean has done an amazing job socializing Hollie and now she is excited to get to "school" every day, bouncing around in the back of the car as soon as we turn down the road to K9 Paw Prints. Highly recommended and thank you Jean! Dave N

From the owner: A tired dog is a good dog!! Public dog park is five fenced…read moreareas for you and your dog to run and play. Pre-register and provide current veterinary records by appointment then you can use the dog park daily from sunrise to sunset. $5 per dog per visit or $120 annual membership. Annual members have access to heated building attached to pen #1, with covered porch.

I learned so much today! The mansion history was very interesting and the history about Ottawa was…read morefascinating too. The tour was ten dollars and was well worth it. I was told Christmas is a really great time to visit. I didn't even know about this mansion until a few days ago. I searched for other things around Starved Rock and foind the mansion. It was the best part of the day.

Beautiful turn of the century home. The docent was very knowledgeable (maybe a bit too…read moreknowledgeable). She shared the history of the home, it's pervious uses and work being done to restore it to the time of the Reddick family's occupancy. We stopped as an activity during a road trip but had to leave a before the end of the tour to get back on the road. The home had beautiful plaster detail, original wood work, windows, doors, and fireplaces. Definitely worth visiting to appreciate the architecture of days gone by.

Here is an okay kind of boring smaller park area. It's located along the Illinois River in Ottawa…read more Riverfront Park is a basic park with not that much else besides some benches that face the water. Good place to hang out a bit. There's pretty much nothing besides the river to do or see. Close to a few other small parks around here. It's on the north side of the river. This is accessed from Routes 23 and 71 on the north side of the river, which is kind of tricky to get into. Go through the underpass to get here. This isn't much of a park. Amenities are few. There's a few benches and trees but that's about it mostly. Good place to get some views of the river and chill. It's really nothing that's at all special to be honest. There's almost nothing, even a playground.