Lasalle: Sandstone Canyons and Canal History

Eighteen sandstone canyons define Starved Rock State Park. Meltwater from glaciers shaped them; the landscape thus also tells the story of the forces that created its form. Travelers looking to combine nature and history on a trip to Lasalle will find trails, museums, and traces of canal history alongside landscapes like these.

Canyons, Trails, and Water

Matthiessen State Park offers five miles of well-marked, paved hiking trails. There are also six miles of cross-country ski trails. These two trail options offer different seasonal activities: the hiking trails are described for exploring on foot, while the ski trails are for cross-country skiing. The park also has a diverse range of plant and animal species. When planning, you can choose between a hike, a winter activity, and a nature experience without confusing these different offerings.

Buffalo Rock State Park on the north bank of the Illinois River offers a different perspective. The 298-acre park sits on a rise that was once an island. At the man-made LaSalle Lake, by contrast, the focus is on the water and fishing: the lake covers 2,058 acres and is popular with anglers. Shore fishing is possible without a boat; Ivy Point has a fishing pier for people with disabilities. Check current conditions before your visit.

Canal History in Different Ways

The Illinois and Michigan Canal is 96 miles long, was dug by hand, and opened in 1848. The I&M Canal State Trail is a separate, shorter route: it extends 61.5 miles from Rockdale to LaSalle, passes through the Illinois & Michigan Canal National Heritage Area, and is part of the Grand Illinois Trail. The two lengths therefore describe different things—the canal and the trail. The National Heritage Area continues to serve as a transportation and recreational route.

In LaSalle, the I&M Canal Visitor Center features exhibits on canal history and a map table where you can plan visits. Check current operating information before you arrive. The LaSalle County Historical Society hosts an annual Burgoo Festival; dates vary.

Architecture, Museums, and Local Topics

Reddick Mansion dates to 1855. The Italianate mansion has 22 rooms, including restored rooms. Architecture enthusiasts will find a concrete counterpoint here to the landscape and canal themes. In Streator, Weber House & Garden features storybook, or Tudor, architecture and English-style gardens—a combination of architecture and gardens.

Industrial history is the focus of the Westclox Museum in Peru. It is located in part of the historic Westclox building and preserves company products, documents, photographs, antiques, and collections on the company’s history. In Ottawa, the Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum explores the traditions of Boy Scouting, Girl Scouting, and Camp Fire. Visitors interested in exploring historic buildings and areas on foot can check out the museum program Mendota's Past Around Every Corner. Program availability may change.

The Museum Campus is located along the historic I&M Canal in the Village of North Utica, Illinois.

Plan Your Stay Around Your Interests

When looking for a hotel in Lasalle, it’s worth deciding first what you want to focus on during your trip: Are you most interested in hiking trails and landscapes, the canal, or visiting several museums? The offerings described here differ in topic and type of experience, so you can consider them as options for planning your own trip. For current programs, operating information, and fishing conditions, check the relevant information before your visit. That way, you can tailor your stay to the places and activities that genuinely interest you.

Explore more destinations: Streator, Oglesby, Ottawa, Mendota, Peru, Utica, LaSalle, Grand Ridge.

Back to the main travel overview: Illinois.