Oglesby: River, Parks and Events

Oglesby brings together river activities, city parks, sports, and events for different occasions during your stay. Each local offering has its own focus, so it makes sense to consider them by activity and travel dates.

River Activities and Route 71

The lower Vermilion River near Oglesby serves as a take-out point for rafting, canoeing, and kayaking. The Vermilion River Boat Ramp also includes a boat and raft launch. This distinction is useful when planning time on the water: the take-out point refers to the three activities listed, while the ramp is for launching boats and rafts. Use may depend on river conditions. If you plan to launch at the ramp, take the river conditions into account beforehand.

The Illinois River Road Scenic Byway runs directly through Oglesby on Route 71. This makes Oglesby a point along the route for a drive along the Byway; this road connection is distinct from the activities on the Vermilion River. This way, you can distinguish between a specific water-based activity and a named route through the city when planning your trip.

City Parks and Recreational Activities

Oglesby’s city parks offer walking and jogging trails as well as disc golf. Courtyard Park also has two tennis courts, a basketball court, and a small playground. A tennis camp is held there every June. If you want to plan your trip around the camp, June is the relevant time; check the specific date as you plan. McPhedran Park has a different focus: it features a fishing pond with a pier directly beside the park’s walkway. The various park offerings can thus be distinguished by activity—from walking and jogging to tennis and basketball to the pond area.

Swimming lessons are part of the seasonal recreational offerings at the Oglesby Municipal Pool. The grounds around the pool host Oglesby’s Summer Fun Fest every year on Father’s Day weekend; event dates and programming may vary. If you want the festival to determine your travel dates, check the specific dates and program before your trip. Senica Square in downtown Oglesby is also an event venue, with events held throughout the year. In terms of timing, this year-round schedule differs from the festival, which is tied to Father’s Day weekend.

The Dickinson House has a six-lane bowling alley. Bowling adds another specific recreational option in Oglesby alongside the park and river activities.

History and the Wider Travel Area

On the outskirts of Oglesby, several old Lehigh buildings can still be seen on Walnut Street. For those interested in industrial history, the name Lehigh is connected to a specific place in the city: the buildings still visible on Walnut Street.

In the wider travel area of LaSalle County, Deer Park Golf Club is a public 18-hole golf course. If golf is among your travel interests, you can include it in your plans for the wider area.

Discover more destinations: Mendota, Streator, Grand Ridge, Peru, Utica, LaSalle, Ottawa

Back to the wider travel overview: Lasalle.