April 23, 2024
Shaw Local
NewsSubscribePrep SportsFriday Night DriveObituarieseNewspaperStarved Rock CountryLocal EventsGames and Puzzles

Illinois Waterway Visitors Center at Starved Rock opens

Facility offers boating safety classes a few times per year

By Shaw Local News Network
Illinois Waterway Visitor Center at Starved Rock Lock and Dam

Illinois Waterway Visitor Center at Starved Rock Lock and Dam (Photo provided by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)

The Illinois Waterway Visitors Center at Starved Rock Lock and Dam on Dee Bennett Road near Utica has reopened to the public.

Operating hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.

The Illinois Waterway Visitors Center offers guests an observation deck, museum, interactive displays, theater, gift shop and one of the best views of looking on the Illinois Waterway. Park rangers are on-site to answer questions and assist those interested in acquiring America the Beautiful Interagency Passes.

Boating safety classes also are offered at the facility a few times a year. Visitors are asked to follow state, local and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for mask-wearing and social distancing when inside the building.

The Illinois Waterway Visitor Center is located at 950 N. 27th Road, Ottawa. For information, go to www.mvr.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Illinois-Waterway/ or call 815-667-4054.