Utica Travel Information
Utica (North Utica), population 997, is an outdoor recreation hub
for north central Illinois. The area has rich Native American,
explorer, trading post and pioneer history. Sitting along the Illinois
River, the city provides easy access to three excellent state parks;
Starved Rock State Park, Matthiessen State Park and Buffalo Rock State
Park, as well as and other outdoor venues. Rock formations are
the main attraction at 2,630-acre Starved Rock State Park. Here, 18
canyons through the forested sandstone bluffs create a scenic backdrop
for recreational activities. Guided hikes through the park, in spring
when the canyons end in waterfalls, and in fall when changing leaves
color the scene, are offered. The park offers camping, sledding, ice
skating, hiking and cross-country skiing trails, river overlooks,
fishing, canoeing and boating. A park lodge provides a hotel, pool and
restaurant. Matthiessen State Park’s 1,938 acres feature
colorful rock formations, waterfalls, prairies, forests and mineral
springs. Birds, wildflowers and other wildlife can be seen from the
hiking, horsebacking and cross-country skiing trails. Nearby Buffalo
Rock State Park sits on a bluff overlooking Illinois River. Once home
to Native Americans and a French outpost, the site features Effigy
Tumuli, five animal-shaped clay sculptures, American bison, trails and
picnicking areas. Around the Utica area there are also horseback
riding trails and camps, snowmobiling trails, and outfitters for
canoeing on the Fox River, and whitewater rafting along the Vermilion
River. North Utica is located 73 miles south of Rockford, 66
miles north of Bloomington and 91 miles southwest of Chicago. It is
accessible via Interstate Highways 39 and 80. Lodging options are
limited and include a handful of resorts and bed and breakfasts. More
lodging options are available in nearby Ottawa and La Salle.
| 
