Utica

Travel Guide

Utica which includes a small town or village
Utica featuring street scenes and heritage elements as well as a couple
Utica featuring signage
Utica
Utica

Nestled beside the colorful canyons and historic trails of Illinois’ riverside state parks, this charming town is made up of wineries, markets and museums.

The Illinois and Michigan Canal runs through the middle of Utica, a quaint village flanked by dense woodland. Visit the wine tasting rooms and museums in its historic center, which is often used as a base for exploring the state parks straddling the nearby Illinois River.

The region’s rich history is on display at LaSalle County Historical Society & Museum. Enter the complex’s 19th-century structures that include the Canal Warehouse and the One-Room School House. Inspect the selection of 20th-century military artifacts in the Heritage Center. Try the range of reds and whites in the Illinois River Winery and the August Hill Winery Tasting Room.

Absorb local culture with a stroll through the weekly Canal Market on Sundays. The market also opens monthly in summer on Friday nights. Attend the annual Burgoo Festival in October. It features a street party, with musicians, vendors and entertainers.

Cross to the southern side of the Illinois and Michigan Canal for Mix’s Trading Post, where you can purchase a range of leather goods. Continuing south, you’ll reach the Illinois River and several picturesque parks.

Stay overnight in the elegant lodge in Starved Rock State Park and explore its bluffs and valleys. The adjacent Matthiessen State Park is known for the colorful sandstone walls of its canyons. Venture east for Buffalo Rock State Park and marvel at the enormous sculpted mounds representing animals indigenous to the area.

Note that the hamlet’s official name is North Utica, although locals simply call it Utica. The village is on the northern side of the Illinois River in LaSalle County in northern Illinois. Fly to O’Hare International Airport in the western outskirts of Chicago and drive southwest for 90 miles (145 kilometers). The journey should take about 90 minutes.

As well as an enchanting market town and historic center, Utica is a gateway to some of Illinois’ most picturesque state parks.

Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock

Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock

3 out of 5
2643 IL-178, Utica, IL
The price is P6,618 per night from Sep 8 to Sep 9
P6,618
P7,565 total
Sep 8 - Sep 9
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star golf hotel in Utica. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.2/10 Good! (894 reviews)
"Location"

Reviewed on Aug 7, 2025

Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock
Rustic Villa

Rustic Villa

3.5 out of 5
2643 IL Route 178, Utica, IL
Stay at this 3.5-star villa in Utica. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular ...
"Very clean"

Reviewed on Oct 2, 2023

Rustic Villa
Super 8 by Wyndham Peru Starved Rock State Park

Super 8 by Wyndham Peru Starved Rock State Park

2 out of 5
1851 May Rd, La Salle, IL
The price is P3,588 per night from Aug 20 to Aug 21
P3,588
P4,054 total
Aug 20 - Aug 21
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in La Salle. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
6.8/10 (809 reviews)
Cp
"Great stay"

Reviewed on Aug 6, 2025

Super 8 by Wyndham Peru Starved Rock State Park
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Rustic Villa

Rustic Villa

3.5 out of 5
2643 IL Route 178, Utica, IL
Stay at this 3.5-star villa in Utica. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular ...
"Very clean"

Reviewed on Oct 2, 2023

Rustic Villa
Postcard Cabins Starved Rock

Postcard Cabins Starved Rock

2 out of 5
1879 N 2703rd Rd, Ottawa, IL
Stay at this cabin in Ottawa. Enjoy free parking, patios, and climate control. Popular attractions Tangled Roots Brewing Company - The Lone Buffalo and Washington ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (50 reviews)
"It was small and quiet, like I had envisioned. However, the shower had leaked water onto the floor for quite some time and you could see the spots where mold was beginning to grow. As well as the bathroom had the mositure problem, there was a colony of carpenter ants that had moved in. Otherwise ..."

Reviewed on Aug 5, 2025

Postcard Cabins Starved Rock
Holiday Inn Club Vacations Fox River Resort at Sheridan by IHG

Holiday Inn Club Vacations Fox River Resort at Sheridan by IHG

3.5 out of 5
2558 N 3653 Road, Sheridan, IL
Stay at this 3.5-star golf aparthotel in Sheridan. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and a golf course. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (564 reviews)
Food options
"Open restaurant back up with excellent cook"

Reviewed on Aug 8, 2025

Holiday Inn Club Vacations Fox River Resort at Sheridan by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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