Gay Ottawa

Starved Rock Hot Glass in Ottawa, Illinois is a glassblowing studio and gallery offering unique hand-blown glass art, jewelry, and custom cremation glass pieces.

Just minutes from Starved Rock State Park, visitors can browse a variety of beautiful items like Christmas ornaments, vases, and flowers, all crafted by shop owner and artist Laura Johnson.

Apart from ready-made glass-blown items, customers can also get custom-made, one-of-a-kind cremation glass pieces, like paperweights and necklace pendants that beautifully preserve the ashes of loved ones.

Kayak Starved Rock offers unique kayak and canoe rentals, guided tours, and lessons just an hour from Chicago. The leisurely-paced tours take place along the Illinois River, Mazon River, or I&M Canal and include all necessary equipment.

For those seeking more excitement, specialty tours are available. The nearby rustic campground provides waterfront camping for tents and camper vans, offering beautiful views of the Illinois River and access to nearby restaurants. 

Tangled Roots Brewing Company offers a farm-to-table brewery experience in Starved Rock Country, with craft beers that reflect the local area and its community.

Known for its dedication to authenticity and craft, Tangled Roots brews beer with natural elements, avoiding trends in favor of flavor and quality. Guests can enjoy a range of locally-inspired beers, along with chef-created dishes that celebrate fresh, regional ingredients.

In Ottawa, you can enjoy this unique dining experience at The Lone Buffalo, the home of Tangled Roots Brewing and the first restaurant the company established.

Star Union Spirits is a craft distillery in the historic Westclox building, producing small-batch spirits from locally sourced fruits and grains.

This distillery offers visitors a chance to sample handcrafted spirits and artisanal cocktails in their tasting room. Guests can also enjoy facility tours showcasing the distillation process and explore a museum dedicated to the building’s history.

The space is available for special events, making it a unique destination for spirit lovers.

Illinois Sparkling Co. offers a handcrafted wine experience in the heart of Illinois, with its tasting room located at the August Hill Winery.

Guests can enjoy wine tastings at the bar, relax in the cozy lounge, or sip bubbly on the outdoor patio. The venue also offers small bites to complement their wines, along with a selection of wine gifts and local art.

Whether you're enjoying live music or a quiet evening, it's the perfect spot for wine lovers.

Camp Aramoni is a boutique campground and event venue set on 96 acres of forested land, just 90 minutes south of Chicago near Starved Rock State Park.

Offering 11 luxurious safari-style tents, this glamping destination blends the beauty of nature with the comfort of high-end hotel amenities. Guests can also enjoy Bricks & Stones, a historical event space built in 1870, perfect for weddings and corporate events.

Camp Aramoni provides a secluded, elegant escape in the heart of the Midwest.

Starved Rock Lodge offers 90 private accommodations, from historic log cabins to modern hotel rooms, all within the natural beauty of Starved Rock State Park. Located just two hours from Chicago, the lodge provides access to scenic trails, canyons, and waterfalls.

Guests can enjoy dining at the Back Door Lounge, the Veranda with stunning river views, or the lodge’s café. The lodge also offers event spaces and is a popular spot for outdoor adventures, family vacations, and relaxing getaways.