Troy Grove IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Troy Grove, Illinois.
1. Wild Bill Hickok Memorial
HONORING A LEGENDARY FIGURE
The Wild Bill Hickok Memorial in Troy Grove marks the birthplace of the legendary frontiersman James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok. The monument features a granite marker and a carved-log bust, commemorating Hickok's service as a scout, spy, and upholder of frontier law and order. Surrounded by a small park, it offers visitors a glimpse into the storied history of one of America's Wild West icons.
2. Union Depot Railroad Museum
RAILROAD HERITAGE DISPLAY
The Union Depot Railroad Museum in Mendota showcases the rich railroad history of the region with an impressive collection of artifacts, photographs, and model trains. Housed in a beautifully restored 1888 depot, the museum brings to life the era when railroads played a central role in connecting communities across Illinois. Visitors can tour vintage train cars and learn about the workers who shaped the area's transportation legacy.
3. Baker Lake Park
SERENE OUTDOOR ESCAPE
Baker Lake Park in Peru offers a peaceful setting for outdoor enthusiasts with its scenic lake, walking trails, and picnic spots. The park is a popular destination for fishing, birdwatching, and family gatherings in a natural environment. Its well-maintained grounds provide a relaxing retreat close to the heart of the Illinois Valley.
4. Hegeler Carus Mansion
ARCHITECTURAL AND HISTORIC LANDMARK
The Hegeler Carus Mansion, a National Historic Landmark in La Salle, is an elaborate 19th-century mansion renowned for its architectural splendor and unique family history. Designed by noted architect W.W. Boyington, the mansion offers guided tours that delve into its opulent interiors and the philosophical legacy of the Hegeler and Carus families. The site stands as a testament to the area's cultural and intellectual heritage.
5. Matthiessen State Park
DRAMATIC SANDSTONE CANYONS
Matthiessen State Park near Oglesby lures adventurers with its series of picturesque canyons, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant wildflower displays. Visitors can hike or bike along numerous trails that traverse forested bluffs and scenic dells. The park is ideal for photography, picnicking, and appreciating the natural beauty of north-central Illinois.
6. Starved Rock State Park
ICONIC NATURAL WONDER
Starved Rock State Park is famous for its spectacular sandstone canyons, dramatic overlooks, and seasonal waterfalls along the Illinois River. With thirteen miles of trails and abundant wildlife, it is a premier destination for hiking, photography, and history buffs alike. The park also offers visitor amenities such as a historic lodge, dining, and interpretive programs.
7. Illinois Waterway Visitor Center
RIVERSIDE EXPLORATION SPOT
The Illinois Waterway Visitor Center provides fascinating exhibits on river navigation, local wildlife, and the engineering feats of the lock and dam system. Overlooking the Illinois River, visitors can watch boats pass through the Starved Rock Lock and Dam while learning about the waterway's environmental and economic significance. The center also offers walking trails and birdwatching opportunities in a scenic riverside setting.
8. LaSalle County Historical Society Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE SHOWPIECE
The LaSalle County Historical Society Museum in Utica captures the area's rich past with engaging exhibits on pioneer life, river commerce, and local industry. Housed in several historic buildings, the museum complex includes a canal warehouse, blacksmith shop, and one-room schoolhouse. Guided by passionate docents, visitors can experience hands-on history and regional storytelling.
9. Buffalo Rock State Park
BLUFFS AND BISON VIEWS
Buffalo Rock State Park is perched on a bluff above the Illinois River, offering scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and picnic areas. It features interpretive displays about local geology and a small bison herd grazing in a spacious enclosure. The park's tranquil setting makes it a favorite for families and outdoor explorers seeking panoramic river views.
10. Mendota Museum & Historical Society
COMMUNITY HISTORY EXPERIENCE
The Mendota Museum & Historical Society tells the story of Mendota's evolution from a prairie settlement to a bustling railroad center. The museum displays artifacts, vintage photographs, and reconstructed historical rooms that paint a vivid picture of local life through the decades. Special events and educational programs offer engaging experiences for history lovers.
11. Lock 16 Visitor Center & LaSalle Canal Boat
LIVING CANAL HISTORY
Lock 16 Visitor Center and LaSalle Canal Boat in La Salle invite guests to step back in time with narrated mule-pulled boat rides on a restored section of the historic I&M Canal. The visitor center features interactive exhibits and a themed café celebrating the canal's legacy. Knowledgeable interpreters share tales of 19th-century travel and commerce along this vital waterway.
12. Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock
FAMILY WATERPARK GETAWAY
Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock offers family-friendly accommodations and a sprawling indoor waterpark just minutes from the scenic canyons of Starved Rock State Park. Guests enjoy waterslides, pools, themed activities, and comfortable lodging all year long. The resort is a favored retreat for visitors exploring the greater LaSalle County region.
13. The Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial
MODERN MILITARY TRIBUTE
The Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial stands as a solemn tribute to American servicemembers who have lost their lives in Middle East conflicts since 1967. Located along the Illinois River in Marseilles, the memorial features granite panels engraved with names and poignant inscriptions. It serves as a place of reflection and remembrance for families and visitors alike.
14. I&M Canal State Trail
HISTORIC TOWPATH ADVENTURE
The I&M Canal State Trail traces the route of the historic Illinois & Michigan Canal, offering over 60 miles of scenic hiking, biking, and equestrian paths. Along the way, visitors encounter remnants of canal locks, restored towpaths, and informative interpretive signage. The trail connects several communities and provides an immersive way to experience Illinois' early transportation history.
15. Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp Baseball
SUMMER BASEBALL EXCITEMENT
Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp Baseball provides affordable family entertainment each summer with collegiate-level baseball games at Veterans Memorial Park in Peru. Fans enjoy themed nights, ballpark concessions, and lively community spirit as they cheer on the home team. The venue offers a classic minor league atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.