Utica

Travel Guide

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

Nestled beside the colourful 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 centre, 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 artefacts in the Heritage Centre. 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 colourful 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 kilometres). The journey should take about 90 minutes.

As well as an enchanting market town and historic centre, 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 €114 per night from 8 Sept to 9 Sept
€114
8 Sept - 9 Sept
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! (895 reviews)
"Location"

Reviewed on 7 Aug 2025

Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock
Entire Cozy Villa 2 min Near Starved Rock!

Entire Cozy Villa 2 min Near Starved Rock!

North Utica
The price is €278 per night from 14 Aug to 15 Aug
€278
14 Aug - 15 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly cabin in Utica. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and balconies. Popular attractions Starved Rock State Park and Grand ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (41 reviews)
"All excellent"

Reviewed on 12 Aug 2025

Entire Cozy Villa 2 min Near Starved Rock!
Bella Villa familiar. WIFI. Close to Starved Rock Park Hiking trails. Relaxing!

Bella Villa familiar. WIFI. Close to Starved Rock Park Hiking trails. Relaxing!

North Utica
Stay at this vacation home in Utica. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and balconies. Popular attractions Starved Rock State Park and Grand Bear Falls Indoor ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (112 reviews)
"It was very clean and very cozy"

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

Bella Villa familiar. WIFI. Close to Starved Rock Park Hiking trails. Relaxing!
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.
Entire Cozy Villa 2 min Near Starved Rock!

Entire Cozy Villa 2 min Near Starved Rock!

North Utica
Book a stay at this family-friendly cabin in Utica. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and balconies. Popular attractions Starved Rock State Park and Grand ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (41 reviews)
"All excellent"

Reviewed on 12 Aug 2025

Entire Cozy Villa 2 min Near Starved Rock!
Bella Villa familiar. WIFI. Close to Starved Rock Park Hiking trails. Relaxing!

Bella Villa familiar. WIFI. Close to Starved Rock Park Hiking trails. Relaxing!

North Utica
Stay at this vacation home in Utica. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and balconies. Popular attractions Starved Rock State Park and Grand Bear Falls Indoor ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (112 reviews)
"It was very clean and very cozy"

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

Bella Villa familiar. WIFI. Close to Starved Rock Park Hiking trails. Relaxing!
Beautiful place  at Starved Rock - North Utica

Beautiful place at Starved Rock - North Utica

North Utica
Book a stay at this family-friendly cabin in Utica. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Starved Rock State Park and Grand ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (33 reviews)
Starved Rock Getaway
"The cabin was very nice and clean. I am not sure the description was correct about housing 13 people? There was only 2 queen air mattresses and one twin/ full which did have a leak and needs replaced. FYI for the owner of the property. Also for the number of occupants there was not enough bath towels. ..."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

Beautiful place at Starved Rock - North Utica
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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