Access Site
IL
Starved Rock Marina
City: Ottawa, IL
County: LaSalle County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 41.32163600, -88.94642500
Air Temp: --
Location
Interactive access map
Loads when you reach this section.
Nearby Gauge Conditions
Real-time data from USGS Water Services
About This Access Site
Starved Rock Marina offers convenient public boat ramp access to the Illinois River near Ottawa, Illinois, located at 1130 N 27th Road between Ottawa and Utica. The facility is easily accessible from I-80 or I-39, making it convenient for paddlers and boaters traveling from across the Midwest. The marina provides ample parking and is situated directly across from scenic Starved Rock State Park, making it an attractive launching point for day trips and longer excursions.
The Illinois River at this location is a major waterway (Stream Order 9) with substantial current—averaging 4.3 feet per second and flowing approximately 27,210 cubic feet per second. Paddlers should be prepared for moderate-to-strong current conditions typical of a large river system. The river offers significant cruising potential, with access to both Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River via the Illinois Waterway system. Note that an alternative public ramp exists 2.3 miles downstream on the upstream side of the locks for those without experience navigating locks.
The Illinois River at this location is a major waterway (Stream Order 9) with substantial current—averaging 4.3 feet per second and flowing approximately 27,210 cubic feet per second. Paddlers should be prepared for moderate-to-strong current conditions typical of a large river system. The river offers significant cruising potential, with access to both Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River via the Illinois Waterway system. Note that an alternative public ramp exists 2.3 miles downstream on the upstream side of the locks for those without experience navigating locks.