Explore Heritage Harbor’s New Quarterdeck And Rental Boats

Nestled between the Illinois River and the historic I&M Canal, just a short drive away from downtown Ottawa and Interstate 80, you’ll find picturesque Heritage Harbor. The sprawling marina-front resort is a beautiful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, offering second-to-none amenities and a state-of-the-art, 152-slip marina.

With a growing selection of waterfront housing and vacation rental units, delicious on-site dining at the newly renovated Red Dog Grill, and live events, such as open-air concerts and the recent Kites in Flight festival, there is no shortage of family-friendly activities to be enjoyed on land at Heritage Harbor. Now, with the addition of a new floating ship store dubbed The Quarterdeck, it’s easier than ever before to add some unforgettable river adventures to your trip itinerary.

The floating Quarterdeck, a first of its kind structure in Starved Rock Country, serves as a welcoming all-in-one store, stocked with the necessities you need for a day of boating along the Illinois River. Inside, you’ll find Heritage Harbor souvenirs, packaged alcohol, beer, water, snacks and an ample selection of boating supplies, ranging from life preservers to river tube patch kits.

Don’t have access to a boat or Jet Ski of your own? The Quarterdeck is now home to Heritage Harbor’s new rental office, featuring a full fleet of river-ready vessels. Partnering with Ottawa’s own Quest Watersports, Heritage Harbor offers a selection of large and small vessels for discerning recreational boaters, including pontoons, personal watercraft and premium Hobie brand kayaks.

Looking for a quick and easy way to enjoy some time on the water? Consider renting a Go-Float electric boat, which will allow you and a passenger to explore the 32 acres of water at Heritage Harbor.

Enjoy cruising along the smooth waters of the Illinois River on one of Heritage Harbor’s Yamaha or Kawasaki personal watercraft. A rental, available in windows of one, two or four hours, will give you instant access to one of the most beautiful stretches of the Illinois River, located right outside the harbor. The long and wide straightaway, dotted with gorgeous sandstone cliffs, is a great place to get accustomed to operating a personal watercraft.

Looking for a comfortable excursion at a relaxed pace? Consider reserving one of Heritage Harbor’s luxury pontoons. These vessels are available to rent seven days a week, and depart from Heritage Harbor’s marina. The spacious leisure boats comfortably can fit up to 10 people, giving you plenty of space to suntan, fish or just soak in views of the river valley. Heritage Harbor’s fleet of 25-foot Landau pontoons (featuring a 70 hp motor) can be reserved for two-, four- or eight-hour blocks at a time.

Try out a rental Hobie brand pedal-powered kayak or standup pedal board at Heritage Harbor, then browse the extensive showroom at nearby Quest Watersports. The patented MirageDrive pedal craft conveniently will launch from the Heritage Harbor Marina, like the rest of the rental fleet. For as little as $25 for two hours, you can relish the river vistas of Starved Rock Country at a relaxed paddling pace. If you’re a couple looking for a budget-friendly way to hit the water, consider renting the Compass Duo kayak model from Quest for four-plus hours.

For more information, visit visitheritageharbor.com/watersports or srcrentals.com.

Heritage Harbor Marina

421 Great Loop East Drive

Ottawa, IL 61350

815-433-5000