:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/GPKV5TSXCZGMDAXJDQYXMD5FSU.jpg)
Looking for a unique gift that won’t risk being delayed in the mail during the holiday rush? Consider buying your loved ones an authentic experience in Starved Rock Country. From artisan brews to terrific tours, we’ve assembled a convenient collection of award-winning small businesses that offer unforgettable, local experiences.
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/FNZ3JNH4I5AN5NQLIT6W3GNW7E.jpg)
Book An Awesome Ottawa Tour
Prepare to have your perception of Ottawa altered forever. Starved Rock Country native Tom Aussem provides fascinating and informative tours, detailing the town’s storied past. Over the course of the trip, you’ll hear tales of crime, liberation and perseverance that all played a part in shaping this beautiful riverfront town.
A gift certificate from Awesome Ottawa can be redeemed for such fan-favorite programs as Radium Dial Girls of Ottawa, Illinois; Wine Through Time – Prohibition Pub Crawl; Ottawa Obscura Bike Tour; annual Haunted Tours; and Graveyard Stories: Heroes, Hobos, and Murderers, Unearthed. A popular 1.5-mile walking tour, “Ottawa’s Underground Railroad: Uncovered,” was featured in a Chicago Tribune story that chronicled a forgotten chapter of Illinois’ abolitionist movement. To reserve your space on this tour and others, visit awesomeottawatours.com or call 815-343-4940.
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/BL6M2RQ3ZNE7XAVWEODS4WYYTY.JPG)
Plan A Trip Aboard The Sainte Genevieve Riverboat
If you’re seeking a leisurely and nostalgic way to experience the Illinois River, the Sainte Genevieve Riverboat is your ticket to the past. A charming replica of a 19th-century paddlewheeler, the Sainte Genevieve offers visitors a chance to step back in time and imagine the days when passenger riverboats traversed these waters. Departing from a conveniently located dock near the confluence of the Fox and Illinois river, this delightful sternwheeler offers a variety of cruises, including narrated tours that delve into the area’s rich history.
As you leisurely glide along the Illinois River, you’ll be treated to stunning views of Starved Rock State Park, Buffalo Rock State Park, and beautiful St. Pierre limestone bluffs that have witnessed centuries of history. Whether you’re enjoying a romantic sunset cruise with delectable small plates or a family-friendly matinee sightseeing tour, the Sainte Genevieve Riverboat offers an unforgettable journey through time and nature. Gift certificates, redeemable for future tours, are available at SteGenRiverboat.com
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/OWFPYKI7YBAQBEVYZ7XI3FGB5Q.png)
Starved Rock Country Golf Card
StarvedRockCountry.DailyDealbuilder.com
Looking for a great deal on golfing in Starved Rock Country and the surrounding areas? Pick up the 2025 Starved Rock Country Discount Golf Card! This card entitles you to one round of golf with FREE CART for only a $25 green fee at 15 popular regional golf courses.
Players must schedule tee times for each course prior to playing, each cardholder must pay mandatory $25 green fee. Discount Golf Card to be used by signature player only and are good through Dec. 31, 2025. For more information, and to reserve your 2025 Golf Card, head to StarvedRockCountry.DailyDealbuilder.com
This year’s participating courses include: Mendota Golf Club (18), Earlville Country Club (9), Fairways Golf Course (18), Dwight Country Club (18), Anderson Fields Golf Course (9), The Eastwood Golf Course (18), Dayton Ridge Golf Club (9), Midland Golf Club )18), Senica’s Oak Ridge Golf Club (18)*Not valid until noon on weekends*, Spring Creek Golf Course (18), Hidden Lake Golf Course (18+), Edgewood Park Golf Club (18), Shady Oaks Country Club (18), Indian Oaks Country Club (18) and Wyaton Hills Golf Course (9+).
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/CLDK4OM5LBE7FJPNC5DTDBJ25U.jpg)
Tangled Roots Brew Club Membership
TangledRootsBrewingCo.com/tr-community/
The Tangled Roots Brew Club is an all-inclusive membership where you will not only receive their Brew Masters’ newly released craft beers each month, but also enjoy great benefits including invitations to members-only events, exclusive beer launches, members-only discounts and much more! For $25 a month, you’ll receive two 4-packs and one flight or pint every month. Once a year you’ll get a $20 Membership Anniversary reward two $20 rewards during your birthday month. Additionally, you can expect everyday perks like 10% off retail beer and merch, 10% off carry-out discount, 1 reward point earned for every $1 spent at any Tangled Roots location and a complementary gift upon sign-up.
Spread across several locations in Northern Illinois, Tangled Roots is quickly becoming one of the Midwest’s favorite brewers of innovative craft beers. Their flagship location, located in beautiful downtown Ottawa, is housed inside an immaculately restored former turn of the century department store. While the relaxed but modern atmosphere is enough to draw a crowd, it’s Tangled Roots’ limited-run experimental beers that keep fans coming back.
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/VIWEGW72HRHKLDBZWZ4YPLKJGQ.jpeg)
Support The Starved Rock Foundation By Buying A Calendar
StarvedRockHikers.com/product-page/2025-calendar
Starved Rock and Matthiessen photo calendars are available to buy in stores and online, with 100% of the proceeds being donated to the Starved Rock Foundation. The volunteer-run foundation supports the state park through educational programs, guided hikes, exhibit updates and other items. The 2025 calendar, created by Matthew Klein Films, is a great gift for anyone that loves the outdoors or has visited Starved Rock or Matthiessen. Online ordering is available at starvedrockhikers.com/product-page/2025-calendar. Calendars can also be purchased at several local locations, detailed on their website.
Founded in 1991, The Starved Rock Historical and Educational Foundation is the non-profit organization for Starved Rock State Park. In collaboration with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, they’re rooted in conservation, education, and recreation. The foundation’s volunteers staff programs including interpretive hikes, visitor center docents, trail cleanup, and seasonal events.
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/UAXFC6M3ZNDATFQM4M2JGJZFYE.jpg)
Give The Gift of Relaxation At Balanced Wellness Center
419 E. Main St., Streator – BalancedSpiritWellnessCenterIL.com
Nestled in historic downtown Streator and less than a half-hour southeast of Starved Rock State Park, Balanced Spirit Wellness Center is an all-in-one relaxing retreat that aims to align your physical, emotional and mental well-being. Since 2017, Balanced Spirit has been offering rejuvenating massages, transformative Reiki sessions and deeply relaxing Himalayan salt room experiences to visitors and locals alike.
Balanced Spirit also is home to a tranquil yoga studio on-site. These classes can cater to anyone from the experienced yogi to first-time student, perfect for anyone passing through the area or vacationing in Starved Rock Country.
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/I6YG23JFEJH6ZHCY2PQTNHWV2Q.jpeg)
Quest Express Boat Club
QuestWaterSports.com/questexpress
Imagine your choice of premium boats, whenever you like. Better yet, no boat loan, no maintenance expense or hassle. Just choose a boat online, pick a time to go boating and that boat will be ready and waiting for you at the marina. Bring your friends and family, enjoy a spectacular day on the water, and then drop the boat off when you’re done.
If this sounds like a service for someone in your life, consider gifting them a membership to Quest Express, a boating club based at Heritage Harbor Ottawa. Affordable membership plans are offered, and coaching is available if needed. Quest Express Boat Club is among the easiest and most affordable ways to start boating the Illinois River.
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/TVPYL665H5HLPDRTELSJBVEXEQ.jpeg)
Gift Live Theater From Festival 56
Small town meets big drama at Princeton’s Festival 56, a renowned celebration of the performing arts that brings together rising acting talent from across the country. Looking to buy the perfect Christmas gift for your favorite theater goer? Treat them to a world of drama, laughter and unforgettable performances at Princeton’s Festival 56.
The fest’s Santa Special 2025 Festival Pass is $150, a savings of $25 if you buy it before the end of the year. This pass includes one ticket for each of the main stage shows, including New Works, all cabarets and same-day entry to any main stage production where seating remains available – a total of 8 tickets per subscription, limited to available dates and times. There’s also a special Flex Four for 2025, running $110 – this pass is perfect for sharing. It features four tickets for their Main Stage productions to use one at a time, all at once or in any combination. Prices raise after 12/31, so act fast. Purchase at Festival56.com or stop by the box office from 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 14 or 21.