Notes from the host
Starved Rock & Ottawa Retreat Near Buffalo Rock State Park
This cozy luxury retreat features two bedrooms, each with a queen sized bed plus a queen sleeper sofa bed in the living room. The home has a large smart TV, fast Wi-Fi, games, books, and an indoor fireplace that makes for cozy nights spent unwinding and relaxing while enjoying time and making memories with family and friends. Designed for comfort with a touch of modern decor, this home will be a worthy getaway.
The windows have blackout curtains that can bring some tranquility and help give you a restful night’s sleep. There is a fire pit and BBQ grill in the deck overlooking the patio area to enjoy. The house has multiple seating areas with a sofa, lounge chairs, dining table seats and outdoor seating. With all the amenities you can ask for in a home, you will find the cupboards stocked with all of the tools you need to create a lovely meal. This home offers parking, smart thermostat, and a key less entry access. The layout of the home is designed to accommodate a group of six people.
At this prime location, you will have the best of both worlds. It is perfect for any outdoor and wildlife enthusiast. It is located two minutes to Buffalo Rock State Park, nine minutes to Starved Rock State Park and fourteen minutes to Matthiessen State Park. These state parks offer some of the best hiking trails and scenic views Illinois has to offer. This home is located 3 minutes away from the I&M Canal State Trail Access; you can follow this trail and experience 61.5 miles of amazing views. You can launch your own boat or raft onto the Vermilion River and Illinois River at multiple nearby locations. This home is conveniently located minutes away from activities such as zip lining, sky diving, fishing, kayaking, white water rafting, boating, golfing, swimming, kite flying, running and bike riding trails, and much more.
Downtown Ottawa is located five minutes away, where you can enjoy an ample selection of dining, events, and nightlife. This unique town offers many shops, restaurants, and breweries to its visitors. The area has festivals, fine and casual dining, live music, pubs, an open-air market, and much more. North Utica, nine minutes away, is another charming town along the Illinois River to enjoy. This retreat will be one you will never forget. The home is located near many family-friendly activities, and within walking distance to a park, pubs, and restaurants.
Other Things to note:
Check in: 3 PM CT and Check out: 11 AM CT:
Lodge Details:
Wi-Fi internet, smart TV, full size washer and dryer, bed linens, blankets, pillows and towels provided. Basic first aid emergency kit provided. The home has one bathroom, which features a tub-style shower. Feel free to utilize the blow dryer and single-use makeup wipes.
Kitchen:
Has everything you need to cook for your group. Fully equipped with a dishwasher, refrigerator, oven, microwave, cooking basics, cooking accessories, coffee makers, blender, knife set, toaster, kettle, dishware & flatware, plastic dishware for kids, serving platters, pots and pans, wine glasses, shot glasses, mixing bowls with pantry space to store all your food. We provide plates, bowls, silverware, utensils, etc.
Coffee Bar:
Single serve & 12 cup machine brewer and French press coffee maker.
Grilling:
Charcoal grill in the deck area, charcoal and lighter fluid not included, it is available for purchase at many locations near the house.
Patio Furniture:
There is patio furniture, an outdoor umbrella and a wood burning fire pit on the deck, firewood not included, it is available for purchase at many locations near the house.
Security:
We have two actively recording cameras overlooking the front and back of the house, which records video and audio. All devices are on the exterior of the property.
Starved Rock & Ottawa Retreat Recommendations Guidebook:
Outdoor adventure and sightseeing:
Starved Rock State Park
One of Illinois’ most beautiful destinations and the #1 most visited state park in Illinois.
Buffalo Rock State Park
Is a 298-acre park that offers bike trails, hiking trails, playgrounds and more.
Matthiessen State Park
Offers canyons, streams, and forest. Visitors can expect to see beautiful rock formations in addition to unusual and abundant vegetation and wildlife. It offers park and picnic facilities for a wonderful outing with family and friends.
Skydive Chicago
Experience that adrenaline rush with Skydive Chicago whether you are an experienced skydiver or looking to make your first jump.
Vermillion River Rafting
Offers three to four hours whitewater rafting and kayaking adventures on the Big Vermillion River.
I&M Canal State Trail Access - Buffalo Rock
Trail access to the Illinois and Michigan Canal (I&M Canal). This trail is part of the Grand Illinois Trail.
Starved Rock Marina
Marina with pontoon rentals, they also have a yacht club, and a ship store.
Senica’s Oak Ridge Golf Club
Golf in this 18 hole, 6900 yard, par 72 championship golf course. Book your tee time and golf cart for a fun day swinging.
Quest Watersports
Rent single, 2-person, 4-person pedal kayaks and stand up paddleboards to enjoy on the water. Also, rent e-bikes here to explore the I&M Canal, which is ideal for walking and biking, connecting multiple state parks, the Illinois and Fox Rivers, downtown Ottawa and numerous historic sites.
Heritage Harbor Marina
Marina where you can rent bike, e-bikes, golf carts, pontoon boats, shing boats, jetski, kayaks and stand up paddle boards.
Food and Drink scene:
Casa-Mia Lounge & Restaurant
This place has the best oysters, steak, and drinks. A seven minute walk from our home.
Mariachi's
Mexican restaurant with great food, and prices. A quick four minute walk from our home.
Anne's Hide-A-Way
Best authentic Italian dishes around. A quick five minute walk from our home.
Tangled Roots Brewing Company - The Lone Buffalo
Brewpub offers a great selection of craft beers.
BASH
Great burgers, sushi rolls & mac 'n' cheese.
Nonies Bakery & Cafe
Nice bakery/cafe, serves breakfast all day.
August Hill Winery Tasting Room
Winery offering an awesome wine tasting experience.
Indoor Entertainment:
Paramount Skating Arena
Offers skating, birthday skate parties, youth hockey, roller derby and more.
Roxy Cinemas
Comfy seats, good quality image, it's a great place to take family and friends.
Ottawa Historical and Scouting Heritage Museum
Museum showcasing boy and girl scouts, camp fire history & memorabilia and has a gift shop.
Grand Bear Falls Indoor Waterpark
Waterpark where you can get a day pass for a fun filled family day. The waterpark provides a wave pool & swimming area, lazy river & whirlpool, slide tower (body slide & tube slide), kiddie pool & family slide.
Hosted byArturo and Yesenia Moquete
