10 Things to do in Utica That You Shouldn't Miss

March 15, 2022 Nicolette Lion

Both Matthiessen State Park and Starved Rock State Park are located here, famous for its St. Peter sandstone rock formations. Alternatively, you could head to August Hill Winery or Illinois River Winery for a tasting.
Restaurants in Utica

1. Utica Electric Bike Rental Inc

Excellent
91%
Good
9%
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5.0 based on 44 reviews

Utica Electric Bike Rental Inc

We rent electric bicycles to enable you to enjoy the spectacular views of Starved Rock state park and a host of other amazing things to do in utica and the surrounding area not to exclude the Il. Michigan canal plus the many history sites , trails , museums , art , wineries great food etc

2. Clarks Run Creek Gifts & Wine tasting

143 Mill St, Utica, IL 61373-9314 +1 815-691-8047 [email protected] http://clarksruncreek.com
Excellent
82%
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18%
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5.0 based on 11 reviews

Clarks Run Creek Gifts & Wine tasting

Wine store featuring a great selection of wines from all around the world. We also feature many Illinois wines such as Spirit Knob, Blue Sky, Kickapoo Creek, and Pheasent Hollow. Come in for a 5 for $5 tasting, glass, or enjoy your favorite bottle in the upstairs lounge which overlooks downtown Utica, or enjoy a drink outside in our sidewalk seating. Many gift items to browse including home decor, apparel, jewelry, candles, art, and more. Family friendly! Upstairs is available to rent for special events.

Reviewed By K8ellen - Twin Lakes, United States

The wine tasting was fun, informative & excellent! There was a very good variety of wine choices and we came away with a few bottles to enjoy. The atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable inside and also offers a nice patio outside. It is attached to a great antique and gift shop that was fun to browse around in. This was a very enjoyable stop while we were visiting the Starved Rock area.

3. Starved Rock Entertainment

201 Donaldson St, Utica, IL 61373-9305 +1 815-349-6000 [email protected] http://starvedrockentertainment.com
Excellent
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Starved Rock Entertainment

We are located near Starved Rock. We have an indoor playland including sandboxes, play houses, giant size board games and more, for kids 3-12 years old. For the older kids and adults we have multiple options of the areas greatest escape rooms. You won't be disappointed!

4. St. Mary's Catholic Church

303 S Division St, Utica, IL 61373-9474 +1 815-667-4677 http://www.stmarysutica.org/
Excellent
100%
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

St. Mary's Catholic Church

5. Starved Rock State Park

2668 E 875th Rd, Utica, IL 61373 +1 815-667-4726 http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmgt/PARKS/I&M/EAST/STARVE/PARK.HTM
Excellent
64%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,562 reviews

Starved Rock State Park

Known for its magnificent rock formations of St. Peter sandstone, this scenic park offers many hiking and horseback riding trails plus fishing and boating along the banks of the Illinois River.

Reviewed By tigrr49 - Chicago, United States

Took about 3 - 3.5 hours to hike from visitor's center down to LaSalle Canyon while hitting Starved Rock, French Canyon, Wildcat Canyon, LaSalle Canyon, Eagle Cliff Overlook, and Lover's Leap Overlook in that order. French Canyon is pretty (sunlight glistened off the water onto the canyon walls) and most accessible but it also crowded for that reason. The waterfall at Wildcat was a small trickle compared to the others but it's also very high which is cool. LaSalle Canyon was definitely worth the hike especially since you can walk behind the waterfall for some cool photos. I would not recommend for young children (mine are 8 and 10) to do the whole distance we did. My kids certainly enjoyed the hike, several photo ops, and lunch / snacks along the way. Lastly, visitor center is nice and clean with pretty decent food options if that's your fancy. Extra Tips: Make it a 2 day trip and hit Matthiesen State Park - Dells Area nearby on your other day. Also, I read St. Louis Canyon and Ottawa Canyon can be nice but we didn't have enough time to hit them.

6. August Hill Winery & Illinois Sparkling Co. Tasting Room

106 Mill St, Utica, IL 61373-9450 +1 815-667-5211 [email protected] http://augusthillwinery.com
Excellent
71%
Good
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Satisfactory
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 191 reviews

August Hill Winery & Illinois Sparkling Co. Tasting Room

Come enjoy individual creations conceived in the heart and expressed through the hand in our tasting room. We offer wine tastings, wine flights, and wine by the glass and bottle. We also have some wonderful light food items available to pair with your wine. We have two brands available at our Tasting Room: AUGUSTHILLWINERY - red, white, rose, infusions, and dessert wines and ILLINOIS SPARKLLING CO. - traditional method sparkling wines.

Reviewed By Maureen1771 - Crete, United States

I have to August Hill on multiple occasions and each time I've never been disappointed. Friday night before the wine walk there was lovely live music. It was busy, but service did not falter. I will note that It was difficult to carry a conversation with the live music. Saturday of the wine walk it was incredibly busy (as I had suspected it would be) however the staff absolutely kept up. We found seating at the couches, but no table. During an incredibly busy time, they went out of their way to find a table and brought it over. Outside of the great service, the wine offerings were fantastic and tastey.

7. Cattails Gift Shop

US Route 6 & Highway 178, Utica, IL 61373 +1 815-667-4550 http://starvedrockmarketplace.com
Excellent
50%
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25%
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25%
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4.5 based on 8 reviews

Cattails Gift Shop

8. Matthiessen State Park

2500 Illinois Route 178, Oglesby, IL 61348, Utica, IL 61373-0509 +1 815-667-4868 [email protected] http://www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/Pages/Matthiessen.aspx
Excellent
73%
Good
21%
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5%
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4.5 based on 496 reviews

Matthiessen State Park

Reviewed By jediforce77 - Normal, United States

Great day trip for anyone in central or northern Illinois, It's beautiful hiking and picnic area the hiking is a little more rugged than Starved Rock or Buffalo Rock. And you must be able to handle stairs and mud. The water and mud is part of the charm of Matthiessen State Park. if you are going in a draught season you will not see the true beauty for the water flowing. There nothing like hearing the beautiful sound of the waterfalls in the distance. I recommend taking hiking boots and get ready to get a little dirty. It a great place to spend a few hours and have a nice picnic but please clean up after your self this place deserves to stay in the natural state. The Stairs will be a downfall for the disabled but there is no other way to get down and up without destroying the place. Enjoy this excellent park but take care of it.

9. LaSalle County Historical Society & Museum

101 East Canal Street North Utica, Utica, IL 61373 +1 815-667-4861 http://www.lasallecountymuseum.org/
Excellent
51%
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4.5 based on 37 reviews

LaSalle County Historical Society & Museum

Reviewed By dakotajude73 - Marseilles, United States

The museum has about 5 buildings of local history, There is archeological Indian digs items to view.Tours are given by knowledge and friendly people.If you're a history buff or enjoy looking at items from the past you will enjoy this museum.

10. Joy & Ed's

113 Mill St, Utica, IL 61373-9314 +1 815-667-4850
Excellent
65%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
5%
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4.5 based on 20 reviews

Joy & Ed's

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