Location: LaSalle
Top Things to do in LaSalle
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What to do and see in LaSalle, Illinois (IL): The Best Things to do
LaSalle is a city in LaSalle County, Illinois, United States, located at the intersection of Interstates 39 and 80. It is part of the Ottawa-Peru, IL Micropolitan Statistical Area. Originally platted in 1837 over one square mile (2.6 square kilometers), the city's boundaries have grown to 12 sq mi (31 km). City boundaries extend from the Illinois River and Illinois and Michigan Canal to a mile north of Interstate 80 and from the city of Peru on the west to the village of North Utica on the east. Starved Rock State Park is located approximately 5 mi (8 km) to the east. The population was 9,609 at the 2010 census, and was estimated to be 9,328 by July 2014. LaSalle and its twin city, Peru, make up the core of the Illinois Valley. Due to their combined dominance of the zinc processing industry in the early 1900s, they were collectively nicknamed "Zinc City."
Restaurants in LaSalle
1. The Camden Bar and Lounge
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
We are a bar and lounge that features a rotating craft beer selection on tap as well as a nice line up of cans and bottles. Our favorite thing to do is come up with new and exciting cocktails to please the senses! Pull up a seat at the bar or relax on one of our comfy couches and try something new and delicious!
2. Cluetopia Escape Rooms and Team Building
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Cluetopia Escape Rooms are a local, central-Illinois escape room and team building company. Our Escape Rooms are open to the public and a great activity for anyone looking for an unique and fun time. We also offer team building activities that help teams improve communication, teamwork skills, and morale in a fun and engaging way. We also offer party packages for kids birthday's that includes escape rooms and a party room to have food and dessert.
3. Lock 16 Visitor Center & LaSalle Canal Boat
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 312 reviews
Take a journey back in time aboard the “Volunteer,” a 70-passenger, mule-pulled 1840’s replica canal boat, as it coasts gently up and down the I&M Canal. Bring your camera, grab a snack and something to drink at the Lock 16 Cafe & Visitor Center, and climb aboard for an hour of peaceful, historical fun! Every trip begins with “Mule Tending 101” as our period dressed guides introduce the passengers to their intrepid canal mules, Larry & Moe. The tour guide regales everyone with tales of the canal while the deck hands guide the boat a mile up the canal to the Little Vermillion aqueduct and back. Mary Todd Lincoln has been known to ride the boat, knitting in the corner and telling fantastic stories of her time in the Nation’s capital with Mr. Lincoln. Families of all ages, historians, photographers and nature lovers will love this historic journey into Illinois’ scenic past!
4. Hegeler Carus Mansion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 100 reviews
Reviewed By jnmwebb - Hobart, United States
My husband and I took the shorter tour a year ago and enjoyed it so much that I came back this year to take the full house tour. I have toured many houses but I find this one so fascinating because many of the rooms feel like the family stepped out of the house a hundred years ago and nothing has changed since. When I am in the house, I feel like I have stepped back in time. Our tour guide both times was Tricia. I am guessing the other tour guides are good too but Tricia brings excellence to her job. She was enthusiastic, interesting, knowledgeable, patient, and loves her job (it shows). She speaks clearly and with enough volume for all to hear. She has studied and trained and knows every square foot of this mansion (literally about 24,000 square feet). The house, it's history, and it's family stories are fascinating. With the longer tour, I was concerned about getting hungry or needing to use the restroom (it's 3/12-4 hours). That was not a problem because there were two bathroom and snack breaks provided. I was also concerned about there being too much standing but the tour kept moving and I did not grow weary on my feet (I am 60 years old). The only negatives was that it was harder to see well once the sun set and if you are dismayed by stacks and stacks of memorabilia (in the attic), you might feel overwhelmed. Even with these minor issues and the fact that I have already seen the house twice, I would go again. There aren't too many house tours that I would say that about. If you are on the fence about going, just do it. It's an unusual experience. One of the other tour members said he was not interested usually in history but he really liked this tour. And if you have already taken the shorter tour and are concerned about repetition on the full house tour, don't be. There is so much to be told and the tour is not scripted so each tour is unique. I learned so many new things even on the two floors that I had already toured. I bought the book this time from the gift shop about Mary Hegeler Carus and I found it very interesting especially after having seen the house. This is an A++ tour!!!
5. Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By 516bobt - LaSalle, United States
This is a jewel for anyone who likes fishing, nature and history. Think small starved Rock when you find your way to split rock and the historic caves. You might want to stop and talk with a local or two first so you get the most out of your trip. Lots of history and beauty.
6. LaSalle Speedway
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 11 reviews
7. Content Gift & Home Company
Content Gift & Home Company offers a mix from favorite local artisans, handmade around the world, vintage on occasion, and no-two-the-sames alongside thoughtfully selected brands such as Mud Pie, Rifle Paper Company and many more. Our eclectic collection includes home accents for seasonal and everyday, gourmet foods, coffees and teas, serve wear, candles, books, puzzles and greeting cards, to name a few. We're a little shop with a lot of heart, and our customers are our priority one!
8. Country Cottage, Inc.
Country Cottage, Inc., in LaSalle, IL, is the premier gift shop serving Ottawa, Spring Valley, Morris, Oglesby, Peru and surrounding areas since 1990. We carry home and lawn decor, religious gifts, collectibles, greeting cards, face masks, sporting goods, clothing and apparel, wine glasses and much more. For the perfect gift, visit Country Cottage, Inc. in LaSalle.
9. Petals By Peyton
Petals By Peyton, in La Salle, IL, is the premier florist serving La Salle, Peru, Utica, Ottawa, Spring Valley, Morris and surrounding areas since 2016. We are a full service floral shop specializing in exotic plants and arrangements. We make flower arrangements for a variety of occasions in your life, including weddings, proms, bridal and baby showers, funerals and more. We do have online ordering and make deliveries. Shop Petals By Peyton, in La Salle for all your floral arrangement needs!
10. LaSalle Public Library
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
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