If you’re wondering where to go in Oglesby, Illinois, you’ve come to the right place. The town is located in LaSalle County and is part of the Ottawa Micropolitan Statistical Area. There are plenty of things to do in the city. The downtown area is full of restaurants, shops, and historic attractions.
Vintage Antiques & More
Vintage Antiques & More in Oglelsby, IL is one of the premier antique shops in the area. The shop serves the surrounding communities of La Salle, Ottawa, and Peru and has been open since 2020. It carries a wide selection of antiques, vintage items, and home decor. Visitors can even browse their gift shop for unique garden gifts.
The shop features a wide variety of antiques and vintage items, home decor, garden gifts, and collectibles like baseball cards. The store also features handcrafted items and other local products. There’s something for everyone. The atmosphere at Vintage Antiques & More is cool and clean, making it a great place to browse and shop.
The area is dotted with attractions and landmarks. The Matthiessen State Park, established in 1943, covers 1,700 acres. It includes walking and biking trails. It also has a designated horseback trail. And the park is pet-friendly, so you and your pets can spend the day outdoors.
Rootbeer Stand
When you’re hungry for a rootbeer, the Rootbeer Stand in Oglesby is the place to go. This 1950s-style restaurant is located near Starved Rock State Park and Illinois Valley Community College. You’ll be able to enjoy booth-style dining inside or outside under the carport. The food is excellent, and the service is friendly and professional. The menu is varied, with burgers, hot dogs, fries, and chili available for a reasonable price.
Vintage Tap
If you’re looking for a unique place to get a drink and eat, the Vintage Tap in Oglesby is a great place to start. The Oglesby downtown area features many unique places to dine. The town is home to several drive-in restaurants, and there’s even one just for kids. If you have kids, you can stop in and order take-out for them from Cindy’s on 39.
The city of Oglesby is located in northern Illinois. It was established in 1865 as a mining center. Originally called Portland, it was renamed to Oglesby when it was incorporated with other mining communities in 1913. The city got its new name in honor of former Illinois Governor and US Senator Richard J. Oglesby, who was the first mayor of the town.
MJ’s Pub
If you’re in the mood for a tasty pub meal in Oglesby, Illinois, MJ’s Pub & Grill is a great choice. Located at 139 E Walnut St., the restaurant serves up tasty food with a friendly staff. It also features fair prices and a charming ambiance. Google users have given it 4.4 stars.
I&M Canal Boat Rides
You can take a boat ride on the historic Illinois & Michigan Canal with I&M Canal Boat Rides. This attraction offers mule-pulled boat rides, as well as guided tours. The Volunteer is a 70-passenger replica canal boat that cruises up and down the I&M Canal. It is ideal for families and historians alike. If you have a group, you can even rent a boat for a special event.
You can also visit Matthiessen State Park and Starved Rock State Park, which are both located in Oglesby. The Best Western Oglesby Inn is also near Starved Rock State Park and Buffalo Rock State Park. For those looking for more activities, horseback riding is possible at the nearby Cedar Creek Ranch. During your stay in Oglesby, you can also take part in the annual Burgoo Festival.
Buffalo Rock State Park
If you’re visiting the town of Oglesby, you should make time to check out Buffalo Rock State Park. This 298-acre park boasts scenic overlooks and trails. It also features a prominent outdoor sculpture collection created by the artist Michael Heizer. Inspired by Native American burial grounds, the sculptures depict creatures such as a snake, a turtle, a catfish, and a water strider.
If you’re planning a day trip to Oglesby, you should make sure to check out the town’s two state parks. The Starved Rock State Park offers trails that lead to waterfalls and cliff overlooks on the Illinois River. It also offers horseback riding and mountain biking trails, as well as camping facilities.
The park was donated to the state in 1928 by the Crane Company, which once operated a sanatorium on the land. In addition to the state park, visitors can also check out the Effigy Tumuli exhibit, which re-creates sculptured earth effigies that date back over three thousand years. In addition to a 140-foot-long snake, the sculptures include a 770-foot-long catfish, a water strider, and a turtle. For best results, it’s best to view the sculptures from a distance and avoid walking directly on top of them.
The Vermilion River meanders on the northern and eastern flanks of Oglesby, providing an ideal canoeing destination. It is the only stream in northern Illinois to feature whitewater stretches, with a Class II river rating. It also features one Class III rapid, Wildcat Rapids, downstream of Highway 52.
