Starved Rock Marina

Starved Rock Marina offers convenient public boat ramp access to the Illinois River near Ottawa, Illinois, located at 1130 N 27th Road between Ottawa and Utica. The facility is easily accessible from I-80 or I-39, making it convenient for paddlers and boaters traveling from across the Midwest. The marina provides ample parking and is situated directly across from scenic Starved Rock State Park, making it an attractive launching point for day trips and longer excursions.

The Illinois River at this location is a major waterway (Stream Order 9) with substantial current—averaging 4.3 feet per second and flowing approximately 27,210 cubic feet per second. Paddlers should be prepared for moderate-to-strong current conditions typical of a large river system. The river offers significant cruising potential, with access to both Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River via the Illinois Waterway system. Note that an alternative public ramp exists 2.3 miles downstream on the upstream side of the locks for those without experience navigating locks.