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US Army Corps of Engineers

Rock Island District Website

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Location and Hours

The Illinois Waterway Visitor Center is located at Starved Rock Lock and Dam at 950 N 27th Road, Ottawa, IL 61350

The facility is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day)

For more information call: 815-667-4054

Master Plan Process

Farm Creek Reservoir is in the process of creating a Master Plan. Click the link below for more information.

Welcome to the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center

Welcome to the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center. You are invited to watch the operation of the lock and dam and to learn more about the Illinois Waterway's use as a part of our National water highway system. In the winter months you can enjoy viewing bald eagles from our wildlife viewing area. History detectives can discover displays about early users of the Illinois River, the Illinois and Michigan Canal and how water transportation transformed the United States.

If you are interested in tours or educational programs by park rangers please contact the Visitor Center to make reservations.

Latest News

Army Corps of Engineers waives day use fees at recreation areas in observance of Army Corps of Engineers’ Birthday and Juneteenth Celebration

6/5/2025

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) announced today that it will waive day use fees at its more than 2,600 USACE-operated recreation areas nationwide in observance of the USACE birthday, June 16,...

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Nationwide Recreation Operational Status Website Launched

5/22/2025

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has launched its Recreation Operational Status website to keep the public informed about the operational status of USACE recreation areas nationwide...