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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

Illinois Waterway Visitor Center closed to public May 22-25

5/19/2023

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, is temporarily closing the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center May 22-25...

Three Illinois Waterway locks to close temporarily June 1

5/18/2023

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, is temporarily closing the Brandon Road, Dresden Island and Marseilles locks on the Illinois Waterway, June 1, to facilitate needed repairs and...