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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

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Seeks Public Input for Mississippi & Illinois River Habitat Restoration

9/22/2025

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in collaboration with state and federal partners, announces the launch of the Mississippi & Illinois River Experience Tool, a new initiative to gather public input to...

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Encourages Safe Boating Practices on Illinois Waterway

8/25/2025

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, issues a reminder to all recreational boaters regarding the restricted use of mooring cells along the Illinois Waterway. These large, circular...