A Traveler's Experience

Illinois River Road (IL)

As you travel from Ottawa to Utica on the north side of the Illinois River, and before reaching the Waterway Visitor's Center look for the large limestone building on the river side. This is the former Sulphur Springs Hotel, used by stage coach riders as an overnight stop. It was also known as the Half Way House as it was equal distance between Chicago and Peoria on that route. Its famous visitors included Abraham Lincoln.

Just west of the building is a large farm field, which in centuries past was the largest summer meeting place of the Kaskaskia indian tribe. Both areas were purchased by the State of Illinois to avoid planned residential development, and hopefully for future public recognition and use.