Wakeboarding comes to Starved Rock Country

While at Heritage Harbor Ottawa you are only minutes away from any number of different types of sports,events, and festivals,
The sport of wakeboarding is growing in popularity and Heritage Harbor Ottawa along with the Illinois River are perfect for living your next great adventure.



Wakeboarding is a surface water sport which involves riding a wakeboard over the surface of a body of water. It was developed from a combination of water skiing, snow boarding and surfing techniques. Wakeboarding is more than simply staying up and riding on the surface. Riders eventually learn to use edging techniques, learning to move outside of the wake or cut rapidly in toward the wake. Jumps are performed by hitting the wake and launching into the air.

Wakeboard Chicago has partnered with Skydive Chicago to provide a place for those who seek an adrenaline rush like no other. Located on the private sports resort at Skydive Chicago, Wakeboard Chicago has the perfect combination skilled instruction and a comfortable feel that you won’t find anywhere else. Professional instructors give each student individual attention and teach at the level of the student. On land instruction is especially helpful to those who have never tried this sport. Wakeboarding can take more than a few attempts to get the hang of and that is why safe, professional, skilled instruction is so important.

Wakeboard Chicago is a safe, fun introduction to the sport of wakeboarding for anyone age 10 and over. Lessons include training, equipment, and launches from a private dock.

Call for a one on one instruction or set up a group outing. Whether you are just learning the sport or just want to improve Wakeboard Chicago can provide the ride of your life.


Wakeboarding is a great Adventure Lifestyle sport for those who like the adrenaline rush. The feel of being pulled behind a boat, speeding down the river, with your legs strapped to a board is not for the faint of heart.
But once you try it, you’re hooked!


At Heritage Harbor Ottawa the Adventure Lifestyle awaits you in the heart of Starved Rock Country.

Walt Willey

What does it say about a community that becomes such an important part of who you are that when you make it “Big” you always find a reason to come back?

Ottawa native Walt Willey made a return appearance to Ottawa’s Riverfest Celebration July 23-25, staring in a production of Arsenic and Old Lace at the Ottawa High School Auditorium.



Community Theater is one of Walt’s passions and having one in his home town is a project that Walt has been working on for some time now.


Although Walt is best known for playing Jackson Montgomery on the soap opera All My Children, a role he originated in 1987. There are many different aspects to the Ottawa native. His stand up comedy routine is very different from the character he plays on the daytime drama, has been performed locally, and hopefully will be again sometime soon.

Additionally Walt is very involved with both local and national charity organizations and has created the WilleyWorld Endowment Fund which gifts children’s charities and services.

During the 2010 Riverfest performance of Arsenic and Old Lace the Ottawa Native has chosen to Call Heritage Harbor Ottawa his home away from home.

With the picturesque view of the water, the adventures available just outside the door, and the beautiful homes, who wouldn’t want to call Heritage Harbor Ottawa your own home port?

Coming home to Starved Rock Country is always something to look forward to.

The Adventure Lifestyle in the heart of Starved Rock County awaits you at Heritage Harbor Ottawa.

Honey Lets Eat!

Ever want to try a new restaurant in the area but unsure of what is available?

A new service called HoneyLetsEat.com is an online resource for local restaurant menus and deals.

All of the contact information, hours, payment options, reservation recommendations and special features for each restaurant are listed right along side of their menu!

HoneyLetsEat.com also offers monthly contests to win gift cards to area restaurants! What a great way to try a new place while you are vacationing at Heritage Harbor Ottawa or spending the day at the Marina.

Just sign up and begin to receive special offers to your inbox or find HoneyLetsEat.com on Facebook, either way you will be receiving exclusive deals!

So the next time you hear someone say “Honey lets eat out” be adventurous and try something different, a coupon is a great excuse to dine outside your comfort zone.The website offers a variety of options to choose from.

If you are unsure of what you are in the mood for check out the home page where you can choose from a variety of restaurant options, get menus, or get inspired. Click on a restaurant, view the menu and sometimes Honey’s Pick will give you a special or recommend a specific item or entrée.

This service is a great way to try a new place or just save on your favorites, visit the website, sign up now, and start receiving the best restaurant advice and savings in the heart of Starved Rock Country.

The Adventure Lifestyle in the heart of Starved Rock Country awaits you at Heritage Harbor Ottawa

What I Did On My Summer Vacation

Ever think of your life as if it were homework?

We all have checklists of things that need to or that should be accomplished before the end of the day, the week, the month, the summer.

Remember being asked about what you did on your summer vacation? It was a time to recall the adventures you had dared to explore, and the time you spent with family and friends. Retelling the story allowed you to relive the glory and the fun.
Ahhh… the good old days when adventure was expected and doing things because it was fun was what filled your days.

Who say’s that the adventure has to end! Your life is what you make it and if you want to put adventure back into it then Heritage Harbor Ottawa can help you find your bliss.

Our location in the heart of Starved Rock Country can give you access to a multitude of things to do that will ignite a spark within you and allow you and your family to make great memories.Just think of all the new stories you will have to share if you started living the life you always wanted!

Your Adventure Lifestyle awaits at Heritage Harbor Ottawa.

Lady Antebellum in Starved Rock Country

Cedar Point Sportsman Club will be host to one of country music’s top recording acts Lady Antebellum Aug 14th for the local “Concerts for a Cause” benefit.

Spend the day enjoying Heritage Harbor Marina, and the Illinois River!
After a great day on the water it’s just a quick drive to see one of country music’s hottest acts Lady Antebellum up close and personal at a local outdoor venue.

Proceeds from this concert will benefit local charities!

This is just one more reason why Starved Rock Country is such a great place to live and play.


Save the date and plan the adventure.
Tickets are still available!!!

Stay tuned to learn more about the Adventure Lifestyle available at Heritage Harbor Ottawa and the surrounding communities.