A Boater's Dream

At Heritage Harbor the full-service marina offers over 460 slips, a full service fuel dock with gas and diesel, pump-out services, and concierge services.

Just call the staff and let them know when you expect to arrive, and your boat will be stocked and ready to go.

Heritage Harbor Marina boaters enjoy a great partnership with Quest Watersports, a full-service boat dealership with an on-call mechanical staff; and at Quest the philosophy is simple: “boating should be fun and hassle-free.”

Living life aboard your own boat is a dream comes true for many people; however, if you didn’t grow up on the water, the boating language can be a bit confusing. The knowledgeable, professional staff at Quest Watersports is available to make you feel at ease, even when the only thing you know about a boat is that you really want one.

Quest offers a premium lineup of upscale vessels, along with a complete set of boating services, and wants to be your boating partner.

Besides offering both new and used boats, services and accessories, Quest Watersports now offers the boating lifestyle without the commitment of owning a boat. Quest Express is a new member’s only boat club that allows you to try the boating lifestyle without the commitment or expense of boat ownership. An annual membership gives you a fleet of boats to choose from. So whether you are looking to take out a large group on a pontoon boat, or just looking to do some tubing with a few friends, Quest Express has the perfect boat for you.

Membership has its advantages… boat orientation, safety training, unlimited use of a fleet of boats, whenever and as often as you like. At Heritage Harbor Marina complimentary concierge services are available… when you arrive your boat is clean, fueled, and ready for you. Just turn the key and enjoy a day on the water and when you are ready to return simply dock and walk away.

So whether you own your own boat or are a member of Quest Express, Heritage Harbor Ottawa and Quest Watersports can provide the Adventure Lifestyle you have always dreamed of.

The Quest Watersports showroom is conveniently located just down the road from Heritage Harbor Ottawa, the most exciting marina resort community in the Midwest.

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

Life on the Illinois River

The Illinois River is not only a working river, but a wonderful place to play, offering more than you might think.




The waterway is heavily used by barges' transporting bulk goods, but it is also a wonderful recreation area. The beautiful shoreline, sand beaches, rock cliffs (including Starved Rock and Buffalo Rock State Parks), hideaways and multiple food & beverage destinations.

This historic river defines our community and at Heritage Harbor Ottawa we take pride in the opportunities the Illinois River has to offer. It has served as the main artery for life in this part of Illinois. As one of the hottest fishing destinations in the Midwest the Illinois River has numerous species abound, especially bass, walleye, sauger & catfish.
Several species of migrating waterfowl and other wildlife make their home in the wetland and forest habitats along its banks.


The waters of the Illinois River are a great place to watch the changing seasons and enjoy the brilliant autumn colors, and it forms part of a modern waterway that connects the Great Lakes at Chicago to the Mississippi River


Heritage Harbor Marina is the perfect place to access the Illinois River and start your next great adventure. Whether it is a day trip along our local waters or cruising the Great Loop , life on the water can offer an adventure like no other.

The Adventure Lifestyle awaits you in the heart of Starved Rock Country 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

River Games 2010

River Games 2010 is confirmed for JULY 16-18, 2010.

After a hugely successful inaugural event in 2009, River Games Returns to Heritage Harbor Ottawa! Co-sponsored by www.all-actionsports.com, Quest Watersports and Chicago MasterCraft, participants are expected to number in the hundreds again – out for free pulls behind MasterCraft boats, camping, food, fun, and an end-of-day “Air and Water” show.

The die-hards arrive Friday evening and either camp on site at Heritage Harbor, stay in the marina on their boats, or live it up aboard a luxury cruiser via Heritage Harbor’s “Boat and Breakfast” program. Ski, wake and surf coaching and pulls are the main activity through the afternoon on Saturday – along with great food & beverages provided by Crawdad’s Bar & Grill.
The day’s activities are launched from a floating platform anchored off Heritage Harbor’s east peninsula, which supports a constant flow of participants cycling onto several MasterCraft boats underway throughout the day. The backdrop is a gorgeous, unspoiled stretch of the Illinois Waterway bounded by trees and stone cliffs.

Riders young and old as groups and families enjoy this fantastic event – whether a first timer, new to the sports or seasoned vets looking to push the envelope just a bit more. A live radio remote, local news film crew and a few photographers are expected to be on hand to document the event again this year for general press and sport specific outlets.

Saturday afternoon's emceed show will start with a skydive exhibition courtesy of www.skydivechicago.com and closes with some serious double-ups, and included shoreline passes by the regions best athletes showing everything in between, from barefoot tricks to wake surfing. After, a DJ’d gathering campfire side and at Crawdad’s for the overnighters who stick around for more great weather on Sunday.

Come camp Friday through Sunday or make it out for the big Day Saturday July 17 starting at 10am, 1988 N. 2753rd Road, Ottawa, IL 61350

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

Time to Celebrate !

Kick off the holiday weekend at Heritage Harbor Ottawa. The marina will be alive with activities starting with good food, drinks, and friends at Crawdad’s Bar & Grill on Friday Night.

Boaters can take advantage of our beautiful Marina which prides itself on our first class customer service including personal concierge services and docks unlike any in the area.

Take the boat out on the beautiful Illinois River Saturday and enjoy Heritage Harbor’s private island, or dock downtown Ottawa and take a stroll through the Farmer’s Market early Saturday morning from 8am - 12:30pm

Saturday is defiantly a day for the family at Heritage Harbor Ottawa. Starting at 2 pm there will be games that encourage family interaction reminiscent of days gone by. Challenge the kids to a water balloon toss and get revenge for all the times they “pretend” they can’t hear you. There will be potato sack races, an egg toss, and sand volleyball.The fun goes all day long; Bag Shot Row will be playing great music from 7:30-11:30 pm.

The Heritage Harbor Pool is now open and memberships are still available for the whole family, so bring the suits and take a swim. Enjoy the benefits of a private pool that include less crowding, poolside food and beverage service from crawdad’s, private shower/changing areas, and a view that takes your breath away.

On Sunday you can spend the day on the water, the Illinois River which has access to both Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River so you are not limited to short range cruising is a great place to spend your holiday weekend with family and friends.
Enjoy the Fireworks display right from the boat on the Illinois River in downtown Ottawa. The show starts at dusk (around 9 pm) and a treat for kids of all ages, even the big ones.

No need to travel to Lake Geneva, New Buffalo, or Galena for a great adventure this weekend, come home to Heritage Harbor Ottawa where the Adventure Lifestyle is our specialty!