Location: Utica
Top Things to do in Utica
The 7 Best Free Things to do in Utica, Illinois (IL)
Both Matthiessen State Park and Starved Rock State Park are located here, famous for its St. Peter sandstone rock formations. Alternatively, you could head to August Hill Winery or Illinois River Winery for a tasting.
Restaurants in Utica
1. Clarks Run Creek Gifts & Wine tasting
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 11 reviews
Wine store featuring a great selection of wines from all around the world. We also feature many Illinois wines such as Spirit Knob, Blue Sky, Kickapoo Creek, and Pheasent Hollow. Come in for a 5 for $5 tasting, glass, or enjoy your favorite bottle in the upstairs lounge which overlooks downtown Utica, or enjoy a drink outside in our sidewalk seating. Many gift items to browse including home decor, apparel, jewelry, candles, art, and more. Family friendly! Upstairs is available to rent for special events.
Reviewed By K8ellen - Twin Lakes, United States
The wine tasting was fun, informative & excellent! There was a very good variety of wine choices and we came away with a few bottles to enjoy. The atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable inside and also offers a nice patio outside. It is attached to a great antique and gift shop that was fun to browse around in. This was a very enjoyable stop while we were visiting the Starved Rock area.
2. Starved Rock State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,562 reviews
Known for its magnificent rock formations of St. Peter sandstone, this scenic park offers many hiking and horseback riding trails plus fishing and boating along the banks of the Illinois River.
Reviewed By tigrr49 - Chicago, United States
Took about 3 - 3.5 hours to hike from visitor's center down to LaSalle Canyon while hitting Starved Rock, French Canyon, Wildcat Canyon, LaSalle Canyon, Eagle Cliff Overlook, and Lover's Leap Overlook in that order. French Canyon is pretty (sunlight glistened off the water onto the canyon walls) and most accessible but it also crowded for that reason. The waterfall at Wildcat was a small trickle compared to the others but it's also very high which is cool. LaSalle Canyon was definitely worth the hike especially since you can walk behind the waterfall for some cool photos. I would not recommend for young children (mine are 8 and 10) to do the whole distance we did. My kids certainly enjoyed the hike, several photo ops, and lunch / snacks along the way. Lastly, visitor center is nice and clean with pretty decent food options if that's your fancy. Extra Tips: Make it a 2 day trip and hit Matthiesen State Park - Dells Area nearby on your other day. Also, I read St. Louis Canyon and Ottawa Canyon can be nice but we didn't have enough time to hit them.
3. August Hill Winery & Illinois Sparkling Co. Tasting Room
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 191 reviews
Come enjoy individual creations conceived in the heart and expressed through the hand in our tasting room. We offer wine tastings, wine flights, and wine by the glass and bottle. We also have some wonderful light food items available to pair with your wine. We have two brands available at our Tasting Room: AUGUSTHILLWINERY - red, white, rose, infusions, and dessert wines and ILLINOIS SPARKLLING CO. - traditional method sparkling wines.
Reviewed By Maureen1771 - Crete, United States
I have to August Hill on multiple occasions and each time I've never been disappointed. Friday night before the wine walk there was lovely live music. It was busy, but service did not falter. I will note that It was difficult to carry a conversation with the live music. Saturday of the wine walk it was incredibly busy (as I had suspected it would be) however the staff absolutely kept up. We found seating at the couches, but no table. During an incredibly busy time, they went out of their way to find a table and brought it over. Outside of the great service, the wine offerings were fantastic and tastey.
4. Matthiessen State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 496 reviews
Reviewed By jediforce77 - Normal, United States
Great day trip for anyone in central or northern Illinois, It's beautiful hiking and picnic area the hiking is a little more rugged than Starved Rock or Buffalo Rock. And you must be able to handle stairs and mud. The water and mud is part of the charm of Matthiessen State Park. if you are going in a draught season you will not see the true beauty for the water flowing. There nothing like hearing the beautiful sound of the waterfalls in the distance. I recommend taking hiking boots and get ready to get a little dirty. It a great place to spend a few hours and have a nice picnic but please clean up after your self this place deserves to stay in the natural state. The Stairs will be a downfall for the disabled but there is no other way to get down and up without destroying the place. Enjoy this excellent park but take care of it.
5. Joy & Ed's
6. Illinois River Winery
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 73 reviews
7. Mix's Trading Post
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 23 reviews
Welcome to Mix's Trading Post! Come in and check out our new addition which opened July 1st 2016! Come relax at Jamie's OutPost for a full service bar located inside Mix's Trading Post! Enjoy our beautiful deck after a long hike, or try your luck with our brand new private gaming parlor which offers free coffee, soda, water and snacks to our guest in the parlor! Come in and check us out! Shopping is always open along with bar!
