The Harbor Life is a unique experience. Our events, activities and amenities are thoughtfully coordinated to enhance community and camaraderie. Heritage Harbor aims to balance the mix of engagements in a holistic manner to engage the mind, body and soul. If you are searching for purposeful living, then it is time to join the Harbor Life.
2-acre dog park
3 Outdoor swimming pools
2 Pickleball courts
On-site restaurant
Access to 63-mile bike trail
4 State Parks < 15mi
Downtown Ottawa < 3mi
Year-round events
Seasonal Tiki Bar
Weekly parkrun
Ziplining & ATV park < 5mi
Skydive Chicago < 5mi
E-Bike Rental
Sand volleyball court
Knots Landing Beach
Live music events
Watercraft rental
Shoreline fishing spots
Electric golf cart community
Family cottage rentals
Kayaking
Winter eagle watching
We live in a community. It’s very friendly, open, relaxing and enjoyable. It’s not a lake home and it’s not a cottage. You really have to come experience what it’s all about.
One thing that I really love is that everything that we could possibly need is on the main floor. All the other bedrooms and downstairs are for family and friends to come visit.
Through summer, we’re here every weekend. Off season, we’re here at least once a month. We like to eat at the local restaurants and the kids love the ice cream shop in town.
The amenities, river, boat club, hiking trails, bike paths and the outdoor living… this was the perfect fit for us. The one thing I noticed immediately was the nature.
You could go to Lake Geneva, Michigan or Florida and have the same thing this has, but this is close to home. Why go out of your way when what you want is 45 minutes away?
I was very impressed with the quality of construction, the quality of the finishes, and how much you get for your money just an hour from Chicago.
I love the size – it’s the perfect weekend place. The homes look like whimsical cottages with screened-in porches just 50 feet from the river. What’s not to like?
I couldn’t believe the quality of the docks. I’ve been boating my whole life, and this marina can match and exceed almost any marina you’ll see on Lake Michigan.
It’s perfectly private out here, yet we have access to the downtown area. It’s got the best of both worlds and downtown Ottawa has become incredibly beautiful.
Experience the adrenaline rush of free falling up to 120 MPH with Skydive Chicago. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or it’s your first jump, Skydive Chicago is dedicated to providing you with the best experience possible. Their goal is to get your heart racing for every single jump.
Zip Chicago offers one of the highest, longest tours in Illinois and Wisconsin for adventure seekers from all over. Located in Marseilles, Illinois, they offer numerous tour options.
Buffalo Rock is located on the bluffs of the Illinois River. This small but charming park is home to an enormous outdoor sculpture. There are five “earth art” sculptures molded of Illinois clay that are fun to explore. These sculptures include a snake, turtle, catfish, frog and water strider, all native to the Illinois River area. Perfect for beginner hikers, this park offers many views and is also home to bison that you can enjoy.
Matthiessen State Park is centrally located between Utica and Oglesby, Illinois, in Starved Rock Country. Take in the sights of beautiful rock formations, indigenous vegetation and wildlife. The picnic areas make this a great location to bring the whole family for some outdoor fun. Hike the trails and take in the sights at Matthiessen.
Adorned with seasonal waterfalls, Starved Rock State Park is full of history and beauty. Take a hike along the trail and check out the scenic overlooks along the Illinois River. Offering many outdoor activities from canoeing, trolley rides, fishing and picnicking, Starved Rock is fun for all.
Illini State Park is home to rustic Civilian Conservation Corps buildings as well as riverside picnic areas. Situated between Marseilles and U.S Route 8, this 510–acre park has roaring rapids, beautiful views and a sense of history.
Dayton Bluffs Preserve is located off Route 71 in Ottawa, Illinois. It’s a one-of-a-kind place with beauty of the wilderness. Dayton Bluffs is a place to explore the thrill and mystery of true wilderness within Starved Rock Country.
August Hill Winery, located in historic downtown Utica, shows you the passion from the August Hill family through their handcrafted wines and relaxing tasting room. Just minutes from Starved Rock State Park, enjoy a glass of wine and some cheese on their three-season patio.
Tangled Roots Brewing Company set out to create America’s finest total craft beer experience. They focus not only on creating a multitude of craft beers, but also offer a unique ‘farm-to-foam’ craft beer experience. Visitors who share this passion can come and view how the beer is made from start to finish.
Red Dog Grill offers tasting experiences throughout the year. From craft beer to bourbon, there’s a tasting event for ideal everyone. Make sure to check out our events calendar to see when the next tasting event will take place.
Located in downtown Ottawa, Deja vu offers unique gifts, florals, and crafts.
Laurilea’s Unique Junk Boutique finds the beauty in every piece of furniture—breathing new life into pieces by revamping and re-purposing someone else’s castoffs.
Offering the best collections from fashion designers across the United States, Iconic Boutique offers a wide range of clothing, accessories,
handbags and shoes.
A Mess of Things is home to many great finds. From repurposed, shabby home décor to clothing
and accessories, they have something for everyone.
Red Dog Grill, located in Heritage Harbor, offers dining for the whole family. Enjoy our American and Seafood cuisine in our dining room or on the patio overlooking our vibrant marina.
Burger and Sushi House was established with the idea of bringing everyone to the table. With its unique menu, quality food, service
and ambience they provide the perfect downtown Ottawa dining experience.
The Lone Buffalo was created under the same roof as their brewery, Tangled Roots, with the intention of bringing good food and beer together. With the idea of “slow food” they work to bring you an experience to savor. Their food has been crafted with fresh products from local farmers and producers.
A’Lure strives to provide an unforgettable dining experience with its social atmosphereand unique fish tank bar.
Whether you wish to grab a drink or stay for dinner, A’Lure offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Coastal cuisine from around the world focused on fresh fish and seafood however offers plenty of non-seafood items, a full bar specializing in crafted cocktails, and an ample wine list!
The Red Dog Grill is our on-site restaurant and bar open to the public. Red Dog Grill offers a full menu including seafood, pizza, burgers, pastas, and seasonal specialty dishes. Indoor and outdoor seating options all provide stunning views of the vibrant marina.
Adjacent to the restaurant is an intimate outdoor Tiki Bar overlooking the harbor. Residents and visitors can enjoy their favorite cocktails while meeting new neighbors and taking in all the marina activity. Operated during the summer, the Tiki Bar provides drinks and a limited menu.
A fun beach experience overlooking the beautiful marina, harbor, cottages and villas at Heron’s Landing. North Beach is equipped with lounge chairs, umbrellas, games, fire pit, and the finest sand that Ottawa has to offer. North Beach is perfect for events including weddings and parties.
Coming soon! The Activity Wharf, a large dock structure spanning 52’ long by 40’ wide, will be located below North Beach. The Wharf will provide boat, kayak and paddle board rental services, the opportunity for retail kiosks, and all kinds of great community activities. During special events, the wharf will act as the grand entrance to the Event Center Pavilion and can be used as a pre-event gathering place and reception area.
The new and unique Event Center Pavilion will be the location of many resort special events, including music festivals, beer garden, and other community social gatherings. It is also a private event space available for reservation for weddings, parties, classes and seminars, and trade shows. To book this great event space, please contact Events Manager, Rich, at richc@heritageharborottawa.com.
Cedar Key Development, LLC joined the Builder’s Guild in 2018 and is currently building on 14 lots on the Port Place block. With over 15 years of experience in architecture and construction, Cedar Key creates superior homes with standards far above most builders. Focused on crafting a strong and energy efficient home, every detail is carefully handled from design through construction. By utilizing efficient design and building technology, Cedar Key is able to keep costs low and provide tremendous value. With design-build capabilities, Cedar Key has great flexibility to create the perfect home.
• CertainTeed 30 year Dimensional Architectural Shingles
• White LP Board & Batten Siding installed vertically
• Trex Composite Decking
• Black standing seam porch roof
• Black windows and sliding doors
• 6×6 wrapped cedar posts
• Thermatru front door painted black
• Exposed under porch & painted
• Decomposed Granite 12×20 Parking Pad
• High Efficiency Goodman Gas Furnace
• 13 SEER Goodman Air Conditioner
• Power Vent 40 Gallon Water Heater
• 9’ Walk Out Foundation
• Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms with Battery Backup
• Whirlpool Stainless Steel 36” Counter Depth Refrigerator #WRF540CWHZ
• Whirlpool Stainless Steel 24” Dishwasher #WDT730PAHZ
• Whirlpool Stainless Steel 30” Slide-In Café Style Gas Range #WEG515SOFS
• Whirlpool Stainless Steel 30” Over-The-Range Microwave #WMH31017HS
• GE full size side by side Washer/Dryer #GTW460ASJWW, #GTD42GASJWW
• Oversized trim detailing
• Solid-core 3 Panel Interior Doors
• Semi-Custom Cabinetry in Kitchen and Bathrooms
• Designer Moen Plumbing Fixtures
• Granite Counter tops for Kitchen and Bathrooms
• Stained Oak treads and White Painted Risers *On Two Story Plan*
• LVP Flooring throughout
• Acrylic Shower Surround and Glass Sliding Shower Door for Master Bathroom
• Tub/Shower Surround for Guest Bathrooms (no glass included)
• Finished Basement
• Screened Porches
• Fireplace Option
• Available Upgrades on Flooring, Cabinetry and Appliances
• Poured or Acrylic Master Shower Base with Custom Tile
• Concrete for parking pad
• Tankless Water Heater
• Option for first floor stackable washer/dryer rough in
• Optional wine cellar/bunk nook in basement
• Optional wet bar in basement
• Optional Millwork
• Optional kitchen wall cabinets
• Optional Deck Features
• Finished Basement
• Screened Porches
• Fireplace Option
• Available upgrades on Flooring, Cabinetry and Appliances
• Poured or Acrylic Master Shower Base with Custom Tile
• Concrete for parking pad
• Tankless Water Heater
• Option for second story stackable washer/dryer rough in
• Optional wine cellar/bunk nook in basement
• Optional Millwork
• Optional Deck Features
Red Dog Grill, located in Heritage Harbor, offers dining for the whole family. Enjoy our American and Seafood cuisine in our dining room or on the patio overlooking our vibrant marina.
Burger and Sushi House was established with the idea of bringing everyone to the table. With its unique menu, quality food, service and ambience they provide the perfect downtown Ottawa dining experience.
The Lone Buffalo was created under the same roof as their brewery, Tangled Roots, with the intention of bringing good food and beer together. With the idea of “slow food” they work to bring you an experience to savor. Their food has been crafted with fresh products from local farmers and producers.
Uptown Grill, located in downtown LaSalle, offers casual American cuisine for lunch and dinner. They have a full-service bar with 100 wines, 12 craft beers and an extensive list of spirits.
Gunsmoke Grill is located just outside of Cedar Point. Sitting on Cedar Creek Ranch – 60+ acres of horse trails and public trail rides – this family-owned and operated restaurant serves smoked pork, chicken and beef.
The Ottawa Visitors Center, located in downtown Ottawa, assists you in finding information on lodging, attractions, events and tourism amenities. Check out the Ottawa Visitor Center to discover all Starved Rock Country has to offer.
The Heritage Corridor encompasses the communities along the historic 97-mile Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor. Spanning from the Chicago area to LaSalle-Peru this region is located along I-55 from Chicago to Joliet and along I-80 west of LaSalle-Peru.
Starved Rock Country is home to many fun activities, small towns and friendly faces. With indoor and outdoor activities there’s something for everyone. There’s great food, fun and atmosphere throughout Starved Rock Country.
Buffalo Rock is located on the bluffs of the Illinois River. This small but charming park is home to an enormous outdoor sculpture. There are five “earth art” sculptures molded of Illinois clay that are fun to explore. These sculptures include a snake, turtle, catfish, frog and water strider, all native to the Illinois River area. Perfect for beginner hikers, this park offers many views and is also home to bison that you can enjoy.
Matthiessen State Park is centrally located between Utica and Oglesby, Illinois, in Starved Rock Country. Take in the sights of beautiful rock formations, indigenous vegetation and wildlife. The picnic areas make this a great location to bring the whole family for some outdoor fun. Hike the trails and take in the sights at Matthiessen.
Adorned with seasonal waterfalls, Starved Rock State Park is full of history and beauty. Take a hike along the trail and check out the scenic overlooks along the Illinois River. Offering many outdoor activities from canoeing, trolley rides, fishing and picnicking, Starved Rock is fun for all.
Illini State Park is home to rustic Civilian Conservation Corps buildings as well as riverside picnic areas. Situated between Marseilles and U.S Route 8, this 510–acre park has roaring rapids, beautiful views and a sense of history.
Dayton Bluffs Preserve is located off Route 71 in Ottawa, Illinois. It’s a one-of-a-kind place with beauty of the wilderness. Dayton Bluffs is a place to explore the thrill and mystery of true wilderness within Starved Rock Country.
Built in 1855, this 22 room Italianate mansion steps you back in time to the 19th century. An anchor to Ottawa’s Washington Square, the site of the first Lincoln-Douglas debate, this home has several restored rooms with the option for guided tours.
The Hegeler Carus Mansion, completed in 1876, is a National Landmark. The home was the site of many historic accomplishments within industry, philosophy, publishing and religion. Visitors have the chance to tour this beautiful mansion and learn about the history of this family that is tightly woven to the Illinois Valley and the United States.
This museum is dedicated to preserving the history of Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. Ottawa, Illinois, is the home and resting place of one of the founders of Boy Scouts of America, W.D. Boyce. The museum also features hiking trails that are suitable for both youth and adults. Featuring collections of memorabilia related to Ottawa’s historic past, it gives you a step back into not only Boy Scouts of America, but also Ottawa, Illinois.
Throughout the small town of Ottawa, murals are located on many walls. These 9 murals tell the story and history of this small, quaint town;
The Day of the Great Debate, The Life of General W.H.L. Wallace, Ottawa’s Earliest Residents, Peltier Glass Factory, Open for Business,
Streetscape Reflections, Ottawa as a Canal Town, Image and Learn with Bob McGrath and the History of Communication
William D. Boyce, Ottawa resident and founder of Boy Scouts of America, has a life-sized bronze statue watching over his family gravesite.
This monument was funded by Boy Scouts themselves, with many of them visiting his gravesite annually to pay their respects to the founder.
Washington Square was home to the first Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas debate. In the middle of the park stand bronze statues of
Lincoln and Douglas. Located within the area are monuments of those who lost their lives in the Civil and Spanish American
War, World War I, World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War. There are many benches and greenery throughout
making it a great place to relax and enjoy the history of the small town.
The Red Dog Grill is our on-site restaurant and bar open to the public. Red Dog Grill offers a full menu including seafood, pizza, burgers, pastas, and seasonal specialty dishes. Indoor and outdoor seating options all provide stunning views of the vibrant marina.
Adjacent to the restaurant is an intimate outdoor Tiki Bar overlooking the harbor. Residents and visitors can enjoy their favorite cocktails while meeting new neighbors and taking in all the marina activity. Operated during the summer, the Tiki Bar provides drinks and a limited menu.
Parkrun is the world’s largest organized running activity, in which more than 1 million people participate each month. It is uniquely inclusive – a free, weekly, volunteer-led event welcoming walkers, joggers, dogs on leashes, families with strollers and people with special needs.
Every Saturday in 15 countries around the world over 200,000 people or more gather in their local parks, typically at 9 am, rain or shine, for a 5-kilometer parkrun. Participants receive an email with their run results an hour or two afterwards.
I am proud to be a member of the Starved Rock Living Team and HomeSmart Realty Group. One of my specialties is vacation living at Heritage Harbor Ottawa a Marina resort community along the Illinois River. I am a people person and am passionate about helping you reach your dreams. I love our area and believe in promoting positive community and economic growth. I enjoy experiencing the amazing activities available in our community such as kayaking, music, and festivals. My family has always been self-employed in customer oriented businesses and I have spent much of my life in the same. This life experience has helped me to develop friendly customer service, understand the need for consistent communication, and the importance of attention to detail. All of these qualities aid me in exceeding expectations and ensuring a positive experience for all parties in a transaction. I am an honest and hardworking Realtor that you can trust to put you and your needs first. This is an important investment…this is your life. I promise to work tenaciously to make the selling or buying experience enjoyable from beginning to end. I am your Realtor
There’s no place else on earth quite like Starved Rock Country and owning property here is one of the great privileges of life. I love this area and once I show you around, I’m convinced you will love it too! Whether you are looking for that perfect vacation home or full-time low maintenance living you will find the charm and beauty of Starved Rock Country will fit all your needs. I believe that you deserve the best service and buying experience, so I am always available to take your calls at 815-252-3113.
I have had the opportunity to share my love of the area with many residents as the VP of Sales and Marketing at Heritage Harbor Ottawa, a marina resort community since 2006. As an Elite Homesmart Licensed Broker I can list and sell the beautiful properties Heritage Harbor and Starved Rock Country has to offer from condos and townhomes to villas and cottages. As a certified Resort and Second Home Specialist I recognize the desires and concerns people have in owning a second home and can help educate you on making the best possible decision.
From charming cottages to stately homes on the water, the architecture at Heritage Harbor is inspired by traditional neighborhood design and a love of the water.
The Heritage Harbor Builders Guild was established to ensure that the process of building a home in the community would be as seamless as possible.
Builders have been selected based on their overall knowledge of high-quality building materials and construction, familiarity with Heritage Harbor’s architectural styles and guidelines, excellence in customer service and high levels of customer satisfaction.
