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About

Heritage Harbor

At Heritage Harbor we believe life should be simple and beautiful by keeping things close to your heart…close to your home! Where days are spent with neighbors who have become friends and friends who have become neighbors. A place where family traditions can be carried on and new ones created.  A charming downtown where the storekeeper, butcher and baker know your name and take you back to the way things ‘used to be’.

Discover a Lifestyle

It’s a place where you can take time for yourself and make time for others.  You’ll have the opportunity to give back, to learn new hobbies and explore new adventures.  It’s a place where you will catch yourself thinking things like, ‘When did the sky get so many stars?’ ‘How can a sunset have that many colors?’ ‘Wow I really would miss the beauty that each season brings.’ A reflection of your soul bounces off the water’s edge every time you take a breath at the calmness, and yet a sense of adventure awakens your soul while exploring the state parks, boating on the Illinois River or biking the I&M Canal.   You will wonder why you didn’t discover these close-to-home treasures sooner.  It’s knowing that you will never miss any of your children, grandchildren or friends’ life events because you will be so close, rather than being hundreds of miles away.

Heritage Harbor
Starved Rock Country​

It’s having the perfect home that is easy to maintain so that your days or weekends aren’t spent working but rather spent living.   It’s life the way it was meant to be lived…. it’s that simple and beautiful –Your Life at Heritage Harbor!

Make Heritage Harbor

Your Happy Place

We are a riverfront destination in the heart of Starved Rock Country, an incredible outdoor recreation region rich in history, nature, and adventures. We are also situated along the Heritage Corridor with access to the 97-mile I&M Canal Trail. Heritage Harbor is as equally grounded in the history of the Illinois River as it is connected to the water sports and natural discoveries that define the river experience.

Whether you desire a stay in our Harbor Inn as a welcome guest, or an investment in your own piece of the Harbor Life, we will gladly help you discover your renewed lifestyle.

Our historic downtown Ottawa has the nostalgic small-town America charm that defines Midwest living, all located just 90 minutes from Chicago.

Heritage Harbor

A Hidden Gem

"Easy-to-access, beautiful and restful!"
- Tom Heimsoth, Founder
The vision and history of

Heritage Harbor

Tom Heimsoth is the driving force behind the development of Heritage Harbor. After a successful career as a software entrepreneur, he sought a new challenge. Tom often enjoyed visiting many of the premier resort destinations found in the Midwest. Having lived in the area his whole life, Tom recognized that Chicago area residents had a very limited selection of options for “getting away”. 
    
Southwest Michigan, Wisconsin, and Galena were all becoming increasingly more inaccessible and congested. At the crossing of two rivers and less than 90 minutes from downtown Chicago, Tom saw a historic Illinois town located in an area with the  unparalleled natural beauty of Starved Rock Country in a community where life was a lot like it used to be. 
   
He envisioned a place where families and friends could come together to make lasting memories. He saw the magnificent waterfront parcel that would soon become the finest resort community in the Midwest.

Read the full story
Land Plan
Vision and History
In the heart of

Starved Rock Country

Starved Rock Country is generally described as the four-county region adjacent to Starved Rock State Park including the counties of Bureau, Grundy, LaSalle and Putnam. Starved Rock State Park is the tourism driver of the region as it is one of the state’s leading tourist attractions. It attracts nearly 3 million visitors annually thanks to its inherent natural scenic beauty, blessed to be located within less than a two-hour travel for the 9.4 million Chicagoans.

However, it is largely a one-day destination, attracting visitors from the Chicagoland region and central, western and northern Illinois. STARVED ROCK COUNTRY is much more than just Starved Rock State Park. It is a region of unparalleled beauty, history, nature, quaint communities, friendly and authentic people and affordable real estate. There is “life beyond the Rock.”

Your Adventure

Starts here

Contact us
Land Plan

About E-Bike Rentals

Hit the trails and explore Starved Rock Country on two wheels, with a boost! Quest Watersports’ electric bike rentals are a fun, efficient, and eco-friendly way to discover the area’s rich scenery and history. Ride the historic I&M Canal towpath, cruise along the Illinois and Fox Rivers, or venture into downtown Ottawa to explore local shops and attractions, all at your own pace.

Each e-bike is equipped with five levels of pedal assist and a thumb throttle, allowing you to choose how much effort you want to put in. Add in your own pedaling for greater speed and longer battery life, or let the motor do the work for a more relaxed ride. It’s a great option for both recreational cyclists and curious explorers.

  • Comfortable & Easy to Use: Ideal for casual riders or those new to e-bikes.

  • Adventure-Ready: Perfect for covering more ground without overexerting.

  • Flexible Power Modes: Adjust your boost level with the digital display.

Rental Requirements:

  • Riders must be at least 16 years old (per local ordinance) and able to safely and confidently operate a bicycle.

  • Riders under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian (on their own bike).

  • A properly fitted helmet and closed-toe shoes are required at all times during the ride.

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About Watersport Rentals

Looking for a more hands-on way to explore the water? Quest Watersports’ self-propelled rentals offer a fun and active way to enjoy the beauty of the Illinois River and the calm waters of Heritage Harbor’s 32-acre protected marina. Whether you’re paddling solo, with a friend, or bringing the whole crew, we have options for all ages and experience levels.

All rentals include basic safety equipment and a brief orientation to get you comfortable before launching. Guests are welcome to explore beyond the harbor and enjoy over 12 scenic miles between the Marseilles and Starved Rock locks, unless otherwise noted for safety.

  • Single Kayak: Great for solo paddlers who want to cruise at their own pace. Lightweight and easy to maneuver, ideal for beginners or those looking for a peaceful outing.

  • Double Kayak: Perfect for pairs, whether you’re teaming up with a friend, partner, or older child. Stable, roomy, and fun to navigate together.

  • Four-Person Hobie Fiesta Kayak: The ultimate group adventure! Outfitted with four pedal drives, a steering system, and plenty of room for fun. Best for families or groups looking for a social, high-energy ride.

  • Stand-Up Paddleboards (SUP): Enjoy a full-body workout and a unique perspective from the water. SUPs are limited to in-harbor use only for safety, making them ideal for beginners or those seeking a calmer experience.

Rental Requirements:

  • Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

  • Riders must be able to safely and confidently operate the equipment.

  • For the Fiesta Kayak: Riders must be 11+ to venture beyond the harbor. Riders 10 and under must remain inside the harbor for the duration of the reservation.

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About Boat Rentals

Heritage Harbor’s boat rental fleet offers options for every kind of day on the water, from laid-back cruising to high-energy tubing. All rentals depart from our marina and are available seven days a week, weather permitting (May through October). Leashed pets are welcome aboard, but must have their own properly fitted life jacket. Looking to add some extra fun? A tube can be added to any rental for just $50.

Each rental includes a full tank of fuel, basic safety equipment, and a pre-launch orientation covering boat features and the boating area.

  • Leisure Cruising Pontoon: This classic, budget-friendly pontoon is perfect for slower-paced, relaxed outings with smaller groups. It seats up to 10 people comfortably and is equipped with 90 HP engines, ideal for cruising, sightseeing, or anchoring near a beach.

  • Or upgrade to the Premium Fleet: Designed for adventure, our tritoons offer greater speed, stability, and power with 115 HP engines. They’re a great choice for tubing or simply covering more ground on the water. With a capacity of up to 12 people, they’re ideal for families or larger groups looking for high-energy fun.

Rental Requirements:
Renters and all boat operators must be at least 18 years old and provide a valid driver’s license or state-issued ID. A working cell phone must be on board during the rental, and the primary operator is required to complete a free online Boating Safety Certification (a link is provided in your confirmation email).

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Boat Operations Lead

Job Description | 2026 Season

Job Type: Seasonal (35 hours/week)
Pay Range: $20+ hour (based on experience)
Location: Heritage Harbor Marina | Quest Watersports – Ottawa, IL

Company Overview

Heritage Harbor Ottawa is a master-planned marina resort community located along the Illinois River. The Harbor features a 32-acre marina, waterfront dining, pools, parks, events, and year-round recreation, all designed around connection, lifestyle, and attention to detail. In partnership with Quest Watersports, the marina delivers a high-quality boating experience through rentals, guest services, and on-water support.

Role Overview

The Boat Operations Lead plays a key role in supporting daily marina and boat operations during the peak boating season. This is a hands-on, outdoor position requiring strong boating experience, sound decision-making, and a high level of dependability. This role supports both customer experience and operational execution, ensuring boats, docks, and services are running smoothly and professionally at all times.

Key Responsibilities
  • Support daily dock and harbor operations
  • Assist with boat rentals including preparation, execution, and turnaround
  • Assist boaters with docking, launching, and navigation
  • Perform marina pump-out services safely and professionally
  • Support fuel dock and launch ramp operations
  • Maintain a visible and engaged presence on docks during shifts
  • Assist with general marina operations and team support as needed
  • Provide friendly, professional, and confident customer service
Additional Responsibilities 
  • Assist with on-water situations including basic towing or vessel support
  • Respond calmly and effectively to unexpected situations on the water
  • Support overall marina operations during peak activity
Requirements
  • Strong hands-on boating experience required
  • Confident operating and maneuvering boats in various conditions
  • Dependable with consistent attendance
  • Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions
  • Able to lift 40–50 lbs
  • Strong communication and customer service skills
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience assisting or towing boats
  • Marina, boat rental, or marine service background
  • Interest in pursuing a captain’s license
  • Familiarity with river or inland waterway navigation
Season & Schedule
  • Primarily April through October
  • Full-Time – 30–40 hours/week
  • 6–10 hour shifts based on schedule
  • Marina operates 7 days a week
  • Weekend and holiday availability required
Why Join Heritage Harbor?

This role is an opportunity to be part of a growing marina operation focused on delivering a high-quality boating experience. If you are confident on the water, take pride in your work, and enjoy working in a fast-paced outdoor environment, we encourage you to apply.

TO APPLY:

📧 Marina@HeritageHarborOttawa.com

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