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Hassle Free Boating

Enjoy boating and watercraft adventures, without the hassle of owning a boat.”

Enjoy boating and watercraft adventures, without the hassle of owning a boat.

The vibrant marina at Heritage Harbor is literally at the heart of the Harbor Life. The central feature of our beloved resort is the site of endless summer fun. Our marina is positioned on the Illinois Waterway, just 90 minutes from Chicago, and is waiting to offer you the boating experience you’ve been dreaming of.  The marina amenities, including restrooms and shower facilities, ATM, TV, WiFi, dry storage, pump out, security, and many more, are something to be rivaled.

Heritage Harbor is making a splash and big things are happening! Our 140-slip harbor is expanding the current capacity to accommodate more families. The 2018 addition of the floating Event Pavilion has expanded the entertainment capability of the resort, as we now offer facility rental for private events right on the water.

For those interested in water craft rentals, our marina offers jet ski, electric boat and pontoon boat rentals. Quest Watersports offers Hobie pedal board, SUP, and kayak rentals for your enjoyment. Our staff will ensure that all the necessary equipment is transported to the marina and will retrieve it when you’re done – no stress!

Book your watercraft of choice by visiting https://www.visitheritageharbor.com/watersports/.


If you are interested in regular boating, but would rather skip the hassles that accompany ownership, then Quest Watersport’s Quest Express membership is for you! Quest Express provides access to a range of premium boats at your leisure.  This means you can have countless boating adventures and endless fun without the burden of maintenance, storage, and other ownership hassles. you like. Just choose a boat online, pick a time to go boating, and that boat will be ready & waiting for you at the marina.  All fun, no fuss…then do it again next time, all summer long!

Try some tubing or wakeboarding behind a nimble sport boat, or perhaps a relaxing cruise on a luxury pontoon. Bring your friends & family, enjoy a spectacular day on the water, and then moor your boat when you’re done.  It’s like having your own fleet of boats and a personal butler to take care of the details!  Affordable membership plans are offered, and coaching is available if needed.

Find out more about Quest Express Boat Membership by visiting www.questwatersports.com/questexpress.htm


Book a cottage stay or take a discovery tour of real estate opportunities available at the Harbor. Spend the day on the water and then return to your Harbor Home to continue your Harbor Life experience. See you on the water! Book your stay at The Harbor Inn, online at https://www.visitheritageharborinn.com/

Learn more about Heritage Harbor at www.visitheritageharbor.com/ or call 815.433.5000


Have you ever been to the Heritage Harbor Marina? Tell us about your experience. Comment Below

Heritage Harbor Ottawa parkrun


“Searching for a fun and active way to spend a Saturday morning? Come try out parkrun at Heritage Harbor! .”


Searching for a fun and active way to spend a Saturday morning? Come try out parkrun at Heritage Harbor!

What is parkrun? It’s a free, weekly 5km timed run open to everyone. parkrun events are hosted all over the world, and visitors travel far and wide to participate in events in different locations.

Heritage Harbor is the first and currently the only parkrun event location in Illinois. Heritage Harbor parkrun is conveniently situated only 90 minutes from Chicago. We have welcomed parkrunners from several countries abroad including England, South Africa, New Zealand, Russia, Australia, and Ireland.


Every Saturday morning at 9:00am, participants and volunteers gather at Heritage Harbor, 2 Great Loop West, Ottawa, IL to enjoy this free event. See our course page for more details. There is no cost to participate, but please complete a one-time registration before your first run. Don’t forget to bring your printed barcode to ensure your finish time is recorded.


parkrun is uniquely inclusive, and all ages and fitness levels are welcome. parkrun draws all types of people, and the comradery is really a draw for many people. We’d love to have you join us for an active Saturday morning run/walk and invite you to stay for a post parkrun coffee at the Red Dog Grill. We look forward to welcoming you next weekend!


Have you been to a parkrun at Heritage Harbor? Tell us about your experience. Comment Below

L-O-V-E Actually

You don’t have to venture far this month to see that L-O-V-E is on many people’s minds. 

Stores are promoting all things pink, red, and heart-shaped, music reminds us that we are “Crazy in Love,” and everywhere you turn there is the siren call of some decadent confectionery tempting us to break our New Year’s resolutions with which we have so diligently persevered. Or not. Whichever way your January progressed, February is a new month full of new possibilities.

L-O-V-E Who You Share Life With           

Valentine’s Day isn’t limited to celebrating romantic love.  Cupid can be a reminder of all the forms of love in our lives. Many of us have a tribe of people we choose to do life with, and February is an excellent chance to celebrate those people.  How you choose to show your love is your choice. You may decide to bake sweet treats with your sweeties or indulge in a meal for two at your restaurant of choice.  An afternoon cup of coffee with a friend or a home visit with someone who isn’t able to get out are great ways to connect with those you care about or even to make new friends.

L-O-V-E What You Do

Finding your life’s passion is one of the most important things you will do. Living with passion and purpose is something we all strive for. We are each born with a unique life purpose, but it often takes some soul searching to find what that may look like. Do something this month to work toward finding yours! Look at the things you love to do. What comes easy to you? When have you experienced true joy? Explore those things you enjoy doing, and you will be on the path toward doing what you love and loving what you do!

L-O-V-E Where You Live

One way to enjoy life to the fullest is to really enjoy WHERE you live.  WHERE you live often greatly affects HOW you live.  A busy, vibrant city setting lends itself to a different life pace than that of a smaller town.  Do you LOVE where and HOW you live? We personally love waking up on the river, taking in the sights, smells, and sounds of the harbor life we’ve come to know and love at Heritage Harbor. Our cottages and villas have a charming coastal flair that make them irresistibly inviting (if we do say so ourselves). 

Let Cupid be your guide to finding ‘L-O-V-E actually’ this February. L-O-V-E this life you live!

What is your favorite thing to do in Starved Rock Country for valentines day?  Comment below to share with us!

Click Here to Book your Free Waterfront Discovery Tour of the resort

Make a Splash this Season!

If you are up for a fun challenge to start the new year off on the right foot, then Heritage Harbor’s Penguin Plunge for Make-A-Wish can help you meet your goals. Have a chilly (and fun!) jump into the Illinois River and spend some time ‘Chillin’ for Children’ while you fundraise to help grant the wishes of thousands of children nationwide.

Heritage Harbor’s Plunge team is gearing up for their 8th annual Penguin Plunge on Saturday, January 19, 2019. Last year, $130,000 was raised, resulting in 18 wishes granted. This year’s fundraising goal has been set at $175,000, and you can help make this year’s plunge a successful event!

A big thank you to this years sponsors:

  • Heritage Harbor,
  • Ottawa Firefighters Local 523,
  • Bill Walsh Automotive Group,
  • Ottawa First,
  • Gerald Automotive Group,
  • Exelon LaSalle Station,
  • Thrush Sanitation Service,
  • Tito’s Handmade Vodka,
  • Tough Rigs,
  • Resteberg Family,
  • Marquee Event Rentals-Chicago,
  • 1430 WCMY,
  • Hick’s Gas,
  • Midland States Bank,
  • Halm Electric,
  • Ladd Sound Productions,
  • The Times Newspaper,
  • LaSalle NewsTribune,
  • Aramark,
  • Conroy’s Automotive & 24 Hour Towing,
  • Dan Aussem,
  • Tess Shymanski Photography,
  • Golden Rule Lumber and Rental,
  • Jacob Aicher,
  • Sherri Lynn,
  • Band Crash,
  • Stevenson Transfer Inc.,
  • Red Dog Grill,
  • Appleway Catering,
  • Southwest Airlines,
  • Euclid Beverage,
  • MK Makery & Event Design,
  • Casey’s General Store (Ottawa, IL),
  • Walmart (Ottawa/Streator/Peru, IL),
  • WeatherTech,
  • Kay’s Keepsakes, Target (Peru, IL),
  • Larry Johnson,
  • Chicago Bears,
  • Chicago White Sox,
  • Chicago Bulls,
  • Cook Media,
  • Papa John’s Pizza (Ottawa, IL),
  • The Home Depot, and
  • Rosati’s Pizza (Ottawa, IL).

This event ensures that 100% of donations go directly to the Make-A-Wish Illinois Foundation to grant wishes of children in our local communities. Last year, more than 15,000 wishes were granted nationwide. That’s a wish granted every 34 minutes! If this event sounds like something you’d be proud to support, be sure to register here: http://site.wish.org/penguinplunge19 and fill out a pledge form here: 2019 Registration/Pledge Form. Make-A-Wish is dedicated to making every eligible child’s wish come true—register and fundraise today and you can be a big part of making that happen.

Plungers should make sure they are at Heritage Harbor by 12:00 PM on Saturday for registration. The Opening Ceremony will begin at 2:00 PM, followed by the Plunge.

Closing remarks and award ceremony will commence immediately following the last plungers. If you have any questions or would like to assist with this event, please contact Tammy at Heritage Harbor at (815) 433-5000 or email penguinplunge1@gmail.com.

We look forward to seeing you on Saturday as we come together as a community to spend some time ‘Chillin’ for Children.’

Have you ever done the Heritage Harbor Penguin Plunge?  Comment below to share your experience with us!

Click Here to Book your Free Waterfront Discovery Tour of the resort

Discover Waterfront Living at One of These Exciting Trade Shows in January

The Illinois River may be frozen, but things are heating up at Heritage Harbor as we prepare to head out to various trade shows this month.

Brave the elements to find out why 2018 was Heritage Harbor’s most successful year of sales and learn about our new neighborhoods.  Heritage Harbor was voted best waterfront resort in the Midwest in the Official Best Of Illinois 2018. Come and visit and you’ll soon see why.

If boating and all things water-related are your scene, you’ll want to attend the Chicago Boat Show, which drops anchor on January 9-13, 2019 at McCormick Place in downtown Chicago. Check out the Official Show Guide for a complete list of exhibitors, products, attractions and seminar schedules to help you plan your day.

For those interested in the adventure of waterfront living, you won’t want to miss the Lake Home & Cabin Show in Schaumburg, Illinois on January 11-13. This show is custom built for those looking to buy a second home. It’s a one-stop event of answers, inspiration, and great ideas. You will find everything from rustic furnishings, architects and builders, sporting and outdoor gear, custom products and accessories, and anything you can think of for your getaway. Make sure to check the schedule to attend relevant how-to seminars and demonstrations.

Thinking ahead to retirement and active living? Then you’ll want to visit us at the Ideal Living Resort & Retirement Show in Schaumburg, Illinois on January 19-20. Low-maintenance adventurous living is at the forefront of Heritage Harbor’s vision. Come and explore how to restore your soul and live a life of adventure in Starved Rock Country.

Following this month’s shows, we will feature at several of the upcoming Home and Garden Shows. Be sure to look out for info!

Can’t make our shows? Contact your lifestyle consultant to book your tour today at (815) 433-5000 or visit www.visitheritageharbor.com.

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What is your favorite living active thing to do in Starved Rock Country?  Comment below to share with us!

Click Here to Book your Free Waterfront Discovery Tour of the resort

Heritage Harbor Hits New Record Sales of Waterfront Homes

“Heritage Harbor has seen record sales on waterfront homes recently, and it is anticipated that the current sales trend will continue at an increasing rate”

Heritage Harbor has seen record sales on waterfront homes recently, and it is anticipated that the current sales trend will continue at an increasing rate. Eleven cottages in the Heron’s Landing neighborhood have been sold in the past six months, so if you have been on the fence, now’s your time to act! Snap up one of these one-of-a kind waterfront properties in the heart of Starved Rock Country, because they won’t be available for long.

We are putting the finishing touches on seven Villas making them move-in ready. These villas have been designed and built with hospitality comfort in mind. Experience no delay when it comes to maximizing your return on your new waterfront investment should you choose to take advantage of the on-site Harbor Inn rental management program.

If you’d like a little more customization, there are still a couple of lots that are shovel ready, so you can be involved in the design process.

This is the last phase of waterfront cottages in the $219k-$350k price range on the East Peninsula, as we will soon be releasing larger estate lots on the remainder of the peninsula. You will be hard-pressed to find more spectacular waterfront views at this price point, So if there was ever a good time to benefit from a low-interest rate mortgage, it would be now!

Secure your inRESTment today! Contact your lifestyle consultant, Tammy or Bridget, at 1-815-433-5000 or email us at hho@heritageharborottawa.comto book a Discovery TourWe look forward to welcoming you to the Harbor-Life!


What is your favorite living active thing to do in Starved Rock Country?  Comment below to share with us!

Live an Active Life at the Harbor

“Who says you need to wait until the New Year to start living your best life? The best time to start is NOW! “

Who says you need to wait until the New Year to start living your best life? The best time to start is NOW!  Heritage Harbor has all you need and more to live a healthy and active lifestyle.

Heritage Harbor’s river access lends itself to a multitude of water sports, and Heritage Harbor Marina and Quest Watersports have all your rental needs taken care of. Take advantage of the last few weeks of warmth and take a Stand Up Paddle board out for a spin, test out a kayak, or go big and rent a ski boat and spend the day tubing, water skiing, or boogie boarding. 

As the days shorten and cool off, you may decide to take your active lifestyle back on solid ground. Starved Rock Country has no shortage of adventure trails and state parks to explore. If cycling is your choice, Heritage Harbor has access to the Historic I & M Canal trail. Runners and walkers alike have access every Saturday at 9am to parkrun, a free timed 5K event on the Harbor Walk.

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Heritage Harbor homeownerJeff Gerald has found a happy, healthy, fit lifestyle to love. Gerald is a committed parkrun participant who has found success and support in the parkrun community. Jeff is Heritage Harbor Ottawa parkrun’s first 50th milestone achiever. At the one year celebration of Heritage Harbor Ottawa parkrun, Jeff shared that, “In my almost 59 years on this planet I hadn’t ever run or even walked 5K/3.1 miles; now I do it EVERY Saturday at 9am!!! It got me into an exercise routine that lead me into doing Orange Theory 3 days a week. I have been a vegetarian/pescatarian since October all thanks to parkrun! Over 50 lbs lost, and I will be running again Saturday at 9am!” Community and accountability are essential when it comes to healthy habit formation, and Jeff has proven that the harbor community offers that.

What is your favorite living active thing to do in Starved Rock Country?  Comment below to share with us!

Click Here to Book your Free Waterfront Discovery Tour of the resort

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