May 25, 2017

Heritage Harbor Begins Construction on New Waterfront Neighborhood

Villas at Herons Landing

Heritage Harbor is excited to introduce their newest cottage neighborhood, Villas at Heron’s Landing. Every home in this new pocket neighborhood is situated along the water. Take a peek into this special neighborhood being constructed by a trusted Starved Rock Country home developer.

Meet Villas at Heron’s Landing

Heritage Harbor is located in Ottawa, IL along the banks of the Illinois River, minutes from Starved Rock State Park. The Villas at Heron’s Landing offers uniquely designed cottages for sale within the Heritage Harbor resort community. This pocket neighborhood is ideally nestled between the scenic river’s edge of the Illinois River and Heritage Harbor’s 32-acre state-of-the-art marina.

Only 31 homes are being built in the new waterfront neighborhood, with prices ranging from the upper $200’s to the upper $300’s. There are eight different floor plans offered within Villas at Heron’s Landing. Floor plans include:

• Harbor Bluff I & II
• River’s Edge
• Morning Sun
• Southern Charm I & II
• Waterfront Villa I & II

These floor plans feature 2-3 bedrooms, 1.5-2.5 baths and range from 1,000-1,350 square feet. Open plan living, inviting front porches, private rear porches, abundant natural light, 9’ ceilings, and well-equipped master suites are just a few of the nice features you’ll find inside each home. Certain plans have unique spaces such as lofts, dining banquettes, home offices, flex rooms, and bench seats with a view. Luxurious finishes include over-sized white trim, stainless appliances, solid core doors, custom cabinetry, a 50-gallon hot water heater, hardboard lap siding, and your choice of concrete of Cambria quartz counters, to name a few.

No matter which floor plan buyers choose, they’ll get to enjoy all the amenities offered in this vibrant marina resort community. The onsite restaurant, Red Dog Grill is just steps away from the neighborhood and offers convenient dine-in and out options. Heron’s Landing residents have access to their own community clubhouse and swimming pool, and the adjacent marina overs a wide variety of waterfront recreation including rentals for kayaks, paddle boards and boats. Residents praise the relaxed, friendly atmosphere, the waterfront views, and the many activities events at the resort.

About Heritage Harbor
Located 90 minutes from Chicago, Heritage Harbor Ottawa is the gateway to all the adventure of Starved Rock Country. Heritage Harbor offers waterfront living minutes from the charming town of Ottawa and close enough to Chicago to be a second home. Ottawa has year-round outdoor recreation, boating, golf, biking, hiking, skydiving and ziplining for adrenaline junkies, and plenty of shopping and dining options.

Beyond Ottawa, Starved Rock Country offers so much to see and do all throughout the year. Spring is waterfall season, and there are great hikes that get visitors close to the falls. Summer means swimming, boating, fishing, and enjoying the Illinois River. Come fall, leaf peeping on hikes, horseback riding, or nature photography tours highlight the scene. In winter, cross country ski trails, snowmobile trails, and ATVs compete with quiet nights around the fire with friends new and old.

As a marina resort community, Heritage Harbor is all about comfortable waterfront living and amenities geared toward recreation. Boaters love the full-service marina complete with concrete floating docks and boat slips for residents. Homeowners who don’t have their own boat can try renting a boat for the season through the Quest Express Boat Club. Kayak, paddleboards and canoe rentals are also available.

The developers behind Heritage Harbor are committed to keeping the community welcoming through shared public places, while maintaining private spaces for residents. The professional landscaping throughout preserves the Illinois landscape with native plantings, creates defined neighborhoods within Heritage Harbor, and makes walking the dog or going for a stroll pleasant at any time of year.

Heritage Harbor specializes in getaway cottages, waterfront homes, and pocket neighborhoods that create a sense of connection among residents. There are investment opportunities as well as rentable cottages within Heritage Harbor.

Opportunities to buy into the Villas at Herons Landing are limited. Call (815) 433-5000 to learn more or reserve a discovery tour today.

April 13, 2017

Heritage Harbor ~ This is the Place Video

Click here for video: This is the Place

Heritage Harbor is a quaint marina resort community. It is conveniently located 90 minutes from Chicago in beautiful Starved Rock Country on the Illinois River. This community features elegant homes, walk-able neighborhoods, a world-class marina, dining, activities, adventure and more. Here you will find pocket neighborhoods, traditional neighborhood designs, and inspired architecture. This is the Place to escape, to play and to live!

March 29, 2017

Heritage Harbor: Your Getaway and Investment

“Buying real estate is not only the best way, the quickest way, the safest way, but the only way to become wealthy.”—Marshall Field, entrepreneur

A new opportunity is available and located only 90 minutes from Chicago. Join your friends and invest in your own getaway at the new cottage neighborhoods currently under development at the resort community of Heritage Harbor. Take your stake of nature’s glory and learn more about why people are interested in owning their own cottage at Heritage Harbor Ottawa.

An Active Lifestyle

Heritage Harbor and the surrounding Ottawa area provides residents and visitors an opportunity to engage in lively events year round. For those that enjoy wine tastings, jazz festivals and eclectic art and artisans, you won’t have to venture far to indulge your pleasures.

Outdoor enthusiasts of all ages can enjoy the best of nature right outside of their door. Cottages sit near the gentle waters of the Illinois River and nearby parks and opportunities for Eagle sightings and more keep families engaged.

Enjoy resort living without the hassle of maintenance. Residents of Heritage Harbor receive lawn maintenance, stop by an onsite restaurant, the Red Dog Grill, offering year-round dining, and take advantage of a 32-acre harbor with an extensive marina with over 450 boat slips and more. The development is geared to all ages. Individuals, growing families and seniors can mix and mingle and make the most of the changing seasons at Heritage Harbor Ottawa.

A Recreational Area & Great Investment

Starved Rock County is a prime recreational destination in the area. Individuals that rent or buy one of the new cottages will find the main attractions of the area easily accessible. A wide variety of homes are available and priced affordably.

Choose the home that meets your needs. Homes offered include 1 bedroom to 3 bedrooms, single-family to condo and wrap-around porches to roof-top decks. Larger homes offer more than 3,000 square feet of living space. The vacation homes are located in low maintenance communities, convenient for residents and property owners.

Know the perks of owning your own getaway and cash in. Some of the properties allow the owner the opportunity to rent out their home. Use the cottage when you want and place it in the rental pool when you are away. Heritage Harbor takes care of all of the rental details for property owners.

Get more out of life. Select a cottage in the new developments of Harbor Cottages or Villas at Heron’s Landing. Cozy one-bedroom plans, some with lofts, and a marina pool only steps away are currently available at Harbor Cottages. Vacation homes and primary residences of one, two and three-bedroom plans that include amenities such as a clubhouse and pool are offered at Villas at Heron’s Landing. Own a residence by the Best Marina in the Midwest. Plans and pricing are being finalized right now.

Contact Heritage Harbor at (815) 433-5000 to schedule a Discovery Tour.

January 31, 2017

Winter Bucket List: Snowmobiling Outside Chicago

Winter brings with it the opportunity for amazing outdoor adventures for people who are brave enough to get outside and get active. One of the hottest winter activities is snowmobiling, which offers you the opportunity to see incredible sights while getting an adrenaline high riding a snowmobile. Hopefully mother nature will cooperate soon so winter can be enjoyed to the fullest!

Ottawa, IL Snowmobiling
Under 90 minutes outside of Chicago, the Illinois and Michigan Canal offers snowmobiling trails that crisscross four Northern Illinois State Parks. The Canal passes through parts of the Channahon State Park, William G. Stratton State Park, Gebhard Wood State Park and Buffalo Rock State Park, delivering over 61 miles of white powder. As long as there are four or more inches of snow, the Canal trails are available for use by snowmobiles 24 hour a day.

The scenic town of Ottawa offers easy on/off highway access to Buffalo Rock, at which point drivers can connect to other parts of the trail. Along the way, riders will parallel the twists and turns of the Illinois River. The bare trees allow for scenic river views and potentially the chance to spot wildlife. The canal trail passes historic 1800’s stone aqueducts, the Seneca Grain Elevator, and multiple canal locks.

One of the more unusual attractions on the Illinois and Michigan Canal trail, the Effigy Tumuli, lies near Buffalo Rock State Park. Created in 1983 by artist Michael Heizer, the environmental sculptures evoke Native American burial mounds.

Snowmobile Safety Tips
If you’re new to snowmobiling, packing for the winter excursion can feel intimidating. When you’re out on the trails, you’ll have occasional access to restrooms and land-line telephones in state park rest areas. Other than that, you’ll need to carry in what you need – and carry it out as well.

For small excursions, plan to bring lunch, water, binoculars, goggles, a camera, and extra winter gear. It’s always a smart idea to carry an emergency first aid kit and emergency tool kit, in case something breaks on your snowmobile. Flashlights or head lamps are always a good “just in case” idea, as are flares, a GPS, a whistle, and an emergency radio.

Snowmobiling is a fun and safe winter sport, but there is risk associated with it. To protect your family, do not allow children to ride on a snowmobile if they are under the age of 6. While driving a snowmobile looks cool, youth under age 16 should not be allowed to do it. It takes skill and strength to maneuver a snowmobile, especially if conditions turn icy. Ice makes it difficult to steer and can pose a danger, even for experienced drivers.

Conveniently Located

When getting out of the greater Chicago area for winter recreation, it’s always important to plan for traffic. If your family spends a lot of time cross country skiing or snowmobiling in the winter, or boating in the summer, it can be helpful to purchase a second home in the scenic countryside. Ottawa may be famous as the home of Starved Rock, but this town has a lot to offer year round in terms of recreation, community, and quality of life. Heritage Harbor Ottawa offers riverside accommodation close to Chicago. An hour from Chicago and minutes from Starved Rock, Heritage Harbor offers vacation rental cottages, vacation homes, a marina, and a restaurant. It is the perfect base camp for a snowmobiling vacation or second home.

With such rich year round amenities and points of interest, Ottawa makes the ideal base for winter and summer family fun. Visit now to explore the area, find your favorite trails, and be inspired.

January 18, 2017

Do You See What I See in Starved Rock Country?

It’s time for Bald Eagle watching!

With mild winter temperatures, it is all the more inviting to get out those trusty binoculars and peer out to catch a glimpse of America’s favorite feathered fowl. Catch the migration of thousands of eagles as they visit Starved Rock Country. The Annual Eagle Watch Weekend in January allows visitors to view the majestic Bald Eagle from atop Starved Rock! Find out more about Eagle watching, a popular event drawing visitors from all over.

Know Before You Go
These white capped birds were once on the verge of extinction and declared an endangered species in 1978. After 40 years of cooperation between various parties and the government, the American Bald Eagle, the nation’s symbol, was removed from the endangered species list. Former President Bush said:

“This great conservation achievement means more and more Americans across the nation will enjoy the thrill of seeing Bald Eagles soar.”

Share the achievement of joint efforts and the resurgence of the Bald Eagle with younger generations. Visitors to Starved Rock Country should know:

• The American Bald Eagle may perch along tree tops, soar high overhead and sun themselves at river islands or ice floes. Patience is key to successful viewing.

• How to stay warm. Visitors need to dress in layers. Gloves, hats and boots are recommended. Viewers should take hot beverages with them on an outing. Turn on the car’s heater for brief periods of time to ward off the chill.

• It is important not to disturb the visiting bald eagles as they need to conserve their energy.

• Eagles come to the area due to the fish available in the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. From late December to March, they make the most of the plentiful food source.

• Adult bald eagles do not keep company with juveniles when migrating. The first to migrate are the newly fledged eagles.

• The freezing over of Northern lakes and rivers marks the beginning of fall migration for adult bald eagles. They will then journey south for available fresh water sources. Open sources can include the coast and large rivers located close to dams.

• Eagles begin their arrival in Illinois in December. They can be found along the Illinois River actively searching for fish. Once waters freeze, they move to the dam. This open water source will then host a staggering and concentrated amount of eagles.

Starved Rock State Park in Illinois remains a respite for the Bald Eagle for a good portion of the year. As winter temps dip, more concentrated numbers of this popular bird can be easily found at the dam. This natural refuge and Heritage Harbor, with a prime location along the Illinois River, makes for ideal locations for birders to watch the Bald Eagle in its natural habitat. Ideal times for viewing activity are from 7am-9am or 4pm-5pm. Bring the family and experience the visual feast together.

September 28, 2016

The Simple Life for Vacation Home Owners

The Simple Life

Located along the Illinois River in Ottawa, Ill., Heritage Harbor Ottawa is a 142-acre development of single-family homes, townhomes, vacation cottages, carriage homes and condos, centered on a 32-acre harbor with a full-service marina and year-round restaurant. With its boating amenities, waterfront living and nearby recreational attractions, such as Starved Rock State Park and the I&M Canal Trail, the community offers an ideal resort lifestyle for those seeking a vacation, retirement or full-time residence.

“Many of our buyers are a bit nostalgic about how they want to spend their precious free time with their family and what they are looking for in a vacation home,” said Tammy Barry, director of sales and marketing for Heritage Harbor Ottawa. “Often they think about their own childhood and how they would pack up the station wagon and go away for the weekend. When they come to Ottawa and Heritage Harbor, they love our small-town atmosphere and simpler way of life that not only harkens back to another time, but also lets them focus on building terrific memories with their family and friends.”

Charming downtown Ottawa

Barry noted the Ottawa community is a big contributor to the lifestyle vacation-home owners appreciate at Heritage Harbor. “This is a small town where business owners know their customers and greet them by name, which really adds to the sense of belonging when you own a second home here,” she said. “Plus, we still have a butcher’s shop, an independent grocery store, a weekly farmer’s market and a liquor store that even delivers. Our locally owned businesses create a sense of place that’s harder to come by in areas that are dominated by chain stores and big national brands. People tend to slow town and enjoy the experience of patronizing area businesses, rather than rushing through errands in order to cross items off their to-do list.”

She added that Ottawa is home to a number of community events and festivals that add to its charming atmosphere. “There are things happening throughout the year, such as Riverfest in the summer and our annual Scarecrow Fest in the fall, which encourage area residents to come out and enjoy our downtown district,” she said. “It’s a lively little town where you’re always likely to run into someone you know, whether you’re at one of our summer festivals or simply taking time to window shop as you walk through downtown.”

Ottawa’s relaxed pace of life and small-town feel extend to the streets of Heritage Harbor, where a series of pocket neighborhoods are designed to build a sense of community among residents. Green spaces with seating areas, community fire pits and meandering walking paths encourage homeowners to socialize. “One very traditional feature we include in many of our home designs is a wide, inviting front porch,” said Barry. “Back when most homes had front porches, families would often sit outside in the evening, visiting together and chatting with neighbors who walked by. We worked hard to recreate that same friendly atmosphere at Heritage Harbor through our streetscape and our home designs.”

Quaint and inviting cottages

A recreation-based lifestyle with plenty of outdoor activities and easy access to nature is another appealing part of the “simple life” at Heritage Harbor Ottawa. “Our vacation-home owners are looking for a complete change of pace from their day-to-day life and a place where they can not only enjoy the activities they love, but also share them with family and friends,” said Barry. “We often work with buyers who grew up in a family with a boat or lake cottage and want to give that same experience to their own kids. For them, having a home at Heritage Harbor and boating on the Illinois River is how they spend quality time together and create memorable family experiences.”

In addition to boating, Heritage Harbor is a convenient home base for hiking in Starved Rock State Park, biking on the I&M Canal Trail and enjoying a variety of other outdoor pursuits.

“We say it’s a slower pace of life, but it’s anything but boring with everything the area has to offer,” said Barry. “What our buyers really love is that this region lets them truly unplug and slow down, in the sense of having time to spend on the people and activities that matter to them most.”

Currently available at Heritage Harbor Ottawa are custom home sites priced from $92,500, vacation cottages priced from $209,990, townhomes priced from $284,900 and immediate-delivery single-family homes priced from $329,900.*

For information on Heritage Harbor Ottawa Resort and available homes, call (815) 433-5000 or visit www.heritageharborottawa.com.

*Pricing subject to change.

June 22, 2016

A Day at Heritage Harbor Video

Click and enjoy this video tour ~ A Day at Heritage Harbor Ottawa!

Heritage Harbor Ottawa is the premier Marina Resort Community in the heart of Starved Rock Country. We are conveniently located 90 minutes from downtown Chicago in the historic town of Ottawa. Our community is nestled along the scenic Illinois river and features charming homes, walk-able neighborhoods, a world-class marina, dining, activities, adventure and amenities. Watch the video and see the many reasons why, “This is the Place”.

May 10, 2016

Live Better This May in Ottawa

As new shoots emerge and trees deck themselves out in a canopy of green, you’ll be more likely to see your neighbors and friends out and about being active. Why the trend? May is the month for wellness. It doesn’t need to be on any calendar as it is a natural change that happens with the warming temperatures and inviting natural foliage. How can you take advantage of this magical month? Heritage Harbor has a few suggestions for getting outdoors and sampling the best May has to offer.
Need a Few Suggestions?
Dr. Oz recently mentioned that May is a great month to work on fitness and wellness goals and just enjoying being outdoors in nature. Nicer weather and longer days allow one and all to head outside for a stroll, run or game of tennis. In addition, spring produce kicks in with freshly-grown seasonal produce, such as chives, ramps and other zesty herbs for additional color, flavor and nutrient boost to dishes. Can you hear the call? The Great Outdoors beckons.
90 minutes from Chicago, the Illinois River awaits, cresting along Heritage Harbor and Starved Rock Country. For visitors and residents of Heritage Harbor, take part in a range of activities, all at your own pace.

• Take a stroll or run along the Harbor Walk. Spy the arrival and activity of a number of seasonal birds including the American White Pelican. Conservation Cove is home to a diverse array of Ottawa’s wildlife.
• Get an early start on your day and enjoy a full day of water activities. Quest, located at the marina, offers kayak and stand up paddleboard rentals. Grab a quick bite at the Marina store and head out for a day of fun in the sun.
• Explore the I&M Canal Trail, a part of American History, connecting parks, historic sites and museums in a 61-mile attraction.
• Get your group together for a playful game of sand volleyball and enjoy the view, a satisfying meal and your favorite brew down at bar and grill, The Red Dog Grill. Loser buys.
Heritage Harbor and the Ottawa area offers activities to promote an active lifestyle. The choice is yours. Gear up for these local area happenings this May: the Starved Rock Marathon and the Virtual Marathon. Take part in hiking, photography activities and more at Starved Rock State Park and Matthiesen State Park. Book a stay at Heritage Harbor to indulge in all of the May action. A range of comfortable residences restore and rejuvenate after a day of doing and exploring the Ottawa area.

March 7, 2016

Watchful Eyes Await the American White Pelican in Starved Rock Country

All bird watchers and nature lovers should heed the call. Spring is on its way and with it migrating birds worth noting. The American White Pelican, once in danger of extinction, will make its way to Starved Rock Country and the Illinois River. Visitors to Heritage Harbor and the Ottawa area can catch them en route to Starved Rock Country. Find out more about this long-awaited bird and how to find the best locations to await a glimpse of the American White Pelican.

What You Need to Know

These long-billed, majestic fliers can easily adjust to changing wind patterns. Peter Chaswell, of The Verb ‘To Bird’, said,

“Nothing else flies like that [White Pelicans], serene, untroubled, almost daring the air to throw them an updraft so that they can make a subtle, nearly invisible adjustment to their flight feathers and continue unperturbed…”

These birds were once close to extinction but are now rebounding with the ban of DDT and other harmful pesticides. Visitors should know:

The American White Pelican is a member of the family order Pelecaniformes and has webbed toes, bills as long as or longer than their heads, and an expandable throat pouch. American White Pelicans have bodies that can be up to 5 feet in length and wing spans approaching 9 feet. They have long necks and white wings with black tips. They arrive Illinois in spring and stay as late as October and take a “V” formation while migrating with flocks that can consist of hundreds to thousands of birds.

They will roam nearly 50 miles from base when feeding. Nests will be built in a depression on the ground, though some birds have nested in trees. One to five cream or blue-white eggs are laid and incubate for 28 to 30 days. Both parents feed and care for the young.

They are not divers but instead adult birds swim and submerge pouches to gather a meal in shallow water. While swimming, they behave like dabbling ducks, and can tip their heads underwater for fish. They are also known to work as a group to gather fish.

The most likely places to spot them on land is along rivers and inland lakes within Illinois. These birds seem to prefer the western part of the state, in particular along the Illinois and Mississippi rivers. They can also be spotted in the Chicago area and near large lakes, ponds and even gravel pits throughout the state.

Starved Rock State Park has been welcoming flocks of the American White Pelican for the past decade with a few bachelor pelicans making the park their home most of the year. This area and Heritage Harbor, with its location along the Illinois River, makes for prime locations to feast your eyes on the magnificent American White Pelican. Contact a friendly associate for more information on the best viewing sites at (815) 433-5000.

October 3, 2015

Fall Hunting Opportunities Near Starved Rock

In addition to the breathtaking sights and stunning fall colors, the countryside of Starved Rock also promises amazing hunting opportunities this time of year.

Ottawa and the surrounding Starved Rock Country are home to a variety of wildlife and natural habitats that are a hunter’s dream. Deer, turkey and game bird hunting are the most common in the area, and all have open seasons during the fall months.

Both deer and turkey hunting are incredibly popular around Ottawa and Starved Rock Country, especially bow hunting. In fact, Catlin Park, Ottawa’s 333-acre county park, is one of the best bow hunting locations in LaSalle County. The park is riddled with woods, hills and lakes, making it the ideal habitat for animals during hunting season. With Catlin Park less than 10 miles from Heritage Harbor Ottawa, hunters don’t have to waste time driving a long distance to their hunting location. They can head to Catlin Park early in the morning, set up their tree stands while the sun rises and spend the whole day waiting for the perfect game.

Bow hunting for deer, turkey and other game in Catlin Park and the rest of Illinois is allowed from Oct. 1 through Jan. 17, except during firearm hunting season, which takes place Nov. 21–23 and Dec. 4–7. Information on permits, game limits and tree stand requirements for hunting in Catlin Park can be found here.

If you prefer hunting waterfowl (geese and ducks) over deer or turkey, the hunting season opens mid-October and runs through January in northern and central Illinois. Ottawa is right on the border of the North Zone and Central Zone so hunting north of I-80 and west of I-39 is in the North Zone, while south and east are in the Central Zone. Be sure to check herefor each zone’s specific duck, Canada goose, snow goose and white-fronted goose hunting dates.

A second home or vacation rental in Heritage Harbor Ottawa will allow you to spend an extended weekend or even full weeks at a time enjoying the great outdoors and hitting all of Ottawa’s popular hunting spots. With Catlin Park a short distance away and Starved Rock and Mattiessen state parks nearby as well, you’ll have plenty of ground to cover during your stay.

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