Excellent marina! We are Gold Loopers and this may be the best maintained marina we have visited…read more Friendly and helpful staff. Twisted Anchor restaurant was also great. We'll be back.

Left Racine at 730 am with a 45' boat we just purchased. It was an all day trip down the lakeshore…read moreand on the river. We spent 4 hrs waiting for the lock in Lockport then barely made it to 3 rivers for gas. We proceeded to the Dresden lock and intended to tie off on the cell to wait the nearly 3 hour wait to lock through however the lock master ordered us to leave because a barge was going to tie off in the same location. It was nearly 11 pm at this point and our engines were making noises. My husband said they were fine, just in need of a tune up. Knowing the channel in that area has shallow spots, and we still had not used the anchor (our very 1st day with the boat), we decided not to attempt to anchor due to safety and to shut our engines down. We searched for an area to safely tie up until the lock called us via radio to advise us to prepare to lock through. We found the empty pier at Harborside and tied off. We had a 6 person crew (2 were sleeping). We were quiet as a mouse, had no music playing, engines shut off, and were speaking at a whisper. We could hear people partying and shouting and laughing within the marina. After approximately 45 minutes we were approached by a man (later learned to be Brett who runs the Marina) and a woman who told us to leave. My husband politely told him that we had no place to go because the lock had barges there and we needed to be in the area to get through when called. Brett said he didn't see any barges (obviously because they were in the lock which is why we couldn't lock through), and my husband told him to call the lock and he could verify that they were full. Brett didn't want to do so and still wanted us to leave. My husband told him that under the Maritime laws and safe harbor rules, we had no choice but to remain docked for the safety of our boat and crew. My husband also told him that we didn't want to be there at all, but we didn't have a choice. Brett never offered assistance and was not pleasant at all. My husband told him that we aren't causing any harm and would be on our way as soon as the lock called us. My husband and I and other members of our crew are law enforcement and we are very responsible and respectful. My husband told Brett to call the police if he felt he had to, but we were causing zero harm and causing no damage or boat traffic obstruction. Brett reluctantly walked away. Approximately 30 minutes later the lock called us and told us to begin to work our way to the door and we untied and proceeded to push off the pier. While moving on we noticed 2 police officers walking down the dock, ( unfortunately we had already left as we would have talked to them) I just have to say that my husband and I have been in Michigan and Wisconsin over the years and suddenly had to seek a safe place to stop and make sure our engines were in good condition to continue traveling and we always had very welcoming and accommodating marina staff. Brett was the worst marina manager we've ever come across. We boat within a 45 minute car drive and had visited the restaurant at Harborside (spending a lot of money), with a large group of friends from our marina on previous occasions. Just heard a new restaurant is opening after the last one closed and we will definitely NOT be trying it out. Additionally, we have a great marina with many boaters who would have welcomed Brett without question if he was in the area and needed help (that's what boaters do). Now the boaters in our area are aware of what happened and also will not be patronizing the new restaurant at Harborside.

The greatest, most underutilized resource in the county. 20 plus miles of great walking/bike…read moretrails, camp ground, spectacular river view and access, fishing, canoeing, etc. Awesome. Use it and clean up after yourselves.

I been going there for years I like the rock for great smallmouth bass.the only drawn back is the…read moreyou have to go early because all the other people will ruin it for everyone Else because the throw rocks and walk and splash in the water scare the fish away there is no range to check every one .because our government in Illinois they've cut the out the money to the Dnr in Illinois so the camp grounds and the rangers aren't present any more.i go in back in rock creek Walter the fish are.

Good place to go fishing in early may and June when the bass are spawning. It best go early morning…read moreor late afternoon

My boyfriend is into photography and wanted to get some good pics of the Milky Way. As you can…read moretell from the pics the ones he took at Mazonia/Braidwood turned out great! We didn't get to walk around the actual fish and wildlife area very much because it closes at seven and he wanted night pictures but it seemed pretty nice from the few minutes we spent walking around.

This understated park near downtown Morris IL will amaze tree lovers. As I understand, every tree…read morein the Midwest has been cut down twice, leaving only pockets of old growth. This forest doesn't really count as "old growth" because it's not wild. These majestic trees are HUNDREDS OF YEARS OLD. Anyone under 80 years old or who have never visited a western forest or pockets of the Smokies will NEVER have seen such majestic beauties. There are sycamore, black oak, maple and more. You can walk in camp too. It's not beautiful but we used to do that with kids for an easy getaway. The park is surrounded by homes. The canal and trail pass through and you can walk to the County museum about 1/4 mile east. There's also a new water over water bridge and the water was clear in the river. (Don't drink it) Back to the woods. It's a must see place, former home of Illinois largest tree, a cottonwood. As I understand, the wife of this plot's first "owner" wanted shade, so loggers never cleared it. I have no source so don't quote me. Then it did become a protected gun club and ultimately a state park in need of some TLC. It's a must visit park.

We were recently roadtripping through the area, and stopped by Gebhardt Woods for a nature stroll…read morewith the fam'. Next to the parking lot is a bridge that is fairly damaged but still reasonably crossable. It connects to a grassy trail that appears long and straight in both directions. We went left, and about a half-mile down the trail seems to end at a fenced restricted area, although there is some rundown signage that indicates mile markers to additional attractions. We didn't turn right down the trail, but it appears to stretch far, perhaps connecting with other trailways in the area. The park on the other side of the parking lot had a few pavilion and picnic areas, and some dingy bathrooms, but they were open. The park seemed somewhat rundown, but it was a nice enough quick stop to stretch our legs before hitting the road again.

I know it was closed for a while but we stopped by and it was open again. Daughter wanted to go…read moreso I said I would give it a try. I was so impressed and the new owner has so much passion for what she does. It is not just a place where the animals are business figures they are her family. We were met with smiles and happiness. They got the horses ready and explained about each animal. They have great instructions and made sure you felt comfortable. We did the hour ride and it was a pleasure. Afterwards the staff was even so friendly and willing to take photos and let you walk around the stables and see all the animals. I would recommend to anyone. If you want a real experience and not just a tourist trap type of business. Number needs to be updated on here though. +1 (815) 263-3882

I really enjoyed this stop in my trip down Route 66. When I showed ip with my Pops the place was…read moreclosed so we took some time walking around and snapping a few photos when a vehicle suddenly pulled up behind mine. Ton jumped out and introduced himself as the owner - asked our names, where we were from, gave us a bunch of history on the place and the area, all before we even went inside! Inside was something else! It's very Coca-Cola focused but it's quite a site to behold. Frankly my favorite part of the stop was getting a chance to chat with Tom and feel hos excitement and energy around the Route and its history. He provided us with some Route books that came in super helpful and gave us tips for the trip. Wonderful stop.

Very cool place I walked too after visiting the two cell jail. It's a great route 66 attraction as…read morewell as a Coke Collectors dream that I'm sure they'll drive hundreds of miles to visit. You can go inside to my knowledge which we were unable to do but it's definitely an awe inspiring building

Just a cool place to hang out and grab a beer. But, remember to bring cash…read more What a relaxed atmosphere, this hidden gem, I'm sure rocks during the summer time. This dump is all ambiance, I know that doesn't make sense, but if you pull up in your boat, it will make perfect sense. The only place better is Fox's in Miami.

A great place to enjoy a cold beverage on a hot summer day. We have watched the sunset many times…read morefrom the deck that overlooks the river. On a nice summer weekend this place will see hundreds of motorcycles stop by as well as quite a few boaters pulling up to their docks. We also never miss their annual polar plunge on New Years Day the place is always packed.

Don't walk in expecting something fancy this is not it Walk in and you're stepping back in time to…read moreyour old school tavern locals hanging out that treat you like family step in further you will find table seating for lunch or dinner date the food is done with quality products and it shows . and a stage for live music out back they have outdoor seating. It can get busy at times being located right off Route 66 also during the famous Catfish Days but every time we have gone the service was Good.

Great atmosphere! Especially in the summer out on the back bar area. Locally owned and operated.read more