Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development

Welcome to the Illinois Valley! The area, which encompasses the cities of LaSalle, Peru, Oglesby, Spring Valley and Wenona as well as a number of smaller villages, is conveniently situated in north-central Illinois, within a 60-mile radius of Rockford, Peoria, Bloomington-Normal and Rock Island-Moline and just 90 miles from Chicago.

We at the Illinois Valley Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development are eager to show you what makes our area so special, from the beautiful scenery and exciting recreational opportunities to the qualities that make it a great place to visit, raise a family or operate a business.

We offer many economic opportunities and incentives for businesses and industrial firms, and the local landscape includes the Illinois River and surrounding woodlands as well as expansive farmland, which supports a diverse industrial, service and agricultural economy.

Special Events: Soaring High

In the Illinois Valley, there's always something going on, with hundreds of festivals, community events, tours, concerts, theatrical productions and more taking place each year.

This month, locals and out-of-towners alike are gearing up for the annual Bald Eagle Watch Weekend, to be held January 28-29. The magnificent raptors can be seen soaring the skies of the Illinois Valley every winter as they stop here during their annual migration from Canada. Viewing is particularly good at the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center, adjacent to Starved Rock State Park, where the birds perch on trees along the river and fish below the lock and dam. During the weekend, which is sponsored by the Illinois Audobon Society, there will be free activities and programs for both adults and children.

Throughout January and February, the Starved Rock Lodge also offers Bald Eagle Trolley Tours several times a week, which include a meal in the lodge dining room and transportation to the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center. For more information about Bald Eagle Watch Weekend, visit www.illinoisaudobon.org. For information about the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center, call 815-667-4054; to contact the Starved Rock Lodge, call 800-868-7625 or visit www.starvedrocklodge.com.