Just minutes from STEAMBOAT LANDING, the Marshall County State Fish and Wildlife Area (the state's largest) is located on 6000 acres of scenic Illinois River backwaters, bottom lands, bluffs, and byways- with the added benefit of being in the flyway of ducks and bald eagles many of whom make the Illinois River Valley their home during the winter - and offering visitors the chance to view them up close.

STEAMBOAT LANDING is practically next door to Bureau County. Whether it be touring an underground railroad site or strolling through antique shops, Bureau county, and its seat Princeton, has many unique sights and experiences you won't want to miss.

Between the towns of Princeton, Sheffield, Wyanet and La Moille, antique lovers will make several great finds at the several malls and shops throughout the area. And Princeton's Main street is lined with unique shops offering everything from hand-crafted gifts and custom-scented soaps to Victorian gifts and inviting tearooms filled with treasures.

Bureau County's Red Covered Bridge is located north of Princeton on Rte. 26. Built in 1863, it is one of three remaining covered bridges in Illinois and is still open to traffic.

Another neighbor, Stark County, has the 26-mile Rock Island Trail with stops in Toulon and Wyoming that offers hikers, bikers, and cross country skiers beautiful country scenery in every season. While in Wyoming, visitors can take a stop from the trail and visit the town's historic depot.

Stay at STEAMBOAT LANDING to visit local festivals and fairs, such as Marshall/Putnam County Fair, July 15-20, or The Illinois State Morel Mushroom Hunting Championship and Spongy Fungi Festival. on the first weekend of every May.

The area has many farmers markets and orchards. People come from many miles away to visit Tanners Orchard which has lots of fresh produce, pumpkin picking, free apple cider, horse rides for the kids, animal barn, apple express train, wagon rides, sandwiches and freshly baked items.

About 20 miles from Henry, the Wildlife Prairie Park is one of the nation's premier wildlife parks.
Discover the animals that called Illinois home during the pioneer days. This unique 2,000 acre zoological park is home to wolves, bison, waterfowl, black bear, elk, cougar, bobcat, otter and much more. You will enjoy the Park's spectacular natural settings, butterfly garden, wildflowers, lakes, and restored prairie.

The famous Starved Rock State Park is half-hour drive away. Enjoy the quiet ride through the entrance to the Park and spot a wild turkey along the roadside or a majestic buck nibbling the fresh spring grass lining your path. There you can hike to the top of Starved Rock and learn all the history behind the great battle that gave the rock its name. Or go to Lovers Leap. There are miles and miles of hiking trails through the quiet woods to spectacular waterfalls and canyons. There are a wide array of activities available: horseback riding, boating, fishing, swimming, bicycling, canoeing, white water rafting, picnicking, and more!

Cross-country skiing can be enjoyed in the picnic area and at nearby Matthiessen State Park. Cross-country ski rentals are available at the Matthiessen Dells Area on weekends December through March. Tobogganing and sledding are possible east of the main parking lot, where you'll also find an ice skating area and heated washrooms. Snowmobiling is not allowed anywhere at Starved Rock, but is allowed at the I & M Canal one mile to the north in Utica.

There are equestrian trails and an equestrian campground along Illinois Route 178. Horse rentals are available on weekends in April and November and Wednesday through Sunday from May through October on Route 71, a half-mile west of Illinois Route 178.