North Utica, IL

North Utica is a small Illinois River town of about 1,300 people, located 90 miles southwest of Chicago in LaSalle County. Reach it via I-80 to Exit 81, then Route 178 north. The town sits at a scenic river bend with rolling farmland all around. Route 178 connects to I-39 for regional access, while Route 6 follows the river valley. The Starved Rock Lock and Dam here controls river traffic and generates hydroelectric power.