La Salle County

La Salle County is an administrative county in Illinois that spreads across the Fox Valley and Illinois River Valley, encompassing multiple communities and natural areas. The county's landscape is shaped by river valleys where towns and state parks are situated along waterways.

The county was established in 1831 from parts of Tazewell and Putnam Counties and named after French explorer René-Robert Cavelier who mapped the area. Construction of the Illinois & Michigan Canal in the 1800s brought thousands of workers and transformed the region.

The county's communities reflect their origins as working-class settlements built around early industries like quarrying and milling. Walking through towns here, you notice the sturdy brick buildings from that era that still define the local character.

A car is the best way to explore the scattered communities and natural areas throughout the county. Major attractions like state parks are accessible along main roads in the Illinois River Valley.

The county is home to three major state parks along the Illinois River, including Starved Rock with its distinctive canyons and waterfalls. These parks stand out as natural features that visitors often seek out when exploring the area.

GPS coordinates: 28.33911,-99.09823

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:23