Welcome from the Mayor!!
Dear Guest,
Thank you for taking the time to check out our home, the city of Marseilles. We are a city on the move, from our river, to our highways and to our commitment to growing our economy.
Whether you are looking for a home, a location for your business or simply somewhere to get away, Marseilles could be just what you are looking for. Located just 90 minutes from several major cities including Chicago, Peoria and Rockford, Marseilles is an easy drive with convenient access to major roadways. Set right on the banks of the Illinois River and enhanced by sandstone bluffs and winding creeks, the historic Illinois Michigan Canal and beautiful Illini State Park, there is always a great adventure just waiting for you.
Year after year families and outdoor enthusiasts return to Marseilles. With five campgrounds close by that offer several different camping opportunities, as well as hotel accommodations which are just minutes away, Marseilles has become a great place for a “Staycation”. Fishing and boating, skidoos and kayaking are all very popular water activities on the Illinois River. Two free boat launches and large parking facilities located in Illini State Park, as well as miles of shore line to pull off for picnics or to cast a line, Marseilles is a convenient and relaxing location to enjoy the water. There are myriad marinas in the area to support your fun, and to brag a bit, our stretch of river boasts one of the best “pools” in the area.
One of the largest Walleye Tournaments held on any inland waterway is held very close to Marseilles. Locally, there are expert guide services available or current fishing facts are available on line. There are miles of trails for biking and hiking. If sidewalks are more your speed, stroll our downtown and continue onto the city’s river front plaza that sits just off the Main Street. The River Plaza is the site of a beautiful memorial dedicated to the men and women that have lost their lives in combat since the beginning of the Middle East Conflict. This monument was dedicated in 200 and each year thousands of visitors come to Marseilles to pay homage to these soldiers. The city also offers great eateries, shops and supplies close by or on the river. Marseilles is a Portal Community on the scenic Illinois By Way that connects you to miles and miles of adventures with in short drive times from Marseilles.
Marseilles is strategically located on the river, and several industries have taken advantage of that, choosing to locate in this area. Additional transportation opportunities include rail service, major airports and interstates within a short distance. New city limits have been extended north with easy access to I-80. Recently, several new businesses and stores have opened their doors with great success. We are also proud to be the home to several new “green” structures, which local industries have built. Marseilles has experienced growth during the past decade. New industrial sites as well as additional services at the Illinois National Guard Complex have grown our economic base.
If you are looking to locate your family to a small town atmosphere, Marseilles Elementary School has approximately 500 students and our high school students attend Ottawa Township High School. There are also a few private secondary schools available to choose from. Illinois Valley Junior College now offers two sites for higher education; the main campus is located in Oglesby and there is now a site located in Ottawa, just minutes away from Marseilles.
If you attended or graduated from Marseilles High School, we hope you have taken the time to browse through the Classmates section of this site. Please check our Calendar of Events as well as the LaSalle County Tourism web site.
We invite you to come and check out our hometown…Marseilles, a city on the move. I look forward to welcoming you and thank you for your interest!
Sincerely,
Patricia A. Smith
Mayor, Marseilles
