Salt Kettle Rest Area

"My family and I loved this rest stop, we’re traveling through Illinois so on our travels we grabbed Burger King and then stoped here to eat. The picnic area was clean and the tables nice. There’s a little retention pond so you had some nice scenery to view. You can tell the grounds of the rest stop is well maintained, there are even cute potted flowers all over. The inside is just as clean, they have a large selection of local informational magazines as well as what appears to be a tour guide desk with multiple employees. I was happy with the cleanliness of the bathroom as well!"

"Very beautiful on the spring day we stopped! Tulips blooming, ducks on the pond with water fountain going... gorgeous scenery with shelters over several permanent picnic tables! Concrete sidewalks good shape and wide. Inside bathrooms were very clean. Lots of vending machines. Attende was cleaning."

"The small pond with its aerating fountain is a nice touch and a prominent feature at this rest area. It is easily viewed from the sidewalk on the south side of the building as well as any of the covered picnic tables just off of the (passenger vehicle) parking lot. This rest area also stands apart from most Illinois rest areas because it doubles as an information center. When staffed, there are several racks of brochures that describe some of what Illinois has to offer. Some of these describe specific locations while others, like the bi-annual ‘Enjoy Illinois’ magazine offers a look at several options within the state. (Despite being a long time resident of the state, this is still my favorite publication for inspiration and ideas for future exploration.). On the days when this rest area isn’t staffed, most of the brochures may be locked up, but a few of the most popular brochures are still out where they are available. This rest area has several vending machines including multiple snack machines, multiple cold beverage machines, a hot beverage machine, and a bill breaker (that was out of order on my most recent visit, but if I remember correctly from previous visits dispenses a combination of dollar coins and quarters)"

"Main building is closed at this point. Signs don't say for how long but still use the picnic tables. Get out stretch your legs. Got a gorgeous pond you can walk around. Do watch out for dog poop. Few people decided not to clean up after their pets"

"Plenty of truck parking available during the day hours and clean restrooms. Vending machines and nice open space area to relax from long hours of driving. One of the nicest rest areas in Illinois."