HISTORY OF LA SALLE COUNTY TRAVEL

La Salle County Travel of 545 First Street, LaSalle,  was founded in 1946 by William Stanton and was located in the basement of the Knights of Columbus building on Gooding Street in La Salle, long before there were computers and deregulation. There was a time when Travel Agencies were far and few between and La Salle County Travel was the only Agency located in North Central Illinois for miles around.

Shortly after, they relocated to the 3rd floor of the State Bank building in La Salle. In 1960 they moved to the  Kaskaskia Building on Second Street in La Salle until 1991 when the business moved to its present location on First Street.  When Mr. Stanton died in the 1950's, Ruth (McInerney) McKown purchased the business and worked full time until her death November 1, 1987.  Ruth also opened La Salle County Travel of Streator IL. in 1960.  Ardene (Blakeslee) Peterson joined the agency in 1964 after working for American Airlines in Chicago; and her co-owner Ruth "Billie" Bonnell joined the agency in 1970. The travel agencies were purchased by Ardene (Blakeslee) Peterson and Ruth "Billie" Bonnell in 1986.  They sold the Streator Agency shortly after.  Anna Lijewski joined the agency in 1988 after working for TWA in Chicago, followed by Gina Olsen in 1993. Shiryl Arends joined the staff in 2001. We also have six outside sales agents.  The staff at LaSalle County Travel are experts when it comes to honeymoons, cruises, family vacations, weekend getaways or business travel. The company's professional experience can fulfill all travel needs, and offer the lowest possible airfares, discounted cruises, Amtrak, tours, hotels and car rental services. We are celebrating our 58th year in business making us the oldest licensed bonded Travel Agency in the Illinois Valley area. We have the latest up-to-date computer system to help our valued customers get the best rates and information available. We are licensed, bonded and offer 100,000 flight insurance on each ticket sold. 

We have a toll free phone (800-225-5071) and offer ticket delivery. 
Excellence is a goal of a Travel Agency, at LaSalle County Travel it is a recognized achievement.