It is a five-minute drive from one end of Marseilles to the other and there is just one stop sign along the way. Much the same is true of neighboring Seneca. Neighbors know neighbors and shopkeepers know customers by their first names. A friendly climate prevails in both Marseilles and Seneca. The two communities are separated by a five-mile stretch of valley and hillside land dotted with industry, fascinating campgrounds, and fine homes.
Recreation is a primary resource in the River Valley Area.
Marinas are spotted along the shores of the Illinois River. Four major state parks are near the two communities, providing hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowmobile trails, plus camping, picnicking, and other recreational opportunities. Illini Park is as near as just across the river from downtown Marseilles. Numerous campgrounds command idyllic locations on the bluff above the river, some offering stables and trails for horseback riding. Both communities are situated in the Illinois-Michigan Canal National Historic Corridor, an attraction that draws thousands of visitors annually.