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Ottawa, Illinois: The Ultimate Guide to Fun and Best Things to Do and Places to Visit (No Boring Stuff, We Promise!)

Ottawa is a town where you can watch things being made by hand. Starved Rock Hot Glass runs live demonstrations of glassblowing you can join. The Open Space Art Gallery & Studios puts you in front of the artists themselves. The downtown murals cover the history and the industrial past of the city. Art in the Park then fills Washington Square Park with local work.

Planning a trip to Ottawa, Illinois? Get ready for a full few days in this small town. Heart-racing activities, historical landmarks, natural wonders, sports and recreation, food and drink, or shopping and souvenirs: Ottawa has a version of each. This article works through the things to do and places to visit in Ottawa, Illinois.

Art people will do well here, because Ottawa has a working arts scene. You can walk the local art galleries, take art classes, and go to art events. And for something faster, Ottawa has skydiving, ziplining, ATV riding and paintball.

And there is more. Ottawa also has historical landmarks, natural wonders, sports and recreation facilities, food and drink, and places to shop. History buff, nature enthusiast, sports fan, someone who eats well, or someone who shops: Ottawa covers each. So pack the bags.

Key Takeaways

• Ottawa, Illinois, has something for everyone, from art galleries and classes to adrenaline-pumping activities like skydiving and ziplining.
• The town is also home to several historical landmarks, natural wonders, sports and recreation facilities, food and drink establishments, and shopping destinations.
• No matter what your interests are, Ottawa, Illinois, is the perfect destination for an exciting and unforgettable trip.

The Artistic Side of Ottawa

Are you an art person? Then Ottawa will suit you. The town has a working arts scene. Here are a few places to start:

Discovering Open Space Art Gallery & Studios

For an unusual art experience, go to the Open Space Art Gallery & Studios. The gallery runs a spread of art sculptures and installations worth the time. And you get to meet the artists themselves, who are glad to talk through their process and where the work came from.

Exploring Starved Rock Hot Glass

Want to watch glassblowing up close? Go to Starved Rock Hot Glass. The studio runs live demonstrations, where you can watch the artisans turn molten glass into finished work. And you can try your own hand at glassblowing there.

Admiring Downtown Murals

Walk through downtown Ottawa and you get the murals. The work covers the history and culture of the city, local landmarks through to the industrial past. So take the camera and get some pictures.

Seasoned art enthusiast or just after an afternoon, the artistic side of Ottawa holds up. So take a break from the routine and go find the creative side of this town.

Adrenaline-Pumping Activities

Want a rush? Ottawa, Illinois runs activities that will get the heart going.

Awesome Ottawa Tours

Take the open road with Awesome Ottawa Tours. Get on a motorcycle and ride the countryside. The wind and the road do the rest. And if you cannot ride a motorcycle, they run lessons for beginners.

For something less traditional, take their ATV tours. Go into the backwoods of Ottawa and get properly muddy.

Skydiving With Skydive Chicago

Ready for the big one? Skydive Chicago runs the highest skydiving in the Midwest. You go out at 14,000 feet, with the Illinois River Valley opening up below you.

If you have never skydived, they run tandem jumps with certified instructors. You are in good hands through the freefall at 120 mph.

And for more than that, take their Accelerated Freefall Program. You train to become a certified skydiver, from proper body position through to parachute deployment.

Thrill-seeker or just after something new, Ottawa, Illinois has enough to keep the heart going.

Historical Landmarks

Ottawa, Illinois is full of historical landmarks that take you back. Here are two worth putting on the list:

Visiting Reddick Mansion

History travelers should not miss the Reddick Mansion. Built in 1855, the Italianate-style mansion shows the wealth of the Reddick family. It has been well-preserved and restored, and there is a guided tour taking in the original furnishings, paintings and artifacts.

Walking through the mansion puts you back a long way. Picture yourself taking tea with Mrs. Reddick in the parlor, or talking with Mr. Reddick in his study. And with luck you may catch the ghost of Mrs. Reddick, who is said to haunt the place.

Reliving the Lincoln-Douglas Debate

Are you an Abraham Lincoln reader? Then the Lincoln-Douglas debate in Ottawa is for you. In 1858, Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas debated seven times over a United States Senate seat. One of those debates was held in Ottawa, and you can still visit the site.

The debate site is marked by a plaque, and you can stand where Lincoln and Douglas stood over 150 years ago. Picture the tension as the two men worked through the hard questions of the day. The crowd cheering and jeering is not hard to hear.

These historical landmarks are a good way into the history of Ottawa, Illinois. History buff or just after something to do, they hold up.

Natural Wonders

Nature people should be in Ottawa, Illinois. Hiking through to exploring, there is plenty of natural ground here. Here are a few spots to find:

Exploring Buffalo Rock State Park

Buffalo Rock State Park is one of the quieter finds in Ottawa. The park holds gorges and seasonal waterfalls worth the walk. Take a stroll along the Illinois River and let the scenery do the work. There are hiking trails as well. And watch for the bison that roam the park.

Hiking at Starved Rock State Park

For a challenge, go to Starved Rock State Park. The park is known for hard hiking trails, and the views pay for them. Towering canyons through to seasonal waterfalls, the ground runs dramatic. Bring the camera.

Adventures on the Illinois River

The Illinois River is a popular spot for water activities. Rent a kayak or canoe and take the river at your own pace. Watch for the wildlife that lives along it. And if you want, try fishing. The Illinois River holds catfish, bass and walleye.

However you take the natural side of Ottawa, it will stay with you. So grab the hiking boots and go.

Sports and Recreation

Skating at Paramount Skating Arena

Want to feel like a kid again? Go to Paramount Skating Arena, where you can lace up and get round the rink. Seasoned skater or first-timer, the place works either way.

Hockey people get the hockey leagues and clinics at the rink. And if hockey is not your thing, the public skating sessions still do the job.

And if you are wobbly on skates, the staff will give you a hand. Just try not to take anyone down with you.

Bowling in Ottawa

For something fun that does not need much effort, bowling is the answer. Go to the local bowling alley and see what you have.

Seasoned pro or complete newbie, knocking down those pins is good work. And if you want the competition, challenge your friends and see who comes out on top.

And if you get hungry, take a bite at the snack bar in the alley. Just keep the grease off the bowling ball.

So where does a town of this size get its own glassblowing studio? Ottawa has been making things by hand for a very long time, and it shows. The Reddick Mansion was built in 1855 and has been kept intact since. The Lincoln-Douglas debate site of 1858 is still marked and still standing there. None of this was bought in and then dropped down here ready-made.

Food and Drink

Looking for somewhere to eat in Ottawa, Illinois? Here are the places that will settle it.

Dining at Shakers Sports Bar

For somewhere to sit and watch the game, Shakers Sports Bar is the place. The drinks list runs long and the food holds up. Order the chicken wings, crispy outside and juicy inside. Or take the buffalo chicken dip, which is the one people order. And wash it down with a cold beer or a cocktail.

Craft Beer Tasting

Beer people should not skip the craft beer tasting in Ottawa. With this many breweries, something will suit you. Take the award-winning beers at Tangled Roots Brewing Company, or go to Tangled Roots Tap Room for a quieter room. And for something different, take the beer garden at Radium City Brewing, where the beer comes with live music.

A night out at a sports bar or a craft beer tasting, Ottawa covers both. Cheers to good food and drink.

Events and Festivals

Looking for events and festivals in Ottawa, Illinois? The city runs them all year. Here are the ones worth catching:

May Festivities

May is a good time to be in Ottawa, Illinois. The weather is right and there are events to fill it. Here are a few of our favorites:

Riverfest

The annual festival takes place on Memorial Day weekend and runs live music, carnival rides, food vendors and more. It opens the summer season properly.

Art in the Park

The outdoor art festival takes place in Washington Square Park and runs work by local artists. It is a good place to find unusual gifts and souvenirs.

Cruisin’ for a Cause

The classic car show is held in downtown Ottawa and raises money for local charities. You get the cars and you support a good cause.

March Happenings

March is not the warmest month in Ottawa, but there is still plenty on. Here are a few events to find:

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The annual parade is a favorite with locals and visitors alike. It celebrates Irish heritage and it is a good time.

Maple Syrup Festival

The festival takes place at Starved Rock State Park and celebrates everything maple syrup. You can take a guided tour of the sugar bush, watch a maple syrup-making demonstration, and eat the results.

Easter Egg Hunt

The annual event takes place at Riordan Pool and is open to kids of all ages. It gets everyone into the Easter spirit.

Whenever you come to Ottawa, Illinois, something is on. So pack the bags and go.

Outdoor Activities

Want fresh air? Ottawa, Illinois runs a spread of outdoor activities that will get the heart going. Hiking through to camping, there is a version of each. Here are the outdoor activities worth taking in Ottawa.

Parks and Hiking Trails

For a scenic hike, Ottawa has trails to choose from. Catlin Park is a popular spot for hiking and picnicking. With over 250 acres of land, there is room to move. The park runs several hiking trails of varying difficulty, so seasoned hiker or beginner, a trail will fit.

For a harder hike, go to Starved Rock State Park. The park runs 13 miles of trail winding through canyons and waterfalls. The views pay for the work, but be ready for it. The trails can be steep and rocky, so wear sturdy shoes and carry plenty of water.

Camping in Ottawa

To spend a night under the stars, Ottawa has camping options. Starved Rock State Park runs campsites for both tents and RVs. The campsites sit near the hiking trails, so the park is right there.

For something more secluded, go to Buffalo Rock State Park. The park runs primitive campsites reachable only by hiking or canoeing. You bring your own supplies, but the quiet pays for it.

Whichever outdoor activity you take, Ottawa, Illinois has the options. So grab the hiking boots and go.

Shopping and Souvenirs

Shopping on La Salle Street

Looking for retail therapy? Go to La Salle Street in Ottawa, Illinois, where the shops run the range. Clothing boutiques through to antique stores, the street has it.

Vintage people should take the antique shops, the Rusty Rooster or the Ottawa Antique Mall. You never know what you will turn up.

For unusual gifts or souvenirs, go to the Ottawa Visitors Center Gift Shop. There are local products in there, handmade jewelry, pottery and artwork among them. And you support local artists and businesses.

For clothes, take the boutique shops, the Pink Chandelier or the Reddick Mansion Gift Shop. Both run trendy and stylish clothing that will stand out.

And no shopping trip is finished without the Sweet Surprises Candy Shoppe. Stock up on the sweets, classic candies through to gourmet chocolates.

So grab the wallet and go shop La Salle Street.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of mischief can I get into in Ottawa, Illinois?

Some people ask about the old abandoned power plant on the west side of Ottawa. Do not go in. It is dangerous and it is illegal, and there is nothing in there worth the trouble.

What’s the wildest adventure I can have near Starved Rock?

For heart-pumping action, go to Zip Chicago and get through the treetops. It is a bird, it is a plane, it is you. Scream as needed.

Can I find any hidden gems in the small towns around Ottawa, Illinois?

Absolutely. Drive through the small towns of Utica, Grand Ridge and Seneca, and you will turn up antique shops, cafes and friendly locals. You may even find a swimming hole or two.

Are there any quirky museums or attractions in the area?

You bet. Take the Reddick Mansion, a Victorian-era home turned museum, or the Weber House and Garden, an art installation and sculpture garden. And if you are feeling brave, there is the haunted Trolley Tour.

Where can I find the best local cuisine in Ottawa, Illinois?

For classic American cooking, go to Hank’s Farm Restaurant. For Italy, take August Hill Winery and its bright, warm tasting room. And do not skip a burger and a shake at Joy and Ed’s Drive-In.

What’s the best way to burn off all those calories from the delicious food in Ottawa, Illinois?

Take a hike. Starved Rock State Park runs miles of scenic trail and opens out over the Illinois River. Or rent a bike and ride the historic I&M Canal Trail. And if you want more again, sign up for a whitewater rafting trip on the nearby Vermillion River.

Frequently asked questions about Ottawa, Illinois

Which park near Ottawa carries the harder set of hiking trails?

Starved Rock State Park. It runs 13 miles of trail winding through canyons and waterfalls, the ground underfoot can be very steep and very rocky, and it holds campsites for both tents and RVs. Catlin Park covers over 250 acres of much easier hiking and picnicking ground. Buffalo Rock State Park then has the gorges, seasonal waterfalls and roaming bison. Wear sturdy shoes for Starved Rock and carry plenty of water with you.

Which Ottawa festival lands in the middle of spring?

Riverfest, on Memorial Day weekend. It runs live music, carnival rides and food vendors, and it opens the summer season, with Art in the Park and Cruisin’ for a Cause alongside it in the month of May. The Maple Syrup Festival then takes March over at Starved Rock State Park. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade and an Easter Egg Hunt fill it out. March and May carry most of the calendar between the two of them.

Which Ottawa brewery is worth building an evening around?

Tangled Roots Brewing Company. Its beers have won awards, the Tangled Roots Tap Room runs a quieter room of its own, and Radium City Brewing keeps a beer garden with live music playing in it. Shakers Sports Bar handles the game with wings and buffalo chicken dip. August Hill Winery runs a tasting room for anyone off the beer entirely. Start at the brewery and let the beer garden take the rest.

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