Ottawa IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Ottawa, Illinois.
1. Illinois Waterway Visitor Center
RIVER NAVIGATION EDUCATION
The Illinois Waterway Visitor Center offers guests an informative look at the river navigation system with interactive exhibits and educational displays. Visitors can watch barges and boats pass through the locks from an observation deck that provides panoramic views of the Illinois River. The center serves as a gateway to understanding the historical and contemporary importance of waterways in the region's transportation network.
2. Reddick Mansion and Gardens
HISTORIC ARCHITECTURAL GEM
Reddick Mansion and Gardens showcases impressive Italianate architecture from the 1850s, offering a glimpse into Ottawa's affluent past. The mansion features period furnishings, ornate detailing, and beautifully maintained gardens that transport visitors to a bygone era. Special events including candlelight tours during the holidays make this historic home a year-round attraction for history enthusiasts.
3. Heritage Harbor
WATERFRONT RESORT COMMUNITY
Heritage Harbor offers a comprehensive waterfront resort experience with marina access, recreational activities, and lodging options. This vibrant community serves as a base camp for adventures throughout all seasons, allowing visitors to enjoy water activities, nearby trails, and natural attractions. Whether staying for a day or planning a longer retreat, Heritage Harbor provides beautiful riverside accommodations in a picturesque setting.
4. Buffalo Rock State Park
SCENIC RIVER OVERLOOKS
Buffalo Rock State Park provides visitors with hiking trails featuring outstanding views overlooking the Illinois River valley. The park's unique geological formations and natural habitats offer excellent opportunities for nature photography and wildlife observation. Once home to native American settlements, this historical location now serves as a peaceful retreat with picnic areas and educational displays about the region's natural history.
5. Starved Rock River Adventures
GUIDED RIVER EXCURSIONS
Starved Rock River Adventures offers family-friendly boat rentals and guided river tours emphasizing safety and outdoor exploration. Visitors can paddle along scenic waterways while learning about the natural and cultural history of the Illinois River region. This locally-owned business provides equipment and expertise for enjoying the water, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced paddlers.
6. Washington Square Park
HISTORIC DEBATE SITE
Washington Square Park marks the significant historical site where Abraham Lincoln delivered his first debate speech against Stephen Douglas in 1858. This well-preserved green space in downtown Ottawa features commemorative markers, beautiful landscaping, and interpretive displays about the famous debates. Visitors can walk the same grounds where Lincoln once stood, connecting with a pivotal moment in American political history.
7. Abraham Lincoln-Stephen Douglas Debate Site
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORY LANDMARK
The Abraham Lincoln-Stephen Douglas Debate Site commemorates the location of the first of seven historic debates between these political rivals during the 1858 senatorial campaign. Interpretive displays recount the issues discussed and the significance of these debates that helped shape Lincoln's political career before his presidency. Visitors can stand in the very spot where thousands gathered to hear these influential orators discuss the pressing issues of their time.
8. Allen Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION HUB
Allen Park serves as Ottawa's premier city park with diverse recreational facilities for all ages and interests. Visitors can enjoy numerous amenities including sports fields, playgrounds, and walking paths throughout the beautifully maintained grounds. The park has expanded its cultural offerings with art sculptures displayed throughout the landscape, blending natural and artistic experiences.
9. Awesome Ottawa Tours
GUIDED CITY EXPLORATIONS
Awesome Ottawa Tours provides guided experiences showcasing the city's rich history, architecture, and cultural highlights through knowledgeable local perspectives. Tours cover various themes including historical events, architectural significance, and interesting local stories not found in typical guidebooks. These guided explorations allow visitors to discover hidden gems and gain deeper appreciation for Ottawa's unique character and heritage.
10. Starved Rock Hot Glass
ARTISAN GLASS WORKSHOP
Starved Rock Hot Glass showcases the ancient art of glassblowing with demonstrations by skilled artisans creating colorful, unique pieces. Visitors can observe the fascinating process of transforming molten glass into beautiful art objects and functional items. The studio also offers workshops where guests can try their hand at this specialized craft under expert guidance.
11. Skydive Chicago
THRILLING AERIAL ADVENTURES
Skydive Chicago delivers adrenaline-pumping experiences for adventure seekers looking to take the ultimate plunge from thousands of feet above the Illinois landscape. Certified instructors provide comprehensive training and tandem jumps for first-timers, ensuring a safe and exhilarating introduction to skydiving. The facility includes amenities for spectators and jumpers alike, making it a complete destination for those seeking high-flying thrills.
12. Ottawa Historical and Scouting Heritage Museum
LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Ottawa Historical and Scouting Heritage Museum preserves and displays artifacts chronicling the city's development and its unique connection to the Boy Scout movement. Exhibits showcase Ottawa's industrial heritage, notable residents, and the evolution of scouting traditions throughout the decades. Interactive displays engage visitors of all ages while telling the story of this Illinois river town and its contributions to American youth development.
13. Chief Standing Proud Statue
NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBUTE
The Chief Standing Proud Statue stands as a dignified monument honoring the Native American heritage of the Ottawa region. This impressive sculpture captures the strength and cultural significance of indigenous peoples who first inhabited the area. Visitors can reflect on the historical connections between the land, its original stewards, and the city that now bears a name derived from the Ottawa tribe.
14. Fox River Aqueduct
HISTORIC CANAL ENGINEERING
The Fox River Aqueduct represents a remarkable feat of 19th-century engineering designed to carry the Illinois and Michigan Canal over the Fox River. Originally built in 1838 with a wooden structure, the aqueduct was modernized with steel in 1922 while maintaining its historical significance. This engineering landmark illustrates the crucial role of canal systems in the development of transportation and commerce in Illinois before the railroad era.
15. Dayton Bluffs Preserves
NATURAL RIVERSIDE SANCTUARY
Dayton Bluffs Preserves offers visitors a serene natural area with diverse ecosystems including woodlands, prairies, and river access points. Hiking trails wind through the preserve, providing opportunities to observe native plants and wildlife in their natural habitats. This conservation area protects important ecological features while allowing for passive recreation and nature appreciation just minutes from downtown Ottawa.