Ottawa Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Northern Illinois featuring outdoor art
Starved Rock State Park featuring a cascade
Northern Illinois featuring signage
Starved Rock State Park featuring forest scenes as well as a couple
Washington Square Park which includes a statue or sculpture and a park

The site of the first Lincoln-Douglas debate is also the perfect place to base an adventure into the region’s many state parks, famous for their rock formations.

Located at the meeting of the Fox and Illinois rivers, Ottawa, Illinois, has long been a destination for nature lovers and history buffs. Known as the gateway to some of Illinois’ most famous state parks, it also has a charming, neighborly feel. Wander through its historic downtown, the site of the first of the famous debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas. Then set out into the Midwest wilderness.

Explore downtown Ottawa on foot, meandering through the historic old town district in search of its many brightly painted murals. Washington Square Park, site of the Lincoln-Douglas debate, is ringed with several works of public art and crowned by a bronze statue of the two men.

Go back in time at the Reddick Mansion, an enormous Italianate creation that was one of the most expensive residences built in the mid-19th century. Take a leisurely stroll or bike ride down the Riverwalk, a paved trail along the Fox and Illinois rivers with many fishing opportunities.

Prepare for your trip to the outdoors at the Ottawa Historical and Scouting Heritage Museum, which explores the history of scouting. Practice knots, pack your car and head out to Starved Rock State Park, an enormous wilderness featuring elaborate rock canyons. Nearby Buffalo Rock State Park has solitary experiences among rocks and a herd of buffalo. Bring your hiking boots and a picnic to enjoy one of the most naturally beautiful parts of Illinois.

Ottawa is located in northern Illinois, between Chicago and Peoria. The closest major airport is Chicago O’Hare International Airport, a 1.5-hour drive away. Drive from downtown Peoria in the same amount of time. There is no longer a rail connection to the town. The region is best explored with a personal vehicle.

The sleepy small-town ambiance of Ottawa is great for relaxing. Before you leave, have a jolt of excitement on a skydiving experience.

Postcard Cabins Starved Rock

Postcard Cabins Starved Rock

2 out of 5
1879 N 2703rd Rd, Ottawa, IL
The price is ₹12,806 per night from 22 Jul to 23 Jul
₹12,806
₹17,550 total
22 Jul - 23 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this cabin in Ottawa. Enjoy free parking, patios and climate control. Popular attractions Tangled Roots Brewing Company - The Lone Buffalo and Washington ...
10/10 Exceptional! (33 reviews)
"By far one of the best Glamping experiences I’ve had. My children had so much fun and our Family dog enjoyed it even more. Very comfortable and cozy at the same time and best part the A/C was amazing after enjoying the hot weather. Will definitely be coming back."

Reviewed on 7 Jul 2025

Postcard Cabins Starved Rock
Comfort Inn Ottawa Starved Rock Area

Comfort Inn Ottawa Starved Rock Area

2.5 out of 5
120 W. Stevenson Road, Ottawa, IL
The price is ₹8,818 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹8,818
₹9,786 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (670 reviews)
"Comfort Inn Ottawa was clean, comfortable and a great location for our tavels. Like other reviews, we did have room key issues. We knew this ahead of time & kept trying until the door would unlock. There was a trick to having one person do the key and the other ready to turn the handle when the light ..."

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

Comfort Inn Ottawa Starved Rock Area
Super 8 by Wyndham Ottawa Starved Rock

Super 8 by Wyndham Ottawa Starved Rock

2 out of 5
500 East Etna Rd., Ottawa, IL
The price is ₹6,209 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹6,209
₹6,891 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,007 reviews)
"spacious room, comfy pillows, could use a better television but overall nice place to stay."

Reviewed on 10 Jul 2025

Super 8 by Wyndham Ottawa Starved Rock
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Postcard Cabins Starved Rock

Postcard Cabins Starved Rock

2 out of 5
1879 N 2703rd Rd, Ottawa, IL
Stay at this cabin in Ottawa. Enjoy free parking, patios and climate control. Popular attractions Tangled Roots Brewing Company - The Lone Buffalo and Washington ...
10/10 Exceptional! (33 reviews)
"By far one of the best Glamping experiences I’ve had. My children had so much fun and our Family dog enjoyed it even more. Very comfortable and cozy at the same time and best part the A/C was amazing after enjoying the hot weather. Will definitely be coming back."

Reviewed on 7 Jul 2025

Postcard Cabins Starved Rock
KAYAK STARVED ROCK CAMPGROUND

KAYAK STARVED ROCK CAMPGROUND

1 out of 5
1170 N 27th Rd, Ottawa, IL
Stay at this campsite in Ottawa. Enjoy free parking, a picnic area and boat tours on-site. Popular attractions Starved Rock State Park and Illinois Canyon Trailhead ...
"Stafff was great. Campground was ok but turned into a party zone at night. Music screaming yelling slamming doors constantly. I ppacked up and left for a hotel at 1 am. Party on both ends was going strong."

Reviewed on 31 Aug 2024

KAYAK STARVED ROCK CAMPGROUND
Harbor Master Villa #230

Harbor Master Villa #230

3.5 out of 5
230 Leeward Way, Ottawa, IL
Stay at this 3.5-star holiday home in Ottawa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Reddick Mansion and Washington Square Park ...
"Very cute, nice view of harbor. Plenty of parks for hiking close by."

Reviewed on 6 May 2020

Harbor Master Villa #230
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Ottawa