Ottawa, Illinois travel guide: things to do, food & where to stay

Overview

Ottawa is one of many towns in the Illinois River Valley of Northern Illinois.

6 sights · 2 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 1 places to stay

Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage

Best things about Ottawa

John Hossack House

Greek Revival home that was an important station on the Underground Railroad where something like 13 fugitive slaves were hidden by the owner, that ultimately led to him getting busted at one point for violating the Fugi…

Buffalo Rock State Park

Across the Illinois River from Starved Rock State Park, it was a refuge for the Illinois Indians when Father Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet arrived by boat in 1673. At this park you can hike along the river bluffs, r…

Ottawa Historical and Scouting Heritage Museum

Ottawa was the home of WD Boyce who founded scouting in America, ie The Boy Scouts of America, after learning firsthand about scouting in England while in preparation for an African expedition by a Scout who set him on h…

Washington Square Park

Has a monument regaling the Lincoln-Douglas debates.

Reddick Mansion

Italianate-style mansion commissioned by local politician William Reddick where the first of the Lincoln-Douglas debates took place in 1858.

Volvo Island

A tiny island on the river, on which a 2001 Volvo is placed.

Plan your trip

Best time to visit & weather

Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 86°F; winter lows dip to about 18°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: May and Apr. (climate data from nearby Peoria)

Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).

Getting there

From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
RFD Chicago Rockford International Airport, Chicago/Rockford — 60 mi away. Directions
BMI Central Illinois Regional Airport at Bloomington-Normal, Bloomington/Normal — 61 mi away. Directions
MDW Chicago Midway International Airport, Chicago — 64 mi away (major hub). Directions

Ottawa is readily connected to Chicago and the Quad Cities and the country at large by I-80.

Full “Get in” guide ↓

Budget & where to stay

No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.

Sample 2-day itinerary

Day 1

Morning Ottawa Historical and Scouting Heritage Museum, Reddick Mansion
Lunch Burger and Sushi House
Afternoon Buffalo Rock State Park
Dinner The Beach House
Evening Court Street Pub

Day 2

Morning John Hossack House, Volvo Island
Afternoon Washington Square Park

Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.

Food for you

Cuisine (tap to filter)

What to ask about, for your diet

Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder

Map

Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.

Understand

Ottawa was established in 1853 in the background of river traffic commerce on the Illinois River and the adjunct Illinois and Michigan Canal as a portal between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River. It also featured prominently in the Underground Railroad and the Lincoln-Douglas debates.