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 Rp1.938.272 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
Rp1.938.272
Rp2.783.769 total
25 Aug - 26 Aug
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 ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (56 reviews)
"It was very clean, easy to find and very very quiet. The service was excellent and there were many extra surprises ( firewood, ingredients for s’mores, a lantern) it was a wonderful stay"

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

Postcard Cabins Starved Rock
Super 8 by Wyndham Ottawa Starved Rock

Super 8 by Wyndham Ottawa Starved Rock

2 out of 5
500 East Etna Rd., Ottawa, IL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is Rp1.176.808 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
Rp1.176.808
Rp1.306.021 total
31 Aug - 1 Sept
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Friendly staff. Quiet area away from busy highways and roads. Decent breakfast selection. The rooms were cleaned very well every day. We enjoyed our stay."

Reviewed on 11 Aug 2025

Super 8 by Wyndham Ottawa 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 Rp1.669.507 per night from 3 Sept to 4 Sept
Rp1.669.507
Rp1.852.818 total
3 Sept - 4 Sept
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! (689 reviews)
Clean and nice but somewhat noisy halls
"This was a pretty good hotel for the value. Everything was clean. I enjoyed the pool. The breakfast was hot and good. Check in was quick. The little town across the turnpike is very charming. The only thing that was a miss is that you can hear conversations in the hall and the room doors opening ..."

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

Comfort Inn Ottawa Starved Rock Area
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 ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (56 reviews)
"It was very clean, easy to find and very very quiet. The service was excellent and there were many extra surprises ( firewood, ingredients for s’mores, a lantern) it was a wonderful stay"

Reviewed on 20 Aug 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
Holiday Inn Club Vacations Fox River Resort at Sheridan by IHG

Holiday Inn Club Vacations Fox River Resort at Sheridan by IHG

3.5 out of 5
2558 N 3653 Road, Sheridan, IL
Stay at this 3.5-star golf aparthotel in Sheridan. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool and a golf course. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (575 reviews)
"There wasnt much time to do the activities after check in. Other then that, the trip was great."

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

Holiday Inn Club Vacations Fox River Resort at Sheridan by IHG
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.

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