Location: Ottawa
Top Things to do in Ottawa
Top 8 Things to do in Ottawa, United States
Ottawa is a city located at the confluence of the navigable Illinois River and Fox River in LaSalle County, Illinois, United States. The Illinois River is a conduit for river barges and connects Lake Michigan at Chicago, to the Mississippi River, and North America's 25,000 mile river system. The population estimate was 18,562 as of 2013. It is the county seat of LaSalle County and it is part of the Ottawa-Peru, IL Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Restaurants in Ottawa
1. Illinois Waterway Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 72 reviews
Reviewed By funinthesun5 - Illinois
There were boats passing through the canal when we were there and that was very interesting to watch. Would have liked to have seen a movie of the dam being built or a walking tour with information. The welcome center did have a few pictures but not a lot of information.
2. Washington Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By Lynn S - Savage, Minnesota, United States
Ottawa is proud of their Lincoln heritage. This square has a few great sculptures. I especially like this one of Lincoln debating. The area had little rain in weeks so the square itself was rather dusty and dried out.
I also loved the murals that were painted on a number of buildings in downtown Ottawa. Great gift shops also!
A must stop by and see place.
3. Buffalo Rock State Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 92 reviews
Reviewed By Lynn S - Savage, Minnesota, United States
After hiking Matthiessen and Starved Rock State Parks, this was a rather calm, "dull" park. Don't get me wrong, it is a nice place to go for a gentle stroll/hike, have a picnic and view the river.
This is a park that one with disabilities would enjoy.
There is a nice restroom in the park and plenty of picnic tables.
And, don't forget the two buffalo who are in a penned in area. They have an open building to get out of the sun and have a grassy penned in area they can roam.
4. Reddick Mansion and Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By JohntheLast - Barrington, Illinois
It was raining so we couldn't hike Starved Rock Trails. Looked up alternate things to do and the Reddick Mansion came up. Nice hour or so spent going through the old mansion. The two staff members were both very knowledgable about the owners, Ottawa history, and Illinois history in general. Learned a lot about the area and what drove it in the 1800s. The furniture is not original (but from the same period) but this does not detract from the sense of going back in time. Worth the time.
5. Ottawa Historical and Scouting Heritage Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By JpDrumr - Muncie, Indiana
Having been in CUBS, BOYS, & EXPLORER scouting, I found this place to be an EXCEPTIONAL visit. There may be other SCOUTING historical COLLECTIONS, but I had never seen a collection like this. The curators have done a great job of displaying the collections appropriately.
6. Starved Rock Adventures
Overall Ratings
4 based on 67 reviews
Reviewed By Elizabeth S - Batavia, Illinois
Great trails to walk on any time of year. Beautiful waterfalls in the summer which freeze into living ice-sculptures in the winter. Fall foliage isn't to be missed and Springtime wild flowers are beautiful. Never disappointing whether a quiet day alone or fun with friends and family. Lodge is great for overnight and meals! Buffet breakfasts are so good and the bar serves excellent food out on the patio weather permitting.
7. Allen Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By Edward S - Ottawa, Illinois
This is a small park to sit and watch the boats/barges good up and down. It has a few picnic tables for lunch.A small play ground for children.
8. Heritage Harbor Ottawa
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
This is the place...to begin your next adventure! Exciting adventures are unfolding year round in our waterfront resort community. Stay for a day, stay for a weekend, stay for a lifetime! Build your dream home, rent a cottage for a weekend getaway, play on the water in our state-of-the-art marina, dine at our onsite restaurant...the options are endless!
Reviewed By jaybee2525 - chicago
New construction located directly on the water. Great for family get together as you can rent an entire house. Outdoor pool, red dog grill restaurant and bar, sporting activities including kayaking, canoeing and biking the I&M canal.
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