Ottawa

Travel Guide

Northern Illinois showing outdoor art
Starved Rock State Park which includes a waterfall
Northern Illinois which includes signage
Starved Rock State Park which includes forests as well as a couple
Washington Square Park which includes a garden and a statue or sculpture

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 P10,100 per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
P10,100
P13,401 total
Aug 4 - Aug 5
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! (30 reviews)
"The postcard cabins are very cute. You did a great job with space."

Reviewed on Jul 1, 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
The price is P4,050 per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
P4,050
P4,495 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
Ok stay but needs improvement
"Bed was comfortable main room was clean but bathroom needed work"

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

Super 8 by Wyndham Ottawa Starved Rock
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Ottawa Starved Rock Area
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Ottawa Starved Rock Area
2.5 out of 5
3000 Fairfield Ln, Ottawa, IL
The price is P8,720 per night from Jul 14 to Jul 15
P8,720
P9,677 total
Jul 14 - Jul 15
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (600 reviews)
"Clean great property!"

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott 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 ...
10/10 Exceptional! (30 reviews)
"The postcard cabins are very cute. You did a great job with space."

Reviewed on Jul 1, 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 campground in Ottawa. Enjoy free parking, a picnic area, and boat tours on site. Popular attractions Starved Rock State Park and Illinois Canyon ...
"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 Aug 31, 2024

KAYAK STARVED ROCK CAMPGROUND
Ottawa Home w/ Porch, Near Starved Rock State Park
Ottawa Home w/ Porch, Near Starved Rock State Park
3 out of 5
Ottawa
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly cottage in Ottawa. Enjoy free parking, a marina, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Tangled Roots Brewing Company ...
"Overall this day was really well. House was old and outdated. Had only one TV in the entire house where there could have been four or five TVs. There was only one and it was a small TV in the front room that was on a swivel. One electrical plug did not work and the plug for the bathtub did not work. ..."

Reviewed on Sep 9, 2024

Ottawa Home w/ Porch, Near Starved Rock State Park
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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