Ottawa, IL Road Trips

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.

Ottawa Historical and Scouting Heritage Museum, 1100 Canal St, ☏ +1 815-431-9353. 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 his way when he was disoriented in the fog. (updated Jul 2023) Washington Square Park, 101 E Lafayette St, ☏ +1 815-434-2737. Has a monument regaling the Lincoln-Douglas debates. (updated Jul 2023) Reddick Mansion, 100 W Lafayette St, ☏ +1 815-433-6100. Italianate-style mansion commissioned by local politician William Reddick where the first of the Lincoln-Douglas debates took place in 1858. (updated Jul 2023) 1 John Hossack House, 210 W. Prospect St. 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 Fugitive Slave Law of 1850. Private residence now. (updated Jul 2023) 2 Buffalo Rock State Park, 1300 N 27th Rd, ☏ +1 815-433-2224. 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, rent bikes, and see a few bison, and it is adjacent to the Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail. (updated Jul 2023) 3 Volvo Island. A tiny island on the river, on which a 2001 Volvo is placed. (updated Dec 2024)

Activities at Buffalo Rock or Starved Rock State Park or walking along the Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail.

Burger and Sushi House (B.A.S.H.), 1012 La Salle St., ☏ +1 815-434-2274. Tu-Th 4PM-9PM; F Sa 11AM-10PM. Roughly $20-30 per person. (updated Mar 2026) The Beach House, 700 La Salle St., ☏ +1 815-313-5553. Tu-Sa 4PM-9PM. (updated Mar 2026)

Court Street Pub, 620 Court St (in downtown Ottawa), ☏ +1 815-324-9032. W-Sa 11AM-midnight Sun 11AM-10PM. Nice little bar. Roughly $10-20 for 1 person. (updated Mar 2026)

Primitive camping at Buffalo Rock State Park, if you want to rough it. Getaway Starved Rock Cabins, 1879 N 2703rd Rd. An alternative sort of lodging experience than your typical chain hotel. (updated Jul 2023)

Ottawa is readily connected to Chicago and the Quad Cities and the country at large by I-80. North Central Area Transit provides transportation to and from other communities in LaSalle County like LaSalle.