Travel Destinations Illinois Top Things to Do in Ottawa, Illinois At the confluence of the Illinois and Fox rivers (about 90 minutes southwest of Chicago), Ottawa opens doors to compelling history and natural beauty. By Gary Thompson Gary Thompson Gary Thompson is senior staff writer at Midwest Living and Dotdash Meredith Travel, where he gets paid to play with words while writing about all sorts of interesting people, places and things in the Midwest and beyond. Not bad for a shy kid who was born in Kansas and grew up in Davenport, Iowa, reading his Dad's newspapers and his Mom's "women's" magazines. He holds a B.A. and M.A. in journalism from Drake University and been writing professionally for more than 30 years. When he's not wordsmithing, he's running or walking, watching sports or Jeopardy, and doing the New York Times crossword puzzle (or Spelling Bee). Midwest Living's Editorial Guidelines Updated on May 24, 2022 Ottawa Mural. Photo: Bob Stefko Do Illinois River Road Ottawa is the northeast gateway for the Illinois River Road, a National Scenic Byway that follows the water for 150 miles southwest to Havana. Ottawa Rail Bridge A spectacular lift-style railroad bridge crosses the river in Ottawa near the Old Town business district (Allen Park offers a great view). Downtown Murals Downtown, eight building exteriors wear large murals depicting local history, including Native Americans, the Lincoln-Douglas debate, Civil War soldiers, and the Illinois and Michigan Canal. Buffalo Rock State Park Sandstone bluffs overlook the Illinois River, which make for a scenic paddle adjacent to Buffalo Rock State Park. Jason Lindsey Starved Rock State Park Just seven miles east of Buffalo Rock State Park, Starved Rock State Park and neighboring Matthiessen State Park draw visitors who want to explore sandstone canyons, gorges, creeks and seasonal waterfalls. Washington Square Park Back in Ottawa, stroll through Washington Square Park, where statues of Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas recall their first senatorial debate, held at the park in 1858. Washington Square Park. Jason Lindsey Illinois and Michigan Canal Bike the route of the Illinois and Michigan Canal, an 1800s commercial waterway-turned-recreational corridor. A 15-mile stretch links Ottawa and LaSalle. Eat and Drink The Cheese Shop 'n' Deli The Cheese Shop 'n' Deli offers more than 30 kinds of sandwiches, as well as scratch-made soups, fish baskets, pastas and desserts. Tangled Roots Brewing Company. Kevin J. Miyazaki/Redux Tangled Roots Brewing Company Visit Tangled Roots Brewing Company for beers like the Devil's Paint Box, an American IPA named after a colorful rock at nearby Matthiessen State Park. Stay Fox River Bed and Breakfast At Fox River Bed and Breakfast, stay in the room where famed aviator Charles Lindbergh spent the night in 1926 (after his mail plane crashed on the property). (Currently available for longer-term rentals only.) Heritage Harbor Ottawa Rent a charming river-view guest cottage at Heritage Harbor Ottawa. The recently built units include kitchens and laundries and provide access to a pool, bar, restaurant and the marina. Courtesy of Heritage Harbor Ottawa For more information visit pickusottawail.com Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit