From the historic buildings to the specialty shops, Ottawa's Old Town is as charming as they come! Ottawa overlooks the spot where the Fox River meets the Illinois, and we have a pleasant river walk that brings you right to the river's edge!
Or relax on a shady bench in Washington Park, a pleasant town square featuring historic monuments, towering trees, a beautiful fountain dedicated to two famous visitors to town - even a fresh-popcorn stand!
Ottawa offers a pleasing mix of restaurants featuring everything from ethnic menus to seafood and steaks, from family dining to gourmet cuisine. Whether you grab a quick bite for lunch or linger over a romantic table-for-two, we've got something to suit every taste!
Cutting through the skyline of historic storefronts are several church steeples. Many of Ottawa's churches are historic landmarks and are wonderful examples of beautiful architecture.
Ottawa's Old Town is truly an American treasure - an architectural feast for the eye, a culinary treat for the body or an historical delight for the mind!
807 Conference Center
807 LaSalle Street | Ottawa, IL, 61350 | 815-434-5007 | 807conferencecenter@gmail.com
This premiere meeting facility is located in Ottawa's "Old Town" shopping, dining and entertainment district. It is equipped with state of the art electronics and capable of holding up to 225 people for meetings or events!
...Visit Website
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A Brush with History Public Art Murals
Ottawa's Old Town District | Ottawa, IL, 61350 | 888-OTTAWA-4 |
Celebrate an undying romance between a 19th century wife and her soldier husband. Relive the artistic vision of an Ottawa businessman whose talent and skills were legendary around the world. Follow the building of an ambitious state transportation project that symbolized the spirit and cultural diversity of a young state. Or join the parade of Ottawans marching through a pivotal decade, the 1950s, or get a glimpse of one of the exciting moments in the lives of some of Ottawa's earliest settlers, the Native Americans.
Let your cell phone be your guide through town as you explore part of Ottawa's rich heritage with these beautiful murals by calling 1-866-MURALS-1 or stop in the Ottawa Visitors Center and pick up your copy of A Brush With History mural tour booklet and truly browse these wonderful murals at your own leisure. Mural booklets available for download on the Downloads section of our website. ...Visit Website
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Abraham Lincoln/ Stephen Douglas Debate Site
Washington Square Park, Bordering Lafayette & Jackson Street | Ottawa, IL, 61350 | 888-OTTAWA-4 |
The first Lincoln-Douglas senatorial debate was held in Ottawa's historic Washington Square on August 21, 1858. Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas stood in this beautiful park to deliver the first of seven senatorial debates. It was estimated that 20,000 spectators gathered to witness this famous debate. The site of the debate is marked by a boulder and plaque, and a fountain topped by bronze statues of the "Railsplitter" and "The Little Giant" forms the centerpiece of the beautifully landscaped square.
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American Legion Post 33
901 LaSalle Street | Ottawa, IL, 61350 | (815) 433-1191 |
Veterans Service Orignization for members and guests.
Bar-Bingo-Pool-Darts-Games
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Mural Cellular Phone Tour
Ottawa's Old Town District | Ottawa, IL, 61350 | 866-MURALS-1 |
Let your cell phone be your guide through town as you explore part of Ottawa's rich heritage with these beautiful murals by calling 1-866-MURALS-1 or stop in the Ottawa Visitors Center and pick up your copy of A Brush With History mural tour booklet and truly browse these wonderful murals at your own leisure. Mural booklets available for download on the Downloads section of you website...Visit Website
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Reddick Mansion
100 W Lafayette St | Ottawa, IL, 61350 | 815-433-6100 | contact@reddickmansion.com
The William Reddick Home stands facing historic Washington Square and was built in 1856 for the then-costly sum of $25,000. Mr. Reddick served as a state senator. Mr. Stephen A. Douglas was one of the many politicians entertained at the Reddicks' house. This mansion has been restored to its original splendor and is open for tours Wednesday - Sunday 11:30 a.m. thru 2:30 p.m. and Saturdays 12p.m. thru 2:30 p.m....Visit Website
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Washington Square Park
Between Lafayette and Jackson Street and LaSalle | Ottawa, IL, 61350 | 1-888-OTTAWA-4 | Tourism@ExperienceOttawa.com
In the center of the park a memorial commemorates the location of the first Lincoln-Douglas debate on August 21, 1858, with heoric sized bronze statues complete with a reflecting pool. Discover all the treasures hidden in this beautifully maintained park. Click on the link to download your copy of the Washington Square Park tour...Visit Website
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