Top reasons to visit Ottawa
- Outdoor Adventures: Ottawa is perfect for nature lovers, offering activities like boating on the Ottawa River and various scenic campgrounds.
- Cultural Attractions: Explore local history through museums and historic government buildings, showcasing the area’s rich past.
- Family-Friendly Events: Enjoy the Ottawa Riverfest, featuring a variety of festivities suitable for all ages.
- Vibrant Downtown: Discover trendy shops and local eateries, making for a lively urban experience.
- Diverse Accommodations: Choose from quality inns and hotels that cater to both adventure seekers and business travelers.
Find great hotels in and around Ottawa
Ottawa, Illinois, offers a diverse selection of accommodations to cater to every traveler's needs. From quality inns to hotels ideal for business and adventure vacations, you'll find inviting options throughout the area. Whether you're looking for a golf-themed getaway or a comfortable place to unwind, Ottawa hotels provide the perfect base to explore the charming surroundings and enjoy local attractions.
- Super 8 by Wyndham Ottawa Starved Rock: A budget-friendly gem in Ottawa, the Super 8 by Wyndham Ottawa Starved Rock boasts a guest rating of 8.6. Perfect for adventure seekers and families, this hotel offers a range of onsite and nearby recreation activities such as mountain biking, motorboating, and canoeing. The property is designed to cater to all travelers, including children, with amenities like complimentary cribs. With its convenient location, you can easily explore the stunning natural beauty of Starved Rock State Park while enjoying comfortable accommodations.
- Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock: Just 9 miles from Ottawa, this 3-star resort is an ideal choice for families and golf enthusiasts, offering a fun-filled adventure experience. With a variety of outdoor activities like fishing, kayaking, and rafting nearby, guests can immerse themselves in nature. The resort also features a waterpark, playground, and arcade game room for children, ensuring that younger guests have plenty of entertainment options. Rated highly for family-friendly amenities, the Grand Bear Resort is a perfect getaway for those looking to bond over outdoor activities.
- Comfort Inn Ottawa Starved Rock Area: A solid choice for business travelers and pet owners, the Comfort Inn Ottawa Starved Rock Area has a cozy ambiance and a guest rating of 8.4. This budget-friendly hotel allows pets, making it easier for you to travel with your furry friends. Enjoy convenient amenities designed for business needs while being close to key attractions. The hotel serves as a comfortable base for exploring Ottawa and the surrounding areas, ensuring a pleasant and stress-free stay.
Where to stay near Ottawa
Ottawa, Illinois, offers a delightful blend of outdoor adventures and rich history, perfect for family-friendly vacations. Explore the vibrant downtown area, where trendy shops and local eateries await. Enjoy a relaxing stay in one of the charming neighborhoods nearby, all while being close to the scenic Ottawa area. With friendly locals and a welcoming atmosphere, Ottawa is an ideal destination for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation.
- Utica: Located 9 miles from Ottawa, Utica is a charming city that beckons outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. This city experiences a moderately seasonal influx of travelers, peaking from May to July. Visitors flock to Utica for its adventurous spirit, with highlights including a variety of campgrounds, an exciting water park, and the stunning nearby national state park. The scenery is perfect for hiking, picnicking, and family fun, making it an ideal getaway for those seeking adventure and relaxation.
- Peru: Situated 15 miles from Ottawa, Peru is a vibrant city with a welcoming atmosphere year-round. While travel peaks in June to July and September, visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities at any time. Peru offers ample recreational areas and campgrounds, catering to adventure seekers and families. With a nearby lake and a popular water park, Peru provides a refreshing escape for those looking to connect with nature or partake in family-friendly activities.
- Marseilles: Just 7 miles from Ottawa, Marseilles is a picturesque city known for its outdoor adventures and scenic landscapes. This city attracts visitors throughout the year, with peak times in April, July, and September. Travelers are drawn to its campgrounds and recreational areas, making it perfect for both relaxation and exploration. The proximity to a national state park and a beautiful lake enhances the appeal, offering opportunities for hiking, fishing, and enjoying nature’s beauty.
Things to do near Ottawa
Ottawa, Illinois, is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and scenic beauty. Visitors can enjoy the Ottawa Riverfest, which offers a variety of festivities, and explore boat experiences along the picturesque Ottawa River. The area's campgrounds and recreational areas provide ample opportunities for relaxation and exploration, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Shopping
In downtown Ottawa, you can explore unique shops like The Book Nook for literary gifts and The Olive Oil Company for gourmet treats. If you're up for a drive, check out the Fox Valley Mall in Aurora for a wider selection of stores, including popular brands and department stores.
Recreation
At Deer Park Country Club, located 10 miles from Ottawa, you can indulge in luxury spa treatments and enjoy serene views of nature. The club offers a relaxing atmosphere perfect for unwinding, along with recreational activities like golf and swimming, ensuring a rejuvenating getaway.
Adventure
Explore the scenic Starved Rock State Park for hiking, with trails leading to stunning waterfalls and canyons. For river adventures, kayak or paddleboard on the Illinois River, where you can enjoy nature and spot local wildlife.
Nightlife
Explore the vibrant nightlife at The Lone Buffalo on La Salle Street for craft cocktails and a lively atmosphere. For a relaxed vibe, visit Starved Rock Lodge, where you can enjoy live music and a cozy setting, perfect for unwinding with friends after a day of adventure.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Ottawa
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Ottawa are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to September, where prices are slightly higher.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Ottawa is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay in Ottawa is Saturday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel category; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay in Ottawa with your flights and activities by booking a package through Expedia.
Find the best attractions in Ottawa
Ottawa, Illinois, is a fantastic destination for outdoor enthusiasts and culture lovers alike. Visitors can explore a variety of attractions, including national parks, history museums, and historic government buildings. Whether you’re seeking adventure, scenic views, or a glimpse into the local history, Ottawa offers a diverse range of experiences that cater to all types of travelers, ensuring a memorable vacation.
- Buffalo Rock State Park: Explore the stunning natural beauty of Buffalo Rock State Park, where you can hike scenic trails and enjoy breathtaking views of the Illinois River. This park offers adventure opportunities like picnicking and wildlife watching, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Washington Square Park: A family-friendly urban oasis, Washington Square Park is the ideal spot for relaxation and recreation. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, with playgrounds for children and plenty of green space for leisurely strolls or picnics amidst the city vibes.
- Appellate Court: Immerse yourself in the rich cultural history of Ottawa by visiting the Appellate Court. This historic civic government building showcases stunning architecture and offers insight into the judicial system, making it a fascinating stop for history buffs.
Best time to go to Ottawa
The best time to visit Ottawa is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Ottawa
Traveling to Ottawa, Illinois, is convenient with nearby major airports. Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is situated 65 miles away, with excellent hotel options like the 4.5-star Loews Chicago O'Hare Hotel and Hyatt Regency O'Hare Chicago, both just 2 miles from the airport. Midway International Airport (MDW), also 65 miles away, offers luxury accommodations such as the 5-star Langham, Chicago and Trump International Hotel & Tower, both 9 miles from the airport. For those considering Moline's Quad City International Airport (MLI), located 87 miles from Ottawa, notable hotels include the 4-star DoubleTree by Hilton Davenport and Hotel Blackhawk, both 6 miles away.