If a rainy day has your spirits down, don’t worry. Ottawa still has plenty to offer, even if you don’t want to be outside. Here are just a few of the things you can do here in town that will drive off any rainy-day blues.
Reddick Mansion (100 W. Lafayette St)
The Reddick Mansion is a historic home constructed before the Civil War. The house was built for Irish immigrant William Reddick, a well-known local historical figure. Reddick was a man of many talents. These included operating a dry-goods store, being the county sheriff, state senator, and a humanitarian. His home is available for tours at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm Friday through Monday. Taking one of these tours allows one to feel as if they are stepping into the past as they learn about Reddick’s story and local history. The mansion also holds special events for holidays as well. Rooms and areas around the mansion are always being repaired and restored, so check in often!
Ottawa Historical and Scouting Heritage Museum (1100 Canal St)
The Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum is a fantastic way to learn more about the town. The museum is divided into two areas, one for local history and one for scouting history. W.D. Boyce, the man who incorporated Scouting in the US, made his home in Ottawa. Whilst lost in London one day, he came upon a scout who helped him find his way. Moved by the experience, Boyce became the reason we have the several types of Scouts in the United States. The museum is open from Thursday through Monday, from 10 am to 4 pm. Exhibits are always being added and/or changed around, so there’s always an opportunity to learn something. The museum regularly offers special presentations on local history as well.
Downtown Shopping
Downtown Ottawa has a wide variety of shops to choose from. A rainy day is the perfect opportunity to visit any of our local stores! There’s something for everyone too! Whether you’re looking for toys, clothing, antiques, or anything else, you’re bound to find exactly what you’re looking for (and more!) Visit the Ottawa Visitors Center (1028 LaSalle St) and grab our Shopping Guide or Destination Ottawa Guide for a comprehensive list of stores.
Reddick Library Activities (1010 Canal St)
The Reddick Library always hosts a wide array of activities for people of all ages. There are story times for the little ones, video gaming for slightly older ones, and so much more! Adults can join a book club, engage in educational activities, or take home a special monthly craft kit. You can learn more about the library’s vast number of resources and events on their website.
Roxy Cinemas (827 LaSalle St)
A rainy day is a fantastic opportunity to catch a movie at the Roxy! Visitors can enjoy the latest films in the historical atmosphere of this theater. The Roxy also has movie posters available for sale. Take home a fine addition to your collection. Of course, candy, popcorn, slushies, and more await!
Awesome Ottawa Tours (624 Court St)
A tour with Tom Aussem’s Awesome Ottawa Tours is an experience you won’t soon forget. For a rainy day, we recommend taking a specialized driving tour. With a wide variety of tours to choose from, guests can learn about the good, the bad, and the ugly of local history. Awesome Ottawa Tours offers its services seasonally during the hours of 10 am to 6 pm. Make sure to check their website for booking info and more! Awesome Ottawa Tours is always developing new tours!
