Mid to late winter can obviously be quite cold. Cold temps, combined with cabin fever can make this time of year seem a bit less exciting than the rest. We’d like to challenge that thought! Should you find yourself going stir crazy from hiding inside all winter, or you just need an excuse to get out of the house, here are some ideas for how to spend a chilly day in Ottawa! This post was partially inspired by our February newsletter (consisting of indoor and outdoor events), as well as an older blog post: how to spend a rainy day in Ottawa.

 

For those of us who don’t mind spending some time outdoors this season, don’t feel left out! The Middle of Everywhere is a beautiful sight to behold during winter. Also listed below are some ways to get a breath of fresh air. Make sure to dress warmly and stay on top of weather updates. 

Reddick Mansion (100 W. Lafayette St.) 

The Reddick Mansion is a pre-Civil War home constructed for Irish immigrant William Reddick, a well-known local historical figure. He was a man of many hats, including dry-goods store operator, county sheriff, state senator, and humanitarian. Reddick’s home is available for tours Friday through Monday, at 11 am and 1 pm. Reservations are not required, but are appreciated (guests should arrive 15 minutes prior to tour times).

A tour of the mansion 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 as weddings and corporate events. Call the Mansion at 815-433-6100 or email [email protected] to schedule a tour and find out more information. You can also visit their website.

 

Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum (1100 Canal St.)

The Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum is an amazing resource to learn more about the town and its history. The museum is split into two sections, one for local history and one for Scouting history/memorabilia. Legend states that while lost in London one day, W.D. Boyce was found by a lone scout who helped him find his way. The scout refused payment or acknowledgement. Moved by the experience, Boyce became the reason we have the several types of Scouts in the US today. He would eventually make his home in Ottawa.

The museum is open Thursday through Monday, from 10 am to 4 pm. Exhibits are always being added to and/or changed around, so there is always an opportunity to learn something! The museum regularly offers special presentations on local history as well. Recently, the museum has created a docu-series about local history. Their film on General W.H.L Wallace has already been released, with a second movie about local abolitionist John Hossack on the way. Visit the museum’s website to learn more.

 

Reddick Library Activities (1010 Canal St.)

The Reddick Library hosts a wide variety of activities for people of all ages throughout the year. There are story times for the little ones, after-school activities for older children, and so much more! Adults can join a book club, engage in educational activities, or take home a special monthly craft kit. There’s truly something for everyone to enjoy at the library.

In addition to activities for the whole family and loaning books, the library also offers services such as notaries, internet access, and more. Check out the Reddick Library’s website to learn more about their vast number of resources and events.

 

Roxy Cinemas (827 LaSalle St.)

A chilly or rainy day is a perfect opportunity to catch a movie at the Roxy! Visitors can enjoy the latest films in the historical atmosphere of this theater. Candy, popcorn, slushies and more await. Parts of the building were recently renovated in late 2025.

You can learn about showtimes and more on the Roxy’s website.

 

O-Nett Gaming Co. (215 W. Washington St.)

A place like O-Nett is perfect for the gamers, comic lovers, and card collectors out there! O-Nett offers a unique experience, blending a game store and arcade, housed inside of a former church. Visitors can peruse a variety of comics, video games (new and vintage), cards for table top games, merchandise, and more.

O-Nett’s classic arcade is also available to visit. You can even rent it out for special occasions! Learn more on O-Nett’s official website.

 

Open Space Art Gallery & Studios (223 W. Madison St.)

Open Space is a contemporary art gallery and community arts center located in downtown Ottawa. The gallery showcases new exhibits from local and emerging artists in multiple mediums each month. Local artists’ works are also for sale at the gallery.

Art classes of all sorts are held at Open Space as well. People of all ages and skill levels can attend classes held by local artists. The topics of these classes ranges from painting, to stained glass, to wood burning, and more! You can even host your own private party at the gallery. Check out all that Open Space offers on their website.

Grateful Clay Studio & Gallery (231 W. Main St.)

Recently opened in November 2025, Grateful Clay offers a variety of pottery classes and workshops. One time classes are a perfect activity for a cold day. Classes are for all skill levels. They range from date night activities, to kid’s art, and more. These are usually themed around a holiday or a fun night out.

Grateful Clay holds longer four week camps, private classes, kids camps, and offers memberships as well. To learn more about the pottery opportunities at the studio, visit their website.

 

Downtown Shopping & Dining

Ottawa’s charming downtown has a wide variety of shops and restaurants to choose from. From satisfying your sweet tooth craving, to finding the perfect gift for a loved one, downtown Ottawa has something for everyone. You can find antiques, clothing, toys, and more!

You can also find a quick bite to eat or a sit-down meal. A trip to Ottawa is sure to satisfy! Downtown is home to a plethora of different restaurants, like Mexican, Italian, pubs, and more!

 

Stop by the office (1028 LaSalle St.) and grab a copy of the official city guide or dining guide for the full list of shops and restaurants.

 

Nell’s Woodland (2000 Alexis Ave.)

Immerse yourself in nature at Nell’s Woodland, a 60 acre area of preserved oak woodland. Registration is required to visit the trails, but it’s completely free. Visitors can also attend a guided hike and learn about identifying fossils or other things you might find in the wilderness. Be sure to dress appropriately and keep an eye on the weather during the chillier time of year!

If you’re not one for being outside this time of year – don’t worry. Nell’s Woodland offers indoor activities as well. These include yoga sessions, educational experiences, painting classes, and more. Visit the Nell’s Woodland website to learn more. There are activities for all ages!

 

Buffalo Rock State Park (1300 North 27th Rd.)

Dress warmly if you’d like to make a visit out to Buffalo Rock State Park this time of year! Experience the great outdoors with forested trails and breathtaking views of the Illinois River. You can even meet the two American Bison that make Buffalo Rock their home.

Visitor to the state park can hit the trails, make use of the shelter or baseball diamond, and check out the Effigy Tumuli. These are earthen effigies, recreated to look like the ones created by Indigenous peoples more than 3,000 years ago. These types of artistic earthworks were used as temple platforms or burial grounds. At Buffalo Rock, they are shaped like a snake, catfish, frog, and water strider. Find out more about the state park on the official website.

 

The Dayton Bluffs Preserve (2997 IL Rt. 71)

The site of a long-term ecological restoration project, Dayton Bluffs allows one to feel as if they have taken a step back in time. Volunteers have cleared away invasive plant species in the area and restored about 100 acres of native prairie.

A visit to the bluffs can take you walking through the prairie or through a dense, woodland habitat. History truly comes alive at a place like Dayton Bluffs, with cascades, Indigenous burial grounds, the Daniels family pioneer cemetery, and more on the property. You can find more details about Dayton Bluffs on the Conservation Foundation’s page. Those visiting the preserve this time of year should dress for weather and take caution if necessary.