St. Genevieve riverboard, docked.
St-Gen-e1719429970348 (1)
The Middle of Memory Making

Get away with the girls, savor time with your spouse, pack up Fido and hit the road. Ottawa offers all you need to make lasting memories on a vacation that is virtually stress-free.

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Get away with the girls, savor time with your spouse, pack up Fido and hit the road. Ottawa offers all you need to make lasting memories on a vacation that is virtually stress-free.
Nestled in the heart of Illinois, Ottawa thrives as a vibrant hub of artistic expression, showcasing a rich tapestry woven from murals, mosaics, and blown glass. Complementing this creative landscape is its own art gallery and studio, adding depth and diversity to the city's flourishing arts scene.
Dig in to diverse and ever-changing dishes found in restaurants of all kinds, from your casual small town coffee shop to made-from-scratch fine dining to cultural cuisine.
Take a deep breath, this soothing natural setting surrounds you.
Stand in the spot where President Lincoln gave the first of seven debate speeches, wander the home of the famed and unfortunate Radium Girls, and relive Ottawa's history through murals.
Settle down and snuggle up in one of Ottawa's established hotels, motels, unique properties or private rentals.
Get away with the girls, savor time with your spouse, pack up Fido and hit the road. Ottawa offers all you need to make lasting memories on a vacation that is virtually stress-free.
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Nestled in the heart of Illinois, Ottawa thrives as a vibrant hub of artistic expression, showcasing a rich tapestry woven from murals, mosaics, and blown glass. Complementing this creative landscape is its own art gallery and studio, adding depth and diversity to the city's flourishing arts scene.
Dig in to diverse and ever-changing dishes found in restaurants of all kinds, from your casual small town coffee shop to made-from-scratch fine dining to cultural cuisine.
Take a deep breath, this soothing natural setting surrounds you.
Stand in the spot where President Lincoln gave the first of seven debate speeches, wander the home of the famed and unfortunate Radium Girls, and relive Ottawa's history through murals.
Settle down and snuggle up in one of Ottawa's established hotels, motels, unique properties or private rentals.

WELCOME TO OTTAWA, ILLINOIS

Ottawa is a vibrant tourist destination located 80 miles outside of downtown Chicago. It is often considered to be “In the Middle of Everywhere.” You are within a stone’s throw of many diverse activities–from lush and natural outdoor areas to renowned cultural and historic attractions.

Surrounded by open spaces, rivers, and trails, Ottawa is a natural setting that allows for people to get outdoors and enjoy some relaxation. We serve as a hub to 4 state parks (Starved Rock, Matthiessen, Buffalo Rock, Illini State Park) and a nature preserve all within 20 minutes of our downtown.

WHATS HAPPENING IN OTTAWA

List of events in Photo View

List of events in Photo View

OVC Blog

Exclusive Interview with Santa Claus

As most people are well aware, Ottawa takes the Christmas and holiday season very seriously. There are some around town who might say that Christmas in Ottawa begins in early November. We were already getting in the Christmas spirit with carolers, carriage rides, and more, just a few weeks ago. We recently received a letter from the North Pole (see this Facebook post), asking us to set up a mailbox for letters to Santa. Of course, we graciously accepted this duty and are ready to mail out any Christmas wishes! We decided to see if Santa Claus himself

Read More »

Exclusive Interview with Santa Claus

As most people are well aware, Ottawa takes the Christmas and holiday season very seriously. There are some around town who might say that Christmas in Ottawa begins in early November. We were already getting in the Christmas spirit with carolers, carriage rides, and more, just a few weeks ago. We recently received a letter from the North Pole (see this Facebook post), asking us to set up a mailbox for letters to Santa. Of course, we graciously accepted this duty and are ready to mail out any Christmas wishes! We decided to see if Santa Claus himself

Read More »