Ottawa Is A Charming Town In Illinois

Illinois is home to numerous breathtaking and historical places that look as though they were taken out of the pages of a fairy tale. While there are castles, gardens, mansions, and state parks that are quite enchanting, several small towns and cities have many fairy tale aspects as well. Take, for example, the city of Ottawa. With its small-town feel, charming downtown, pristine parks, waterfront, historical sites, and natural beauty, this is one magical place.

Ottawa is located at the confluence of the Fox and Illinois Rivers. With plenty of historical sites, natural attractions, and a thriving downtown with shops and restaurants, you'll be overwhelmed with how much there is to see and do here.

This friendly town is close to numerous natural attractions including Matthiessen, Starved Rock, Buffalo Rock, and Illini State Parks, and offers plenty of charm and history that make it a wonderful destination for a getaway.

If you consider yourself a history buff, you'll be interested to learn that Ottawa was the site of the first debate between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas. Their debate is commemorated in this Washington Square Park memorial.

Ottawa has several notable historic buildings downtown, including the grand Reddick Mansion, a 22-room Italianate mansion built in 1855 by Washington Square. Take a tour of this incredible work of 19th-century architecture and you'll take a step back in time.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the First Congregational Church in Ottawa was constructed in 1870 and has an impressive Schantz pipe organ inside that's worth seeing.

Another magnificent historic structure in Ottawa is the LaSalle County Courthouse. Its construction was completed in 1883 and it became the third courthouse to stand at this location.

Ottawa is home to the 298-acre Buffalo Rock State Park which sits atop a bluff along the Illinois River across from Starved Rock State park. You'll find sweeping views at this one-of-a-kind Illinois park that's a favorite of nature lovers. Before you leave, don't forget to stop by to see the three bison that call Buffalo State Park home!

Have you visited the lovely city of Ottawa? What was your favorite thing about it? Let us know in the comments. To learn more, head to the Ottawa Visitors Center website and Facebook page.

Exploring small cities and towns is one of the best parts of living in Illinois. Here are a few more beautiful Illinois towns you should make plans to visit.

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Ottawa, IL 61350, USA

The Fascinating Town In Illinois That Is Straight Out Of A Fairy Tale

Melissa Mahoney

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