Life in Chicago moves fast — bustling streets, packed schedules, and the constant hum of city life fuel a whirlwind daily routine. Living in the largest city in the Midwest, Chicagoans often find themselves searching for moments with a slower tempo.
Nestled along the Illinois River, Ottawa, Illinois, offers the perfect contrast to life in the Windy City. As a premier location with picturesque views, abundant outdoor activities, and luxurious lodging, Ottawa is the serene haven that city dwellers crave.
Why Ottawa?
Located 80 miles southwest of Chicago in beautiful LaSalle County, Ottawa is truly in “the middle of everything.” A short drive from Ottawa’s historic downtown, Chicagoans can find Starved Rock State Park, water recreation on the Illinois River, and a variety of lodging options that will make them feel right at home.
If you need to unplug from the nonstop energy of the Chicagoland area, consider Ottawa the ultimate riverfront retreat. Read on to discover this enchanting river town and all the fun things to do in Ottawa, Illinois.
Heritage Harbor’s Resort Community
Nestled along the Illinois River, Heritage Harbor offers luxurious vacation rentals designed for experiencing waterfront living, scenic escapes, and the tight-knit camaraderie that the master-planned resort community is known for. Heritage Harbor’s vacation rentals, including villas, cottages, condos, and single-family homes, are the perfect place to soak in LaSalle County’s beauty with abundant amenities and activities.
Water Activities on the Illinois River
Heritage Harbor, built around a vibrant marina, allows Chicagoans to enjoy harbor life through exciting water-based activities. Spending the day on the Illinois River is always one of the top Ottawa, IL, activities, allowing locals and visitors to unplug and immerse themselves in the surrounding nature.
Starting in the spring, guests can rent various watercraft to explore the river. Catering to adrenaline junkies, leisure seekers, and everyone in between, the Heritage Harbor marina rents out tritoons, pontoons, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards (S.U.P.) on a daily and hourly basis. While at the marina, several amenities are available to aid your riverscape adventure, including:
- Concierge-level dock service
- Dock staff assistance with fueling, pump out, and deliveries
- On-call mechanical staff
- On-call management staff
- 24/7 on-site Harbor Hosts
Additional Amenities & Activities at the Harbor Inn
After cruising the water, guests can explore the community’s diverse amenities and activities designed for non–stop leisure. Swing by the Bluegill Boathouse & Marina Bar, the onsite restaurant specializing in fresh seafood and locally grown fare. As the restaurant overlooks the marina, keep an eye out for the best wildlife in Ottawa, Illinois, including soaring bald eagles – the marina is one of the best places to spot them! Beyond the views, take advantage of the other amenities, including:
- A two-acre dog park
- Five outdoor swimming pools
- Two pickleball courts
- Access to the 63-mile bike trail
- E-Bike rentals
- Sand volleyball court
- North Beach
- Live music events
- Shoreline fishing spots
- Electric golf cart rentals
Whether you need accommodations for a long weekend or a never-ending vacation, our resort community has a home for any stay.
Starved Rock State Park
Just 10 miles west of Ottawa, Illinois, awaits one of the Midwest’s natural wonders: Starved Rock State Park. The park is directly adjacent to the Illinois River and offers Chicagoans a nature-filled escape where the city noise fades away.
Boasting sandstone canyons, cascading waterfalls, and unbeatable river views, Starved Rock is a wilderness haven that helps city folks recharge.
Outdoor Activities at Starved Rock
With so many things to do near Starved Rock, we’re highlighting a few activities that keep visitors returning for more.
Waterfalls: Park visitors can explore a selection of towering canyons with glistening waterfalls. Each has different trails and views, allowing hikers to choose the route that best matches their skill level and sense of adventure. Opt for the Wildcat Canyon for panoramic views and a 125-foot waterfall, or hike the crowd-favorite LaSalle Canyon to get close to the cascading water. Check out our guide to view the best Starved Rock waterfalls this season.
Wildlife watching: While exploring the park, look for Starved Rock’s wildlife and unique flora. The area is a renowned hotspot for bald eagle migration and nesting, as well as native Illinois animals like white-tailed deer.
Kayaking: Whether you’re a seasoned professional or starting a new hobby, kayaking at Starved Rock is popular in the warmer seasons. Kayak rentals are available at Heritage Harbor, and adventurers can explore the Illinois and nearby Vermilion and Fox Rivers for a memorable LaSalle County experience.
Downtown Ottawa
Sometimes, the best way to unplug from Chicago is to explore the road less traveled – where small-town charm, quiet streets, and history meet in the heart of downtown Ottawa, Illinois. Known for its rich heritage, downtown Ottawa offers something for everyone.
Washington Square Park: The site of the first Lincoln-Douglas debates in 1858, Washington Square Park features commemorative statues and a fountain surrounded by lush green space to preserve this piece of history. This historic park is a great place to start exploring downtown Ottawa and its popular local restaurants and shops.
Allen Park: A locally loved park in Ottawa, Illinois, Allen Park is a casual outdoor gathering place along the south side of the Illinois River. Featuring a variety of outdoor amenities and over 20 acres of greenery, it offers a relaxing waterfront outing with fishing, boating, and picnicking activities.
Shopping: Are you in need of a little retail therapy? Downtown Ottawa features various boutiques to help you find your perfect souvenir. Check out Deja Vu for unique gifts or A Mess of Things for that one-of-a-kind vintage shopping experience.
Check out this guide to discover more of the best things to do in Ottawa, including can’t-miss tours.
A River Retreat Just Beyond the City
As a breath of fresh air beyond the bustling city of Chicago, Ottawa, Illinois, offers a peaceful escape. If you’re craving a change of scenery, Heritage Harbor’s resort community is your cozy river retreat — a straight shot from the city.
Heritage Harbor is one of the most popular attractions in Ottawa, IL. As a premier resort community that allows guests to experience “the harbor life,” Heritage Harbor boasts luxurious rentals, waterfront amenities, and desirable area attractions. Other popular spots in Ottawa include Washington Square Park, Starved Rock River Adventures, and Allen Park.
When visiting Ottawa, IL, Heritage Harbor offers one of the best places to stay as you explore the city. With comfortable and luxurious accommodations available for short-and-long-term stays, guests can experience the best of Ottawa alongside a vibrant marina and modern amenities to enhance their stay. Heritage Harbor is just less than 4 miles from the heart of downtown, making it an ideal destination for those visiting Ottawa.
Ottawa, Illinois, is known for its proximity to Starved Rock State Park, a natural landmark that attracts millions of visitors annually. The city is also recognized for its historical significance, having been the site of the first Lincoln-Douglas debate in 1858. Ottawa also has a vibrant art scene, with murals, mosaics, and local art displayed throughout the city.
