There are many outdoor things to do and see in Ottawa. Often referred to as the “Scenic Gateway to Starved Rock State Park,” Ottawa is just minutes from the legendary wooded cliffs, soaring river bluffs and impressive waterfalls that attract more than two million visitors a year. Whether hiking along the I&M Canal or fishing in the Illinois River, Ottawa is a “natural” delight.

Power-boating, sailing and jet skiing are extremely popular in the “The Town of Two Rivers,” with public access ramps conveniently located in the city's Allen Park.

Winter enthusiasts enjoy cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and hiking along the many inspiring canyons and ice-sculpted waterfalls along nearby scenic State Park trails.

Enjoy the magic of Ottawa, whether by hiking nature trails, mountain biking, canoeing or simply by contemplating the scenic vistas. Ottawa offers a complete list of things to do and places to visit.

Annual Scarecrow Festival - September 28, 2013 Downtown Ottawa | Ottawa, IL, 61350 | 815-434-2737 | ottawadowntownmerchants@gmail.com Ottawa presents the 26th Annual Scarecrow Festival! Bring the kids for free buckboard rides, face painting, and a petting zoo! While you're downtown don't forget to check out the farmer's market as well as our mix of shops, boutiques, and restaurants that will be offering special events inside their facilities! And don't forget what this fest is all about - our scarecrows will once again line the streets! Times: 10:00am - 4:00pm....Visit Website

Ayers Landing Canoe Rental 3494 E. 2089th Rd, PO Box 82 | Wedron , IL, 60557 | 815-434-2233 OR 800 540 2394 | We offer canoe rentals on the Fox River. Open 7 days a week April through October. Call anytime!...Visit Website

B&B Live Bait 1025 LaSalle St | Ottawa, IL, 61350 | 815-433-0432 | Going fishing and need fresh bait? Come by and see our large selection of fishing bait ,including minnows for pond feeding. Located minutes from the Fox and Illinois Rivers. Open Spring to Fall.

Buffalo Range Shooting Park 1252 N 2803 rd Rd | Ottawa, IL, 61350 | 815-433-2471 | shootingpark@hotmail.com Offering a wide range of shooting targets: Rifle Range, Shotgun Range, Plinking Pit. Range entrance fees are: Adult (age 16 & up) $25.00, Children (age 15 & under) $15.00. Open Season is April through September and hours are Monday & Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday & Sunday 9am-6pm. Visit www.buffalorangeshootingpark.com for more information. ...Visit Website

Buffalo Rock State Park Dee Bennet Road | Ottawa, IL, 61350 | | Buffalo Rock State Park is located on a bluff which was once an island in the Illinois River. Now standing majestically on the north bank, this promontory affords a magnificent sweeping view of the Illinois River. Located approximately three miles west of Ottawa in LaSalle County, this 298 acre park has long been a favorite picnic area, as well as a nature lovers delight. The area of Buffalo Rock was the home of the Illinois Indians when Louis Jolliet, the French explorer, and the Jesuit missionary priest Father Jacques Marquette made their trip up the Illinois River in 1673. Later the Illinois Tribe was virtually annihilated in protracted warfare with the aggressive Iroquois....Visit Website

C & M Canoe Rental 3401 E 2062nd Rd | Ottawa, IL, 61350 | 815-434-6690 | Come have a blast canoeing on the Fox River with C & M Canoe Rental. The Fox River is very scenic and fun to canoe. You, your family and friends can enjoy canoeing, fishing and swimming. Open Spring through Fall - 7 days a week Now available - Primitive Camping! The lower Fox River is one of the most scenic canoeing areas in the Midwest. It is known for sandstone cliffs, abundant wildlife, and scenic seasonal views. This back to nature area is a great way for the novice paddler to get their feet wet. The friendly people at C & M Canoe Rental can supply you with everything you need for your 2-3 hour or 2 day canoe outing. Canoeing rental rates include the use of a 17-foot river canoe, paddles, life jackets and transportation to a launch spot. ...Visit Website

City Park-Catlin Park 2560 E. 1251 Road | Ottawa, IL, 61350 | 815 434 0518 | Open May through October, Catlin Park's 333 acres are a mix of pine and deciduous forests, prairie grasses, rugged ravines, winding stream beds, deer in abundance, wild turkeys, birds, squirrels, and rabbits. The park's well-organized trail system hosts 14 distinct trails plus numerous connector trails. These trails course throughout the park's habitats, including its various streams and ponds. The trails are used by horseback riders, hikers, joggers, birdwatchers, and photographers. The well-groomed trails are perfect for novice horses or riders, yet challenging enough for more seasoned riders. Adjacent to a 120x60 ft. horse arena is an obstacle course used by the LaSalle County Sheriff's Mounted Search and Rescue Posse. This course, which provides various desensitizing activities for training horses, is open to the public. Parking areas, picnic shelters, playground equipment, water, and outdoor restrooms are strategically located throughout the trail system. ...Visit Website

City Park-Washington Square Park Between Lafayette and Jackson Street and LaSalle | Ottawa, IL, 61350 | 1-888-OTTAWA-4 | Tourism@ExperienceOttawa.com In the center of the park a memorial commemorates the location of the first Lincoln-Douglas debate on August 21, 1858, with heoric sized bronze statues complete with a reflecting pool. Discover all the treasures hidden in this beautifully maintained park. Click on the link to download your copy of the Washington Square Park tour. ...Visit Website

Dayton Ridge Golf Club 3076 E 18th Rd | Ottawa, IL, 61350 | 815-434-0145 OR 815-434-0853 | 9 Hole Golf Course-Bar-Restaurant

Disc Golf Fox River Park, 1025 Ontario St | Ottawa, IL, 61350 | | Come test your skills at Ottawa's very own Disc Golf course located at the scenic Fox River Park. Score cards and directions can be found at the Ottawa Visitors Center. Remember to bring your own disc! Call 888-OTTAWA-4 for more information. Sponsored by Ottawa Recreation.

Fox Valley Off Road 1952 N 35th Rd | Ottawa, IL, 61350 | 815-431-9913 | foxvalleyoffroad @aol.com The Place to Ride! Fox Valley Off Road is a subsidiary of Motor Pro Inc. which also owns Megacross.com. This is a DHV park and is for motorcycles, and 4-wheel ATV's only. Hours of operation are Saturday & Sunday 10am - 5pm. Prices are: Adult Riders - $20.00 and Youth Riders 12 & under $10.00. Rentals are not available. Visit www.foxvalleyoffroad.com ...Visit Website

Heritage Harbor Ottawa 1970 N 2753rd Rd | Ottawa, IL, 61350 | 815-433-5000 | Fax: 815-433-5016 | Heritage Harbor is a marina resort community nestled at the crossing of the two rivers, the Fox and the Illinois featuring: a full service marina, concierge services, and a restaurant (seasonal). See their website for a full description and more information. Marina opens for the season on April 1, 2011 and closes October 31, 2011....Visit Website

I & M Canal This multi-purpose trail offers visitors scenic hiking and bicycling, combined with the opportunity to experience Ottawa's natural beauty. Walk or bike the tow path, where horses pulled passenger boats from 1848 until 1852 and mules pulled the heavy freight required to build Chicago and northern Illinois.

Illinois River Road Route 71 | Ottawa, IL, 61350 | 1-888-OTTAWA-4 for Ottawa Area OR 815-434-2737 for Ottawa Area | tourism@experienceottawa.com Now the journey is part of the destination . . . While driving the Illinois River Road, you'll be immersed in the rich cultural and archaeological history of Native Americans, French explorers, American settlers, and immigrants who were drawn here by the river valley's abundant natural resources and who built their lives and communities from the land and river. Ottawa is the first of the seven gateways offering spectactular river bluff views, wildlife, history, and many outdoor recreational adventures! Shop our unique boutiques, dine at our locally owned restaurants and experience our history!...Visit Website

Illinois River Road Geocaching in Ottawa Throughout Ottawa, and other River Road Communities | Ottawa, IL, 61350 | 1-888-OTTAWA-4 OR 815-434-2737 | tourism@experienceottawa.com Ottawa, Illinois is proud to be a participant of the Illinois River Road Geocaching! Geocaching (geo-cashing) is a great outdoor recreational activity that's similar to a scavenger hunt. You search for a hidden object using clues and GPS (global positioning system) coordinates. It's incredibly fun, and becoming more and more popular every day. Ottawa is one of the six Gateway communities along the Illinois River Road, including the portal communities of Marseilles and Streator. Visit www.illinoisriverroad.org/geocaching.cfm for more details about this great adventure or pick up a log book and guide at the Ottawa Visitors Center....Visit Website

Illinois Waterway Visitor Center 950 North 27th Road, (Dee Bennett Rd) | Ottawa, IL, 61350 | 815-667-4054 | Gary.L.Shea@usace.army.mil Ever want to see the operation of a lock and dam? Come to Illinois Waterway Visitor Center! Watch impressive towboats of mammoth proportions navigating through the Starved Rock Lock. Plus, view our displays to learn about the modern lock and dam system as well as the historic I & M Canal. Call to inquire about our eagle watching season, history, and educational programs. We offer state approved boating classes free to the public, plus boat safety checks!...Visit Website

Matthiessen State Park Route 178 | Utica, IL, 61350 | 815-667-4868 | Canyons, streams, prairie and forest combine to delight visitors at Matthiessen State Park. Located in central LaSalle County, approximately four miles south of Utica and three miles east of Oglesby, Matthiessen is a paradise for those interested in geology as well as recreation. Visitors can expect to see beautiful rock formations in addition to unusual and abundant vegetation and wildlife. All of this, along with park and picnic facilities, make Matthiessen State Park a popular choice for a special outing...Visit Website

Midwest Morel Fest - May 3rd and 4th, 2013 All events take place at Washington Square Park, South Rt 23 (In the heart of town) | Ottawa, IL, 61350 | 1-888-OTTAWA-4 OR 815-434-2737 | Fax: 815-434-5477 | events@experienceottawa.com LEARN, HUNT, AUCTION . . . for Morel Mushrooms during Ottawa's Midwest Morel Fest! This unique festival offers something for everyone from the mushroom enthusiast to the curious observer! See the following schedule: All events take place at Washington Square Park. *Friday, May 3rd - "LEARN AND GUIDED HUNT SEMINAR" by Morel University - limit of 120 Hunters - Begins at 4:00pm. *Saturday, May 4th - "CHAMPIONSHIP HUNT" - limit of 440 Hunters - sign-in begins at 7:00am Saturday morning with a deadline of 8:45am. All contestants will be bused to the hunt site. NO OTHER VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO FOLLOW THE OFFICIAL HUNT VEHICLES. *1:00pm "PUBLIC MOREL AUCTION". *2:30pm - "MOREL AWARDS CEREMONY". *Other Events - MOREL MUSHROOM MUSEUM, FARMERS MARKET, HAND AND HOME MADE MARKET, REDDICK MANSION TOURS, OTTAWA SCOUTING MUSEUM, HISTORIC WASHINGTON PARK, SHOPPING AND DINING, MAIN STREET ANTIQUES. Cost for seminar and hunt each: 13 yrs and over $30.00, 12 yrs and under $15.00, Walk-Ins add $5.00. No cancellations. No refunds. REGISTRATION DEADLINE MAY 1. Walk-Ins permitted if space allows. Call the Ottawa Visitors Center to make your reservations today! ...Visit Website

Ottawa YMCA (Fitness, Indoor) 201 E. Jackson Street | Ottawa, IL, 61350 | 815-433-2395 | Fax: 815-433-2396 | ottawaymcaweb@sbcglobal.net Away from home and missing your routine workout? Or do your kids need to burn off some energy? Not to worry, the Ottawa YMCA is a complete family destination. Our facilities include two gyms, an indoor swimming pool, two weight rooms, a cardio center, and a conference room. We offer many sports, adult fitness classes, pre-school, before and after school programs as well as summer day care programs. Conference room, gymnasium, and pool rentals available. Prices: For Non-Members/Day Pass: $10 for Adults, $5 for children, For Away Members - 12 free visits and $2 after free visits used. Hours of Operation: M - F 5:30am - 9:00pm, Sat 8:00am - 1:00pm (Summer), 8:00am - 5:00pm (Winter), Sunday (Closed in Summer) and 12:00pm - 5:00pm....Visit Website

Paddles and Pedals of Starved Rock Country 1988 North 2753rd Road | Ottawa, IL, 61350 | 815-714-9238 | meghan@paddlespedals.com Introducing Ottawa's newest outdoor recreation adventure - Paddles and Pedals of Starved Rock Country!! Rent a kayak or a canoe and enjoy the unique beauty on one of the great waterways in the Illinois Valley. Located in Heritage Harbor Marina along the Illinois River, we make customized packages to fit your needs. Whether it be relaxation, adventure, or romance, Paddles and Pedals has got you covered! Bicycle rentals coming soon! Open seasonally on weekends or by appointment. Contact us for more information! ...Visit Website

Pine Hills Golf Course 1665 N. 2501st Rd, 1.5 miles south of Ottawa and 12 miles southeast o | Ottawa, IL, 61350 | 815-434-3985 | pinehillsgolfclub@yahoo.com Unique to Central Illinois, Pine Hills golf course has been described as a Canyon Course complete with bluffs, valleys, hills and hundreds of trees. It is a challenge to both the beginner and the seasoned golfer and is recognized by many players as one of the finest 9-hole facilities in the country. Private and group golf lessons are available at Pine Hills which is located 1.5 miles south of Ottawa and 12 miles southeast of Starved Rock State Park. The Pine Hills Club House offers a friendly atmosphere and includes a Pro-Shop, large dining area with panoramic views of the Course, outdoor patio, a comfortable bar and can provide meeting space for up to 100 people. Starting in 2012, Pine Hills Golf Club will offer special event facilities with a capacity of up to 450. ...Visit Website

Public Boat Launches & Docks The City of Ottawa offers free boating amenities including: ten 25 ft floating slips (free up to 48 hrs), nine public boat launches, and free trailer parking. Located along the Illinois and Fox Rivers. See website for locations. Plus, Motor Yacht Docking available on the Fox River (near the Ottawa Boat Club)featuring: 110 ft fixed dock, 7 1/2 ft water, City Water, and (2) 30 amp electric. ...Visit Website

Riordan Swimming Pool 500 East Norris Drive | Ottawa, IL, 61350 | 815-433-4324 | Take a break from the summer heat and cool off at Ottawa's local pool! Enjoy fun water features such as a slide, umbrella fountains, and a wadding/baby pool. OPENING DAY MAY 28th (Weather Permitting)! Open 7 days a week from 11:30am - 6pm. Cost: $3 per person, 2 and under free. Concessions sold at pool. Available for rentals....Visit Website

Riverwalk 100 W. Lafayette St | Ottawa, IL, 61350 | 1-888-OTTAWA-4 | Take a leisurely stroll or bike ride along the Fox and Illinois Rivers on Ottawa's beautiful Riverwalk. You'll enjoy beautiful river and scenic views as the Riverwalk winds along the rivers and through some of Ottawa's public parks and boat launches. Don't forget to bring your disc golf or fishing gear, the Riverwalk passes by Ottawa's Disc Golf course and many different fishing spots.

Skydive Chicago 3215 E 1969th Road | Ottawa, IL, 61350 | 815-433-0000 | Fax: 815-433-6806 | info@skydivechicago.com Nestled on the West bank of the Fox River approximately 75 miles from Chicago lies the Skydive Chicago Airport, designed from the ground up to efficiently function as a skydiving training and recreation center. This 230-acre complex contains a large hangar that provides 15,000 square feet of shade and shelter adjoining 22,500 square feet of classrooms, common areas with satellite feed, recreation centers with pool tables and video games, a pro shop, video department and deli that serves food and alcoholic beverages. At night, enjoy movies or a club-type party in our two level auditorium theatre, featuring a 30,000-watt sound and projection system. Just to the East is a full hook-up campground featuring a large pond that¹s surrounded by sprawling decks and highlighted by a serene island. On the North shore is a beautiful white sand beach that adjoins a large pavilion with showers, laundry facilities and volleyball court. This entire complex is surrounded by acres of pastures that gently roll to the banks of the Fox River. Canoeing, hiking/biking trails and horseback riding are also available on the property. ...Visit Website

Splash and Play Water Feature at Fox River Park 1025 Ontario St | Ottawa, IL, 61350 | | The new water feature at Fox River Park is an ideal way for kids to splash, run, play, and cool off in the hot summer sun! While there take advantage of the newly installed playground equipment and Disc Golf! ...Visit Website

Starved Rock Adventures 1 Dee Bennett Rd. | Ottawa, IL, 61350 | 815-434-9200 | We are Illinois's premiere water resort: houseboats, waterfront condos, pontoon boats, speedboats, jet skis, and canoe rentals. Home of the Starved Rock State Park's "Belle of the Rock" and Ottawa's "Ottawa Lady" Boats! Offering 45 minute, narrated cruises along the Illinois River every hour on the hour. Open April 1st - October 31st. Monday - Friday 9-5. Weekends and holidays 9-6....Visit Website

Starved Rock Harley - Davidson 750 Centennial Drive, P.O. Box 759 | Ottawa, IL, 61350 | 815-431-1900 | Fax: 815-431-0100 | erin@starvedrockhd.com We are a full line Harley - Davidson Motorcycle Dealership. We offer motorcycle sales, service, general merchandise, collectibles, parts, accessories, motorcycle training and coming in 2012 motorcycle rentals....Visit Website

Starved Rock Marina 1 Dee Bennett Rd, P.O. Box 2460 | Ottawa, IL, 61350 | 815-433-4218 | Fax: 815-433-2826 | info@starvedrockmarina.com We are a full service marina offering boat and villa rentals. In addition we have a restaurant "Captains Cove" and shopping "Weeta's Boutique". Starved Rock Marina is located near Starved Rock Park, Buffalo Rock State Park, and the I & M Canal for biking and hiking. ...Visit Website

Starved Rock State Park Rt 71 & Rt 178 | Utica, IL, 61373 | 815-667-4726 | Experience the fun of outdoor adventure at Starved Rock State Park. Whether you enjoy hiking along the nature trails or viewing the many spectacular overlooks along the Illinois River, recreational opportunities abound. From picnicking to fishing to boating, from horseback riding to camping to enjoying winter sports, there's so much to do that you'll come back again and again....Visit Website