About 90 miles southwest of downtown Chicago, the city of Ottawa is sometimes known as “The Town of Two Rivers” because it is located where the Fox River empties into the Illinois River. Four state parks are located within a 10-mile drive of Ottawa, including Starved Rock State Park. “That’s our claim to fame,” says Robin Wilson, a broker with Home Smart Realty. “People from Chicago have no idea where Ottawa is, but they’ve heard of and know where Starved Rock State Park is.” History is also prominent in Ottawa as the Illinois River was a waterway in the 1800s where goods were shipped between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River. The Illinois River is also a tourist destination, with the Sainte Genevieve Riverboat offering sightseeing cruises from June through September.
Starved Rock State Park features miles of scenic nature trails for Ottawa residents to enjoy.
The lodge at Starved Rock State Park is a favorite among Ottawa residents.
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Starved Rock and other parks
Ottawa is considered the scenic gateway to Starved Rock State Park, which is in the small nearby community of Utica Township. The park is over 2,600 acres with over 13 miles of trails that lead to picturesque canyons, sandstone walls and waterfalls on the south side of the Illinois River. Buffalo Rock is on the north side, featuring panoramic waterway views. Washington Square Park is part of the city’s rich history in downtown Ottawa. It was the site of the first senatorial debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas in 1858. There are historical markers and statues of both men. Amenities include a fountain and walking paths. It’s also the site for Saturday night concerts during the summer. There are plans for an amphitheater to be located along the Illinois riverfront.
Starved Rock State Park is a popular tourist attraction in Ottawa.
Washington Park in Ottawa was the site of the first Lincoln-Douglas debates in 1858.
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Variety of housing in Ottawa
From homes dating to the 1800s in a historic district to new construction homes in modern subdivisions, a wide variety of housing is available. “There is a nice mixture, and there are prices that are attractive to the first-time buyer,” Wilson says. The median single-family home price is about $302,000, similar to the city of Peru about 20 miles west on the Illinois River. The median price there is almost $314,000. There are a few condo developments, primarily east of downtown. Most townhouses are north of downtown and a few south of the Illinois River. “With the amount of people working remotely, there are some who work in Chicago and live in Ottawa,” she adds. “There are still plenty who work locally.” The Ottawa Chamber of Commerce says the top employers in the area are the OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center, the Petsmart Distribution Center and SABIC Innovative Plastics.
Downtown Ottawa features many homes from the 1800s.
Newly constructed riverside homes are available in the eastern part of Ottawa.
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Vibrant downtown Ottawa
Independently run restaurants, boutiques, antique shops and craft breweries line the streets of downtown. “It’s always vibrant,” Wilson says. “The transition happened about 20 years ago, and it’s consistently stayed popular.” There’s a focus on the arts on display during Ottawa’s Third Friday, running from May through September. Many retailers are open late, and the Open Space Art Gallery hosts the event. There are murals all over downtown depicting the city’s history. On the city's north end are more retail and restaurant options close to Interstate 80.
Downtown Ottawa is lined with restaurants and shops for residents to enjoy.
Enjoy an afternoon at one of Ottawa's many breweries.
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Ottawa public and private schools
Ottawa Elementary School District 141 consists of four elementary schools, an intermediate and a middle school. The district is rated a B on Niche. Ottawa Township High School is part of the Ottawa Township High School District 140. The school is rated a B-minus. Private school options include the Catholic K-12 Marquette Academy, rated a B-plus and Ottawa Christian Academy, serving kids from kindergarten through tenth grade.
Educational opportunities abound at Ottawa Township High School.
Ottawa Elementary School District has dozens of effective and excellent teachers and staff.
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Car-dependency in Ottawa
A car is needed to get around Ottawa and beyond. Interstate 80 is accessible north of downtown, leading east to the south suburbs of Chicago and west toward the Quad Cities and the Iowa border.
Things to Know
According to FBI data, violent crime and property crime rates are relatively low, but cases have increased annually between 2021 and 2023; the most recent year data is available. The First Street Foundation, an organization that tracks environmental dangers, says houses near the Fox and Illinois Rivers are in severe flood zones.
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
