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Top Outdoor Activities In Ottawa, Illinois

Discover the enchanting city of Ottawa, also known as the Starved Rock Gateway, where outdoor activities bring both tourists and locals to life. From vibrant street art to scenic trails, there is no better way to explore than through our exciting experiences. Dive into our unique outdoor activities and feel the thrill of adventure in every corner.

Adventurers exploring in Ottawa!

4.8/5 stars for 2,000 Adventurers in Ottawa & 5,000,000 ADVENTURERS Around The World

Outdoor Experiences in Ottawa, Illinois

Welcome to our expertly curated list of outdoor activities in Ottawa. Each experience is designed to offer a unique blend of excitement and discovery, ensuring an unforgettable adventure. Whether you are looking for thrilling challenges or serene explorations, these activities promise a memorable journey.

Top Rated
Ottawa‘s Downtown Dazzle Hunt Scavenger Hunt card image
green star 5.0 (24 reviews)

Ottawa‘s Downtown Dazzle Hunt Scavenger Hunt

Downtown, Ottawa, Illinois

Join our thrilling scavenger hunt in downtown Ottawa, Illinois! Uncover hidden gems at...

See Top Rated Ottawa Hunt

More Hunts Nearby

Can't find what you're looking for in Ottawa? Check out these great scavenger hunts within 30 miles.

15.5 mi away
 Streator scavenger hunt card image
green star 5.0 (15 reviews)

Streator scavenger hunt

Downtown, Streator, Illinois

Who says Streator‘s history is all bottled up? Uncork fun on our downtown scavenger...

See Top Rated Ottawa Hunt
about outdoor activities

An Epic Ottawa, Illinois experience

Join us in exploring Ottawa Illinois Scavenger Hunt alongside iconic landmarks and hidden gems in Ottawa; from vibrant street art to historic plazas.
Rally your crew with trivia quests, bold photo dares, and wild scavenger challenges that earn points and unlock bragging rights in our sleek app—compare your scores and celebrate victories together.
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How Our Ottawa, Illinois Outdoor Activities Work

Our team of expert writers and on-the-ground adventurers have scouted must-sees across 3,050+ cities worldwide including over 50 Midwest locations. With clear instructions tailored uniquely per event type whether bar crawls or museum tours; participants receive comprehensive route maps alongside challenge quizzes.

Each activity involves exploring on foot tackling trivia questions at historical markers plus completing photo challenges near murals while solving puzzles near public artworks earning points unlocking achievements via award-winning app allowing comparison against peers within same locale.

Man on a scavenger hunt walking tour
Hunt Map Ottawa
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Top Outdoor Attractions In Ottawa

Ottawa's top attractions are brimming with opportunities for outdoor adventures. Explore the historic I&M Canal Pathway or wander through Matthiessen Park Adventures. Each location offers it's own charm and allure, perfect for creating lasting memories. Click on each location to see related activities.

1

General W.H.L. Wallace

Visit General Wallace's tribute site, a puzzle-solving gem in Ottawa. His statue's boots are polished by the wind—a fascinating stop on your outdoor adventure.
2

Fox River (Illinois River tributary)

Enjoy nature at Fox River, Ottawa’s scenic retreat. Join locals fishing at sunrise and take on the challenge of counting ducks as part of your outdoor exploration.
3

Time Capsule

Uncover stories at Ottawa’s Time Capsule, a Prairie State Jewel sealed until 2037. Imagine what treasures lie inside during your outdoor exploration of this historic site.
4

Lincoln-Douglas Plaza Fountain

Marvel at Lincoln-Douglas Plaza Fountain's sculptures and bricks that echo history's cheers. A must-see for any outdoor enthusiast exploring this I&M Canal Town.
5

The Daily Times

Visit The Daily Times marker, honoring one of Illinois’ oldest papers. This architectural gem is perfect for history buffs exploring outdoor landmarks in Ottawa.
1

General W.H.L. Wallace

Visit General Wallace's tribute site, a puzzle-solving gem in Ottawa. His statue's boots are polished by the wind—a fascinating stop on your outdoor adventure.
2

Fox River (Illinois River tributary)

Enjoy nature at Fox River, Ottawa’s scenic retreat. Join locals fishing at sunrise and take on the challenge of counting ducks as part of your outdoor exploration.
3

Time Capsule

Uncover stories at Ottawa’s Time Capsule, a Prairie State Jewel sealed until 2037. Imagine what treasures lie inside during your outdoor exploration of this historic site.

See our Top Outdoor Activities By Neighborhood

Explore the diverse neighborhoods of Ottawa where outdoor activities abound. From the vibrant energy of downtown streets to the peaceful serenity along the Fox River Retreat, there is something for everyone. Click on these neighborhoods to see the related activity.

15.5 mi away
Downtown card image
green star 5.0 (1 reviews)

Downtown

Downtown, Ottawa, Illinois

Discover Downtown Ottawa, where must-see attractions await. With it's rich history and scenic beauty, including Veterans Memorial Bridge and the Fox River, it is perfect...

See Top Rated Ottawa Hunt
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12,000+ Reviews For our Hunts

See what people say about our outdoor activities in Ottawa

Our customers love exploring Ottawa through our engaging outdoor activities! With glowing testimonials and star ratings, it is clear why these experiences are a hit among adventurers seeking something special in this beautiful city.

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Exploring Downtown Ottawa with this app was such a great experience. We found interesting spots we might have missed otherwise.
Daniel W.
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Such an enjoyable experience! The Daily Times location brought back memories while we learned new things about our city.
Megan L.
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This self-guided tour was an awesome way to see the historic sites around town. I loved every moment spent wandering through Ottawa.
James H.
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A perfect way to explore Downtown and discover unique places we never knew existed. Highly recommend this as a thing to do!
Laura G.
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We had so much fun with this scavenger hunt experience! It made for an exciting family activity in Downtown Ottawa.
Chris M.
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The Lincoln-Douglas Plaza Fountain was an amazing stop on our tour. Such a cool way to see iconic spots in Ottawa!
Jessica D.
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What a fun date idea! We explored Streetscape Reflections together and it brought us closer while enjoying the sights of Ottawa.
David W.
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We enjoyed a lovely day at the Fox River. It was a great outdoor activity that allowed us to soak in the beauty of Ottawa.
Sarah B.
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This walking tour around Downtown was a fantastic experience. I loved discovering hidden gems while learning about local history.
Michael S.
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I had a blast exploring the General W.H.L. Wallace site. It was a fun and engaging way to learn about Ottawa's history.
Emily J.
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A fantastic way to spend an afternoon in Ottawa! We discovered new places and learned so much about the city's past.
Brian A.
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This walking tour is a must-do if you want to dive into the culture of downtown Ottawa. Such a unique experience!
Amanda W.
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We had an amazing time with this self-guided tour of Streetscape Reflections. It felt like we were on a treasure hunt in Ottawa.
Chris L.
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The ScavengerHunt.com app made exploring downtown so much fun. I loved how easy it was to navigate through historical spots.
Laura M.
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This interactive tour was perfect for tourists wanting to explore iconic landmarks around Ottawa. Highly recommend for first-timers!
Daniel G.
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A great thing to do in Ottawa! I loved uncovering local gems and learning about our city’s rich history on this tour.
Jessica D.
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Exploring downtown Ottawa was such a highlight. The historical sites and unique architecture made it an unforgettable experience.
David B.
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This outdoor experience along the Lincoln-Douglas Plaza Fountain was perfect for my family. We made great memories while learning.
Sarah W.
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What a fantastic date idea in the heart of Ottawa. We enjoyed discovering hidden spots together while strolling through downtown.
Michael S.
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I had a blast exploring the Fox River on this walking tour. It was a fun way to learn about the history of Ottawa.
Emily J.

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LOCAL INSIGHTS

Fun Ottawa Facts and Hidden Gems

Ottawa was founded along the scenic Illinois River in 1830 as a vital trade hub during America's westward expansion. Known for it's rich history tied to Abraham Lincoln's debates with Stephen Douglas, it remains a cultural landmark today.

Did you know that Ottawa played a pivotal role during the Civil War? It's strategic location made it a key
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Founders Charlie and Mike
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