Ottawa, IL

Ottawa, Illinois

Introduction to Ottawa, Illinois

Ottawa, Illinois, in La Salle county, is 40 miles SW of Aurora, Illinois (center to center) and 71 miles SW of Chicago, Illinois. The city has a population of 18,307.

Ottawa History

Ottawa was incorporated in 1853. The first Lincoln-Douglas debate was held in historic Washington Square in Ottawa on August 21, 1858. The city actively participated in the abolitionist movement, and the house of John Hossack served as the Underground Railroad station. Ottawa is also the site of the famous abduction of 1859 where prominent civic leaders, such as John Hossack, James Stou, and Dr. Joseph Stout, abducted a runaway slave named Jim Gray from the courthouse.

Ottawa and nearby Attractions

• Buffalo Rock State Park
• Starved Rock State Park
• Ottawa Scouting Museum
• Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail
• LaSalle Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

Things To Do In Ottawa

In Ottawa, you can visit the Lincoln-Douglas Park, Peck Park, Walsh Park, Allen Park, Varland Park, Kiwanis Park, and Rigden Park. The city is the scenic gateway to the Starved Rock State Park. You can also spend your leisure at Skydive Chicago, one of the largest skydiving operations in the United States. Shopping can be enjoyed at the South Towne Mall Shopping Center. You can also visit the Ottawa Scouting Museum and Reddick Mansion.

Ottawa Transportation

The nearest airport is Greater Rockford Airport.

Ottawa Higher Education

Opportunities for higher education are provided by Illinois Valley Community College, University of St Francis, Waubonsee Community College, and Joliet Junior College.

High Points

Ottawa strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Illinois):

Category	Trophy
Walking and Biking to Work (vs. State)	Top 12%

Comparative Profile of Ottawa, IL

Comparing Ottawa to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Illinois (State):

Ratings range from (lowest) to (highest).

The People

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Senior Citizens
Age of the Population
Female Share of the Population
Well-Paid Single Men
Well-Paid Single Women
Racial Diversity
Children Under 5 Years Old
Male Share of the Population

Families

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Portion of People Married
Average Household Size

Wealth

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
People in Middle Class or Better
People Above Poverty
Median Family Income
College Educated Adults

Commute & Sprawl

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Walking and Biking to Work
Short Commute Times
Public Transportation Use
Working at Home

Housing

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
People Living Alone
Affordability of Rents
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals
Affordability of Property Taxes
Seasonal and Vacation Housing
Housing Recently Built

Ottawa Almanac

Ottawa Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

• Temp ranges are avg daily min and max for the month
• Precipitation is rainfall (and rainfall equiv of snowfall)

Ottawa Population (2000)

(From 2000 Census, as reported by individuals)

Neighborhood and Nearby Area Names

According to the US Postal Service, Ottawa, its neighborhoods, and/or surrounding areas are also referred to as:

Note that not all alternate names are acceptable for use in US Post Office addresses.

Nearby Cities and Towns

Ottawa Public Libraries

More Information for Librarians

Ottawa Hospitals

COMMUNITY HOSPITAL OF OTTAWA
(Voluntary non-profit - Private)
1100 EAST NORRIS DRIVE
(815) 433-3100
Emergency Service: Yes

Wal-Mart in Ottawa

Ottawa High Schools (2004)

OTTAWA TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL
211 E MAIN ST
815-433-1323
Title I eligible, not participating.
Serves 1,576 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 16.2

REGIONAL SAFE SCHOOL
119 W MADISON RM 102
815-434-0780
A Non-traditional School
Serves 53 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 12

Ottawa Colleges

(List of All Illinois Colleges)

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