- The list below includes 25 free or cheap things to do in or near Ottawa, Illinois, including 72 different types of inexpensive activities like Specialty Museums, National & State Parks, Bowling and Movie Theaters.
- From Buffalo Rock State Park to Lasalle County 4-H Fair Grounds, there are a variety of budget-friendly attractions in Ottawa and in nearby cities within 25 miles like La Salle and Utica.
Showing 1-10 of
209
3.8 Miles
Buffalo Rock State Park is a nice lakeside resort which is dotted by wooden docks and cabins. The hiking region is not too long but the surrounding backdrop is fantastic. Two buffaloes on a fence welcome you at the entrance.
1.5 Miles
The Lasalle County 4-H Fair Grounds are host to the annual 4-H Fair, which includes a variety of competitions and displays for 4-H Club members. Aside from livestock displays, there are photography and sewing exhibits.
2.1 Miles
The Illinois Waterway Visitor Center features a museum dedicated to the history of the state's waterway, featuring hands-on exhibits for the children also. Bald eagles can be observed from here.
0.3 Miles
The Reddick Mansion and Gardens are a historic house and grounds that date back before the Civil War. Managed by a local non-profit, tours through the restored building, rooms, and gardens are offered by reservation throughout the year.
0.4 Miles
93%
15 votes
1100 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL
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The history of both the Ottawa region and the Boy Scouts of America is the focus of the Ottawa Historical and Scouting Heritage Museum, which also offers special lectures and on-site events. Several nature trails run through the grounds adjacent to the museum for walking as well.
6.7 Miles
C & M Canoe Rental provides canoeing trips and rentals on the Fox River. They offer single day trips for 7 miles and 12 miles in addition to 2 day trips for 21 miles.
0.4 Miles
The Ottawa Scouting Museum focuses on the history of both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts in the area. It maintains permanent exhibits, and hosts rotating exhibits showcasing different aspects of scouting through the years.
0.2 Miles
The Roxy Cinema is a movie theater that offers discounts to children under 12 and seniors over the age of 55. The cinema also offers discount cards that can be valid for up to two years.
0.0 Miles
The Wide Water Gallery is a fine art gallery that features works by artists Charles Funk, Jim Killen, Ron Parker, and Paul Calle. The gallery specializes in limited edition prints, custom framing, and original artwork.
0.3 Miles
Featuring draft beer and specialty drinks, Carretto's Bar & Bowling offers a dining menu as well as big screen televisions for watching sports programming. Six bowling lanes with automatic scoring and bumpers are available for individuals and private events.