Ottawa Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ottawa Park is a beautiful and historic park located in the state of Illinois.


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Summary

With its lush greenery and tranquil surroundings, it is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. There are several good reasons to visit Ottawa Park, including its rich history, scenic beauty, and numerous recreational opportunities.

One of the main points of interest at Ottawa Park is the historic Reddick Mansion. Built in 1855, this beautiful Italianate-style mansion is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is open for tours. Other notable attractions at the park include the Washington Square Fountain, which was built in 1881 and is a popular spot for photos, and the Ottawa Scouting Museum, which showcases the history of scouting in the area.

In addition to its numerous attractions, Ottawa Park offers visitors a variety of recreational activities. The park features several hiking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds, as well as a basketball court, tennis court, and baseball field. Visitors can also enjoy fishing and boating on the nearby Fox River, which runs through the park.

Interesting facts about Ottawa Park include that it was originally designed by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, who also designed New York City's Central Park. The park was established in 1909 and has been a popular destination for over a century. It is also home to several species of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and bald eagles.

The best time of year to visit Ottawa Park is in the summer, when the weather is warm and the park is in full bloom. However, spring and fall are also beautiful times to visit, as the changing seasons bring new colors and scenery to the park. Overall, Ottawa Park is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the state of Illinois, offering a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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