A city in a garden--or gardens in a city?
Over the weekend I visited another canal/river town. Ottawa, IL is just over an hour from Chicago. For a gardener and a history buff like me--this place is heavenly!
A few years ago, the city took on the task of becomig a "garden city." Since then the downtown area has been transformed into a lush, beautiful place to visit.
The downtown business owners all have planters and windowboxes, and many have bistro tables and chairs or benches inviting shoppers to slow down and enjoy the downtown area.
The city has installed sidewalk gardens all along La Salle Street, which is the main shopping district and plans to expand this through out the downtown area.
A few other "must see" things in Ottawa:
Reddick Mansion Commissioned in 1855 for William Reddick, the mansion was the home of the Reddick family for nearly 30 years. The twenty-two room mansion was designed for the William Reddick family by two prominent mid-western architects: William B. Olmsted and Peter A. Nicholson. It also boasts beautiful gardens. Check their website for tour times.
In the coach house next to the Reddick Mansion is the Ottawa Visitor's Center. They can help you plan a visit and offer information about other things to do in La Salle County.
Ottawa also has beautiful murals on many of the buildings, and visitors can take a cellphone guided tour of the murals, or download a booklet before making the trip to view them.
Washington Square Park, in the center of town was the site of the first Lincoln-Douglas senatorial debate in1858. Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas stood in this beautiful park to deliver the first of seven senatorial debates. It was estimated that 20,000 spectators gathered to witness this debate. The site of the debate is marked by a boulder and plaque, and a fountain topped by bronze statues of Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas forms the centerpiece of the beautifully landscaped square.
All of the gardens in Ottawa are maintained and tended to by volunteers. It makes the town so charming and pedestrian friendly.
There is a Farmers Market every weeknd on Saturday morning just south of Washington Park. The Market expands on first and third weekend of the month include hand and homemade vendors. This weekends market was an eclectic mix on art, crafts and fantastic food.
It is worth the road trip!
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| Lincoln and Douglas in Washington Square |
A few years ago, the city took on the task of becomig a "garden city." Since then the downtown area has been transformed into a lush, beautiful place to visit.
 |
| West side of La Salle Street |
The downtown business owners all have planters and windowboxes, and many have bistro tables and chairs or benches inviting shoppers to slow down and enjoy the downtown area.
 |
| East side of La Salle Street |
The city has installed sidewalk gardens all along La Salle Street, which is the main shopping district and plans to expand this through out the downtown area.
A few other "must see" things in Ottawa:
 |
| The Reddick Mansion |
Reddick Mansion Commissioned in 1855 for William Reddick, the mansion was the home of the Reddick family for nearly 30 years. The twenty-two room mansion was designed for the William Reddick family by two prominent mid-western architects: William B. Olmsted and Peter A. Nicholson. It also boasts beautiful gardens. Check their website for tour times.
 |
| The Ottawa Visitor's Center |
In the coach house next to the Reddick Mansion is the Ottawa Visitor's Center. They can help you plan a visit and offer information about other things to do in La Salle County.
 |
| One of the many murals downtown |
Ottawa also has beautiful murals on many of the buildings, and visitors can take a cellphone guided tour of the murals, or download a booklet before making the trip to view them.
 |
| Lincoln and Douglas statues |
Washington Square Park, in the center of town was the site of the first Lincoln-Douglas senatorial debate in1858. Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas stood in this beautiful park to deliver the first of seven senatorial debates. It was estimated that 20,000 spectators gathered to witness this debate. The site of the debate is marked by a boulder and plaque, and a fountain topped by bronze statues of Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas forms the centerpiece of the beautifully landscaped square.
All of the gardens in Ottawa are maintained and tended to by volunteers. It makes the town so charming and pedestrian friendly.
There is a Farmers Market every weeknd on Saturday morning just south of Washington Park. The Market expands on first and third weekend of the month include hand and homemade vendors. This weekends market was an eclectic mix on art, crafts and fantastic food.
It is worth the road trip!
Miss my Ottawa!
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