Ottawa Cruise Port
River Cruises - United States
About Ottawa Cruise Port
Port Overview
Ottawa, Illinois, offers docking at an Illinois River port. Travelers explore Starved Rock State Park’s canyons and Ottawa’s historic downtown. Excursions visit Matthiessen State Park’s waterfalls. Local markets sell corn fritters. The peak season, April to October, brings mild weather for outdoor tours. Photography captures riverfronts and sandstone cliffs. Dining onboard includes pork tenderloin sandwiches, an Illinois favorite. Souvenirs, like river rocks, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Illinois’ pioneer history. Light layers suit the temperate climate, while sturdy shoes enhance park hikes. Ottawa’s natural and historic charm offers a serene American stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of scenic trails, historic sites, and riverfront beauty, making Ottawa an engaging destination for exploring Illinois’ outdoor and cultural heritage.
River Cruises - United States
River Cruises - United States
102°F / 37°F
avg high / low in June
🚢 Itineraries
0
cruise itineraries
🎯 Excursions
1
available excursions
🛡️ Safety Score
7.5 / 10
#30 of 71 in River Cruises - United States
Quick Links
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Ottawa, Illinois
Cruise Port Location
The Ottawa, Illinois cruise port is located on the Illinois River, approximately 80 miles southwest of Chicago. The port is situated on the north side of the river, just off of Route 71. The port is easily accessible from the nearby cities of La Salle, Peru, and Streator.
What to Do
Ottawa Top Activities & Attractions
Ottawa, Illinois is known for its many outdoor activities and attractions. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as fishing, boating, and camping at the nearby Illinois and Fox Rivers. There are also several parks and trails in the area, perfect for hiking, biking, and bird watching. Ottawa also offers a variety of cultural attractions, including museums, galleries, and historic sites. Visitors can also take part in a variety of festivals and events throughout the year. With its many attractions and activities, Ottawa is a great destination for a fun and memorable vacation.
Ottawa Fun Facts
Home of the World's Largest Catsup Bottle
Ottawa, Illinois is home to the world's largest catsup bottle, standing at a whopping 170 feet tall. It was built in 1949 by the W.E. Caldwell Company and is now a roadside attraction. It is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, and is even lit up at night for all to see.
Ottawa Cruise Port Excursions
Ottawa Popular Shore Tours
Explore the best excursions and tours near Ottawa cruise port. From guided sightseeing to adventure activities, find the perfect way to make the most of your time at this cruise port.
Cruise Port Schedule
Ottawa Cruise Port Ships & Passenger Count
How many people will be in Ottawa cruise port during your visit? Which other ships will be docked? Use the date selector below to find cruise port traffic for Ottawa on any date.
No ships scheduled
No cruise ships are in port at Ottawa on Wednesday, June 10, 2026.
Ottawa Cruise Terminals
Ottawa Cruise Lines Terminal
The Ottawa Cruise Lines Terminal is a full-service cruise terminal located in Ottawa, Illinois. It offers a variety of services, including ticketing, baggage handling, and check-in. The terminal also provides a variety of amenities, such as a lounge, a restaurant, and a gift shop. The terminal is conveniently located near the Ottawa River and is easily accessible from the highway.
Explore Ottawa Cruise Port
Ottawa, Illinois is a popular cruise port for travelers looking to explore the area. Excursions include outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and kayaking, as well as cultural experiences like visiting local museums and historic sites. There are also plenty of opportunities to shop and dine in the area. Visitors can also take advantage of the many parks and nature preserves in the area, offering a chance to observe local wildlife and enjoy the natural beauty of the region.
The closest beach to Ottawa, Illinois is Starved Rock State Park, located about 30 miles away. This park is home to a variety of outdoor activities, including camping, fishing, hiking, and swimming. The park also features 13 miles of trails, sandstone canyons, and stunning views of the Illinois River. Other nearby beaches include Lake Shelbyville, located about 40 miles away, and Lake Michigan, located about 80 miles away. Both of these beaches offer a variety of activities, including swimming, fishing, and boating.
Buffalo Rock State Park Beach
Buffalo Rock State Park Beach is another popular beach near Ottawa, Illinois. This beach is located on the Illinois River and is a great spot for swimming, fishing, and boating. The beach is surrounded by lush forests and sandstone bluffs, making it a great spot for nature lovers. There are also plenty of trails for hiking and biking, as well as a variety of wildlife to observe.
Matthiessen State Park Beach
Matthiessen State Park Beach is a popular beach located near Ottawa, Illinois. This beach is located on the Vermilion River and is a great spot for swimming, fishing, and picnicking. The beach is surrounded by beautiful sandstone canyons and lush forests, making it a great spot for nature lovers. There are also plenty of trails for hiking and biking, as well as a variety of wildlife to observe.
Starved Rock State Park Beach
Starved Rock State Park Beach is a popular beach located near Ottawa, Illinois. It is a great spot for swimming, fishing, and picnicking. The beach is surrounded by beautiful sandstone canyons and lush forests, making it a great spot for nature lovers. There are also plenty of trails for hiking and biking, as well as a variety of wildlife to observe.
Ottawa, Illinois is known for its antique shops, specialty stores, and unique boutiques. It is also home to the Ottawa Antique Mall, which is the largest antique mall in the state of Illinois.
The Ottawa Antique Mall
The Ottawa Antique Mall is a great place to find unique souvenirs from your cruise. With over 10,000 square feet of antiques, collectibles, and vintage items, you're sure to find something special. The mall has a wide selection of items from furniture to jewelry, and even vintage clothing. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and they can help you find the perfect souvenir for your trip.
The Ottawa Gift Shop
The Ottawa Gift Shop is the perfect place to find souvenirs from your cruise. With a wide selection of items from t-shirts to mugs, you're sure to find something special. The shop also has a variety of local items, so you can take home a piece of Ottawa with you. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and they can help you find the perfect souvenir for your trip.
The Ottawa Marketplace
The Ottawa Marketplace is a great place to find souvenirs from your cruise. With a variety of vendors selling everything from handmade jewelry to local art, you're sure to find something special. The marketplace also has a wide selection of food vendors, so you can grab a bite to eat while you shop. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, and the staff is always willing to help you find the perfect souvenir.
Ottawa Weather Forecast
Average Monthly Weather
June
Typical Weather
Average High
Average Low
Rainfall
Daily average
4.5 in monthly total
Ottawa Cruise Port FAQ
Quick answers about Ottawa cruise port covering location, safety, weather, excursions, and more.
Ottawa, Illinois cruise port is located in River Cruises - United States. The Ottawa, Illinois cruise port is located on the Illinois River, approximately 80 miles southwest of Chicago. The port is situated on the north side of the river, just off of Route 71. The port is easily accessible from the nearby cities of La Salle, Peru, and Streator.
No, Ottawa, Illinois is not a good cruise port. It is located on the Illinois River, but there are no cruise ships that travel to or from the area.
Ottawa cruise port has a safety score of 7.5 out of 10, ranking #30 of 71 ports in River Cruises - United States. Ottawa, Illinois is a safe port for cruise ships. The city has a low crime rate and is considered a safe place to visit. The Ottawa Police Department is dedicated to providing a safe environment for visitors and residents alike. There are no known security threats or concerns at the port.
In June, Ottawa cruise port has average high temperatures of 102°F (39°C) and average lows of 37°F (3°C).
There are currently 1 excursions and tours available at Ottawa cruise port, covering everything from guided sightseeing and cultural experiences to water sports and adventure activities. Book in advance to secure your preferred experience.
Ottawa cruise port offers 3 featured activities and attractions. Popular highlights include: Dining, Outdoor Activities, Shopping. Ottawa, Illinois is known for its many outdoor activities and attractions. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as fishing, boating, and camping at the nearby Illinois and Fox Rivers. There are also several parks and trails in the area, perfect for hiking, biking, and bird watching. Ottawa also offers a variety of cultural attractions, including museums, galleries, and historic sites. Visitors can also take part in a variety of festivals and events throughout the year. With its many attractions and activities, Ottawa is a great destination for a fun and memorable vacation.
1. Enterprise Rent-A-Car: Enterprise Rent-A-Car offers car rental services near the Ottawa, Illinois cruise port. They have a wide selection of vehicles, including economy, luxury, and SUV models. They also offer special deals and discounts for cruise passengers.2. Hertz: Hertz is another car rental option near the Ottawa, Illinois cruise port. They offer a variety of vehicles, including economy, luxury, and SUV models. They also offer special discounts for cruise passengers.3. Avis: Avis is another car rental option near the Ottawa, Illinois cruise port. They offer a wide selection of vehicles, including economy, luxury, and SUV models. They also offer special discounts for cruise passengers.4. Budget: Budget is another car rental option near the Ottawa, Illinois cruise port. They offer a variety of vehicles, including economy, luxury, and SUV models. They also offer special discounts for cruise passengers.
Unfortunately, there is no public wifi access available at the Ottawa, Illinois cruise port. However, there are several nearby restaurants and cafes that offer free wifi access, such as McDonald's, Starbucks, and Panera Bread.
The address of the Ottawa, Illinois cruise port is:Ottawa Riverfront100 W. Madison StreetOttawa, IL 61350
There are no cruise ships scheduled at Ottawa today. Use the Cruise Port Traffic tool above to check the cruise schedule for Ottawa on any past or future date.