Take a Walking Tour of Ottawa Illinois

Illinois is dotted with river and rail towns filled with beautiful architecture from days gone past. I love the variety of historic homes across the Land of Lincoln and enjoy exploring these little towns that are nestled near venues of transportation in the 1800s, such as rivers and railroad tracks. We recently visited the bustling town of Ottawa, tucked along the shores of the Illinois River. I’d love for you to take a walking tour of this charming town with me.

Ottawa is located west of Chicago and is situated where the Fox and Illinois rivers converge. You’ll find plenty of homes with old world charm, like this stately red brick home could be a joy to live in. A series of arched windows add softness and interest to the strong lines of this home.

A few more arched windows make their way onto the clapboard exterior of this pretty Victorian. Large trees on the property help to cool the home during the hot and humid summer months of Illinois.

I love this stately white farmhouse with its wrap around porch.

At the back of the property is this charming carriage house complete with flower boxes.

Another red brick home has arching brick work on the front, with architectural detail on the eaves.  Walking through the tree-lined streets of Ottawa make you feel like you’re in another place and time.

Both hubby and I enjoyed seeing this white charmer. I love the arched dormers and the intricate detailing on the front porch. Not to mention, there’s a porch on either end of the home.

This beautiful home is a fine example of a stick style Victorian house.  Popular during the late 19th century, stick style was a transition from Carpenter Gothic to Queen Anne style.

 Normally I don’t like homes with an oddly asymmetrical exterior. Note that the windows are spaced oddly apart. Regardless, this home has unexpected appeal. Part of that appeal lies with the old-fashioned brick streets.

Another beautiful Victorian home on the same brick road. Brown siding and green shutters give this charmer a bit of an earthy feel.

Red siding embraces a low-slung roofed bungalow with its crisp white trim. Neatly sculpted bushes create a natural fence around the perimeter of the property.

This blue beauty looks like it was painted with the sky. If you’re like me, when you see a house such as this, you want to step across the threshold and explore every nook and cranny!

Two-story bay windows grace the front of this Victorian home.  Double doors open to visitors and pretty filigree work crowns the porch.

A messy cottage garden signifies the home of an avid gardener. Cottage-style flowers reach for the sky and put on a show for anyone passing by. The home is painted in one tone, allowing the garden to take center stage.

The cottage garden house is perched on a bluff above this river. Such an idyllic place to live.

Do you have a favorite home of the ones shown here from Ottawa Illinois?