Title: Washington Square Park in Ottawa | Expedia.co.uk

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# Washington Square Park

![Washington Square Park which includes a statue or sculpture and a park](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6186945/f2969f05-857f-4b31-9eae-968042a00a56.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Washington Square Park which includes a statue or sculpture and a park](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6186945/f2969f05-857f-4b31-9eae-968042a00a56.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Washington Square Park which includes a statue or sculpture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6186945/1e25567f-7da4-4770-a762-40a45fa5c2b4.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Washington Square Park which includes a garden and signage](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6186945/f311ac21-8fb1-449a-a412-3f0fa440d493.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Washington Square Park showing a statue or sculpture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6186945/b3daa779-1cb6-42d9-b8d2-8c756711c08b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

## Visit Washington Square Park

Activities

[Ottawa travel guide](https://expedia.co.uk/Ottawa.dx6058975)

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#### While this spot is named for George Washington, it is actually more famous as a historic site related to another great president, Abraham Lincoln.

Leafy Washington Square Park is a lovely place to relax while exploring downtown Ottawa, Illinois. Learn about the important public meetings that were held in this spot over 150 years ago and had a lasting impact on the United States of today.

Imagine 10,000 people clustered in this square on August 21, 1858 when Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas met for a debate while competing for an Illinois senate seat. Lincoln presented his conviction that the nation must honor the original statement in the Declaration of Independence, that “all men are created equal.” He said equality must be the moral position for all men in the United States regardless of race. Although Lincoln lost the race for senate after seven debates with Douglas, he gained recognition and was elected president 2 years later.

Look for the central memorial with a plaque describing this history. Two large bronze statues of Lincoln and Douglas stand in the middle of a reflecting pool with fountains. Find a bench in the shade near the statues to reflect on how this peaceful discourse helped the anti-slavery movement gain hold, ultimately leading to the Civil War and the abolition of slavery.

A tall obelisk and a large boulder also decorate the park, memorializing war heroes. Across the street is a large mural showing Lincoln speaking in front of an enthusiastic crowd.

Visit the park in spring and summer when plantings around the statues display their colorful blossoms. Stop here for fresh produce, coffee and snacks at the Old Town Farmers Market on Saturday mornings from May to October. In winter Christmas lights decorate the trees and shrubs.

Stroll around Downtown Ottawa and stop in Washington Square Park after shopping or dining. Find the park between the Fox River and the Illinois River. Surrounding the park are several notable buildings including the Reddick Mansion and the Appellate Court.

Follow the Ottawa River Walk or amble northeast about 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) to reach the larger Lincoln-Douglas Park, which has a swimming pool, tennis courts, basketball courts and baseball diamonds.

## Plan a trip to see Washington Square Park

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.

![Hotel Riu Plaza Chicago](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/103000000/102630000/102622800/102622712/3e21593f_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### Hotel Riu Plaza Chicago

Downtown Chicago

£819

per person

19 Mar - 24 Mar

found 1 day ago

Return flight included

Dublin (DUB) to Chicago (ORD)

9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,790 reviews)

Modern Style Spacious Rooms with an Amazing complimentary breakfast every morning.

Reviewed on 9 Feb 2026

![The Langham, Chicago](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/7000000/6310000/6309400/6309326/33b4ff92_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### The Langham, Chicago

Downtown Chicago

£1,180

per person

19 Mar - 24 Mar

found 1 day ago

Return flight included

Dublin (DUB) to Chicago (ORD)

9.8/10 Exceptional! (1,001 reviews)

Gorgeous property, facilities, and location.

Reviewed on 6 Feb 2026

![Level Chicago – Old Town](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/40000000/39810000/39805900/39805843/8a983359_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### Level Chicago – Old Town

Downtown Chicago

£837

per person

19 Mar - 24 Mar

found 1 day ago

Return flight included

Dublin (DUB) to Chicago (ORD)

9/10 Wonderful! (380 reviews)

My girlfriend and I had an awesome time enjoying the space for a fun girls night out. Would recommend to anyone!

Reviewed on 2 Feb 2026

### Popular places to visit

![Exterior Views of the Appellate Court of the State of Illinois Fourth District Building in Springfield, Illinois, USA. American and State of Illinois Flags fly in the forefront of view.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635997928318/c3e96515-f5a6-4b4c-a90d-79aee540aaad.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Appellate Court

Appellate Court is just one of the places to see in Ottawa, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? While in this family-friendly area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Appellate-Court-Ottawa.d553248635997928318.Attraction)

![Buffalo Rock State Park which includes a garden and forests](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6186954/70a87180-3eed-4bbd-b18f-8d90eb3fc904.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Buffalo Rock State Park

Adorning the fields and riverbed are five enormous artistic mounds portraying regional animals. Enjoy views of the Illinois River at this undulating park.

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Buffalo-Rock-State-Park-Ottawa.d6186954.Attraction)

![Starved Rock State Park showing forests](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621532658430/74a43e50-632a-40eb-8b13-2226619f442d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Starved Rock State Park

The lodge provides a luxurious base from which to explore trails leading to bluffs and canyons of this riverside park. Try ice climbing and eagle spotting in winter.

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Starved-Rock-State-Park-Illinois.d553248621532658430.Attraction)

![Matthiessen State Park showing forests and a bridge](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621532658436/dc47f4f4-38f6-4001-9ba9-aed41a91c440.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Matthiessen State Park

Look down the chute of Cascade Falls from a rickety bridge and admire the brilliant hues decorating the canyon’s sandstone walls in this eclectic park.

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Matthiessen-State-Park-Oglesby.d553248621532658436.Attraction)

#### Reddick Mansion

You can find out about the history of Ottawa when you stop by Reddick Mansion. While in this family-friendly area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Reddick-Mansion-Ottawa.d950929708561113088.Attraction)

#### Tangled Roots Brewing Company - The Lone Buffalo

You can take time to visit Tangled Roots Brewing Company - The Lone Buffalo during your travels to Ottawa. While in this family-friendly area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Tangled-Roots-Brewing-Company-The-Lone-Buffalo-Ottawa.d743910296242130944.Attraction)

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## Top Hotel Deals

## Check availability on hotels close to Washington Square Park

[Tonight

](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6186945&startDate=2026-02-09&endDate=2026-02-10)[9 Feb - 10 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6186945&startDate=2026-02-09&endDate=2026-02-10)

[Tomorrow night

](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6186945&startDate=2026-02-10&endDate=2026-02-11)[10 Feb - 11 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6186945&startDate=2026-02-10&endDate=2026-02-11)

[This weekend

](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6186945&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026)[13 Feb - 15 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6186945&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026)

[Next weekend

](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6186945&startDate=20%2F02%2F2026&endDate=22%2F02%2F2026)[20 Feb - 22 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6186945&startDate=20%2F02%2F2026&endDate=22%2F02%2F2026)

### 

Postcard Cabins Starved Rock, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy

1879 N 2703rd Rd Ottawa IL

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Ottawa-Hotels-Postcard-Cabins-Starved-Rock.h110272793.Hotel-Information)

![Full House in Downtown Ottawa, Very Short Walk to Downtown and Restaurants!](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/102000000/101770000/101760600/101760598/c47dd750_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Full House in Downtown Ottawa, Very Short Walk to Downtown and Restaurants!

 Ottawa IL

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Ottawa-Hotels-Full-House-In-Downtown-Ottawa.h101760598.Hotel-Information)

![Downtown Ottawa Retreat: Sleeps 15, Heated Indoor Pool, Hot Tub, Sauna, 5BR/4BA](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/115000000/114250000/114245600/114245565/7a1d00e5_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Downtown Ottawa Retreat: Sleeps 15, Heated Indoor Pool, Hot Tub, Sauna, 5BR/4BA

 Ottawa IL

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Ottawa-Hotels-Pearl-Street-Pool-House-4B4Ba.h114245565.Hotel-Information)

![Wrens Landing-3/2 Near Downtown and State Parks](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/94000000/93520000/93510400/93510397/d9595818_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Wrens Landing-3/2 Near Downtown and State Parks

 Ottawa IL

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Ottawa-Hotels-Wrens-Landing-32-Near-Downtown-And-State-Parks.h93510397.Hotel-Information)

![Magnificent Riverfront Victorian  House  steps from downtown Ottawa !](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/105000000/104870000/104861400/104861394/11d11382_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Magnificent Riverfront Victorian House steps from downtown Ottawa !

 Ottawa IL

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Ottawa-Hotels-Enchanting-Riverfront-Victorian-House.h104861394.Hotel-Information)

![Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ottawa by IHG](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/37000000/36100000/36093400/36093307/9505ef33_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ottawa by IHG

2850 Columbus Street Ottawa IL

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Ottawa-Hotels-Holiday-Inn-Express-Suites-Ottawa.h36093307.Hotel-Information)

![Ultimate Family Vacation Villa With Amazing Views - 3891](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/103000000/102110000/102105100/102105055/6d328c3b_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Ultimate Family Vacation Villa With Amazing Views - 3891

1983 Caton Rd Ottawa IL

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Ottawa-Hotels-Ultimate-Family-Vacation-Villa-With-Amazing-Views-3891.h102105055.Hotel-Information)

![Hampton Inn Ottawa (Starved Rock Area)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/580000/570500/570432/1442c9f0_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Hampton Inn Ottawa (Starved Rock Area)

4115 Holiday Ln Ottawa IL

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Ottawa-Hotels-Hampton-Inn-Ottawa.h570432.Hotel-Information)

![Holiday Inn Express and Suites Ottawa](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/59000000/58100000/58097300/58097231/ebbd19a7_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Holiday Inn Express and Suites Ottawa

2950 Columbus Street Ottawa IL

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Ottawa-Hotels-Holiday-Inn-Express-And-Suites-Ottawa.h58097231.Hotel-Information)

[See all 400 properties in Washington Square Park](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.Package&regionId=6186945)

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.