Our Tours

Here you can take a look at the basics of each tour. Click on the photo for more details.

Steeples & Saloons Walking Tour

Step into the past with our "Steeples & Saloons" walking tour, a fascinating adventure through Ottawa, Illinois' history and architectural wonders. Ideal for history aficionados, architecture admirers, and those eager to delve into the vibrant tales of a town steeped in American history. Explore pivotal events and iconic figures as you journey through time. Wrap up your tour with a delightful brunch at The Lone Buffalo Restaurant, enjoying a special 20% discount.

The Radium Girls of Ottawa, Illinois

The Radium Girls of Ottawa, Illinois Tour is a captivating 1.5-2 hour driving experience, requiring minimal walking. Our comfortable "History Machine" accommodates up to 14 guests, making it an ideal choice for book clubs, ladies' getaways, senior groups, and families. The tour is priced at $35 per person, with cash payment discounts available.

Embark on a poignant journey as you discover the tragic story of the Radium Girls, who toiled at the Radium Dial Company in the early 20th century. These brave women meticulously applied radium-based paint to watches and instruments, unknowingly exposing themselves to a highly radioactive substance. The tour will guide you to their former residences, workplaces, and resting places, as well as unveil monuments and murals paying tribute to their extraordinary lives.

This tour is a deeply moving and enlightening experience, shedding light on the Radium Girls' valiant fight for justice and compensation in the face of debilitating illnesses, including radiation poisoning and cancer. Their legal battle ultimately contributed to the establishment of crucial workplace safety regulations and workers' rights.

In essence, the Radium Girls of Ottawa, Illinois Tour serves as a poignant testament to the significance of workplace safety and a stark reminder of the perils of unchecked corporate avarice. The enduring legacy of these remarkable women demands eternal remembrance.

“Ottawa’s Underground Railroad, Uncovered” Tour

Embark on a captivating journey through Ottawa's profound Underground Railroad history. Choose between a leisurely 1.5-mile walking tour or opt for the comfort of our exclusive "History Machine" tour vehicle. Discover Ottawa's pivotal role in aiding potentially thousands of enslaved people in their quest for freedom in Canada, navigating a clandestine network of routes and safe havens.

Unearth the ingenious utilization of the Illinois & Michigan Canal in ferrying slaves, and delve into their perilous nocturnal journeys on foot. Explore a significant pre-Civil War legal record, the Federal Court Case of John Hossack & James and Joseph Stout, concerning the Fugitive Slave Law.

The exploration doesn't conclude here. Learn about the local Sundown Towns and Ottawa's feature in The Green Book, an African American Travel guide. Encounter former slaves who dared to defy the shackles of oppression and found refuge in Ottawa. This enlightening tour spans 1.5-2 hours and can be driven aboard our "History Machine” tour vehicle or you can choose to walk along a 1-1.5 mile easy path.

“GRAVEYARD STORIES: HEROES, HOBOS, AND MURDERERS, UNEARTHED” is a drive/hike tour where we drive to the location and hike into the site.

Embark on a chilling expedition through the annals of history with our "Graveyard Stories: Heroes, Hobos, and Murderers, Unearthed" tour. Ottawa, Illinois, the county seat of LaSalle County, serves as the backdrop for a journey into the dark and intriguing past of its inhabitants. Discover the unsettling truth behind the final resting places of the county's most notorious murderers, who met their end at the gallows and now lie buried in Ottawa's soil. Join us as we delve into the depths of their crimes and unearth the secrets surrounding their demise.

But the surprises don't end there. Amidst the solemn rows of Union soldiers from the Civil War, an unexpected presence emerges—a Confederate soldier interred in this hallowed ground. Delve into the mystery of this Confederate burial and uncover the compelling tale behind its existence.

Venture further into the shadows as we explore the haunting LaSalle County Asylum graveyard, where the echoes of tragic lives lost reverberate through time. Listen to the heartrending stories of those laid to rest here, their struggles and sorrows etched into the very fabric of this somber landscape.

Conclude our journey at the oldest pioneer graveyard in Ottawa, where the tales of its long-forgotten inhabitants await rediscovery. Lament the stories of those who have nearly faded into obscurity, their legacies preserved amidst the weathered headstones and fading epitaphs.

Join us on this unforgettable excursion into the depths of Ottawa's past, where tales of heroes, hobos, murderers, and forgotten pioneers intertwine to form a tapestry of intrigue and mystery. Prepare to be captivated by the untold stories that lie beneath the surface of this historic city's graveyards.

wine through time Prohibition pub crawl

"Wine Through Time" with Awesome Ottawa Tours as we discuss Ottawa's sordid past with brothels, booze, and gambling. This interactive tour asks you to be a character from our dark past as corruption unfolds. We will visit four local "watering holes," enjoy their vino (or cocktail of your choice), and "chew the fat." As we walk from saloon to saloon we will share stories of Starved Rock Country and Ottawa, Illinois from the prohibition years. Tour price does not include libations and are optional. This IS a walking tour but, can be enjoyed from our “History Machine” tour vehicles. Temperance be damned on this adventure! Thursdays & Fridays, November-February at 6pm. We are always willing to work with you if our pre-scheduled times don't fit your schedule. CALL US!

Ottawa obscura bike tour

Ottawa Obscura Bike Tour turns Starved Rock Country's history upside-down. Use one of our comfy Electra Cruiser Bikes or bring your own. This tour is our most comprehensive of Starved Rock Country's history, its present, and where we hope to be in the future. You'll hear the crazy stories even Google doesn't know. Corky, bizarre, tragic, and heroic history of our area shared over a fun and entertaining comfortable ride on our trails and side streets. Tours offered daily April-October.

Our new 2024 “haunted tour”will be available for booking august 14, 2024

We are currently researching and writing our NEW 2024 Haunted Tour. More details soon.

Tangled Roots Brewing Company home of Illinois’ best farm to foam beer.

Embark on an immersive journey into the heart of craft beer excellence with the Tangled Roots Brewery. Nestled in scenic Staved Rock Country, Tangled Roots Brewery stands as a true farm-to-foam gem, boasting a legacy steeped in tradition and a commitment to producing award-winning brews.

During this enlightening tour, participants will be transported through time as they delve into the rich history and meticulous processes that culminate in Tangled Roots' exceptional range of beers. From the careful selection of ingredients to the precise brewing techniques, every step is infused with passion and expertise.

As the tour unfolds, guests will have the opportunity to witness the seamless fusion of artistry and science that defines Tangled Roots' brewing philosophy. You'll gain insight into the innovative practices that set this brewery apart, from sustainable farming practices to cutting-edge brewing technology.

A highlight of the tour awaits all participants of legal drinking age (21 and over) - a complimentary flight of Tangled Roots' finest craft beers. This curated selection offers a tantalizing taste of the diverse flavors and styles that have earned the brewery its well-deserved acclaim. Whether you're a seasoned beer connoisseur or a newcomer to the world of craft brewing, this flight promises a delightful experience for your palate.

Note: The Tangled Roots Brewery Tour grants access to a guided brewery tour at Tangled Roots Brewery, including a complimentary flight of craft beers for participants aged 21 and over. Table reservations are recommended while you enjoy your flights. Cheers to an unforgettable brewing adventure!