current tours
Unlike other tour companies, we work around your schedule. Our tours are available 7 days a week from 10 AM to 6 PM, allowing you to choose the time that suits you best. Rather than offering fixed tour times, we let you decide when you're ready to explore.
book with confidence- you can reschedule or cancel for a full refund until 72 hours before your tour (but, we’ve never refused a refund!)
5-star rating on tripadvisor/airbnb/google/apple/yelp & 2024 tripadvisor travelers choice award winner
For a more in-depth tour information click on associated tour image. When you are ready to book click “BOOK NOW” at the bottom of the page.
check out our road-trip tours
The Radium Girls of Ottawa, Illinois
This driving tour immerses you in the daily lives of the young women and girls who worked at Radium Dial Corp. You'll follow their journey from enthusiastic new employees to ailing skeptics of the company's deceit, and ultimately, to courageous advocates for civil, women's, and human rights.
Ottawa’s Underground Railroad, uncovered
Embark on a captivating journey through Ottawa's profound Underground Railroad history. 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. (Pictured is a brutally abused enslaved man known only as “Gordon”. He was not in Ottawa although this picture encapsulates the brutality that was faced by all enslaved people.)
ottawa obscura tour
BIKE IT OR DRIVE IT-YOUR CHOICE! Ottawa Obscura Tour turns Starved Rock Country's history upside-down. This tour is our most comprehensive of Starved Rock Country and Ottawa history from our origins as a canal town to our industry in mining, law and even tourism. This is the best tour for a general historical understanding of who, why, where, what and when of Ottawa, Illinois. You won’t be dissapointed!
graveyard stories: Heroes, hobos & Murderers, unearthed tour
Embark on a chilling expedition through the annals of history with our "Graveyard Stories: Heroes, Hobos, and Murderers, Unearthed" tour. Ottawa, Illinois serves as the backdrop for a journey into the dark and intriguing past of its inhabitants.
steeples & Saloons tour
Step into the past with our "Steeples & Saloons" walking tour, a fascinating adventure through Ottawa, Illinois' history. Ideal for history aficionados, architecture admirers, and those eager to delve into the vibrant tales of a town steeped in American history.
wine through time prohibition pub crawl
Ottawa, Illinois has sordid past with brothels, bootlegging, gambling & corruption. You’ll play a park as the corruption of Mayor Weeks plays out. This tour is a great way to feel the vibe of Ottawa from a locals perspective!
awesome ottawa cruise aboard the sainte genevieve riverboat
Embark on an unforgettable journey through time with Awesome Ottawa Tours and the majestic Saint Genevieve Riverboat! Brace yourself for a riveting 2-hour adventure along the Illinois River, as you voyage from Ottawa, Illinois to the breathtaking Buffalo Rock State Park while being regaled with history, wildlife and beautiful views.
tangled roots brewery tour
Embark on an immersive journey into the heart of craft beer excellence with the Tangled Roots Brewery. Nestled in scenic Staved Rock Country Ottawa, Illinois, 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.