Ottawa, IL, United States

Capital City

The population of 18,840 may seem quaint, but Ottawa's checkered history of radioactive contamination is no joke. Cleanup efforts have dragged on for decades, with one contaminated site remaining as of 2026. And while the city prides itself on its historic charm, the bureaucracy can be a persistent headache - just ask the civic leaders who faced trial for violating the Fugitive Slave Act back in the 1850s. That said, Ottawa does offer some unique draws, from its role in the Lincoln-Douglas debates to its status as the "scenic gateway" to Starved Rock State Park. But if you're seeking a quiet, low-key Midwestern town without any skeletons in the closet, Ottawa may not be the place for you.