For hundreds of years, the Potowatomi, Ottawa, and Chippewa tribes lived along the river and hunted the lush countryside for food. By the 1830s, most of the indigenous population was gone, and the first settlers began to arrive. Because of a shallow crossing over the Fox River, travel between eastern and western Illinois was fairly easy. Settlers moved in and the community of Oswego grew.
In the late 1800s, stagecoaches began to pass through Oswego. Those routes then became major highways with the introduction of the automobile. As more and more people discovered the beauty of the area and major companies, such as Caterpillar, provided jobs, Oswego grew and flourished. Today, families are raising their children here and visitors come to escape the hustle and bustle of Chicago, to stroll through the many parks, go fishing in the lakes and streams, and to soak up the wonderful small town charm that Oswego offers.
If you plan on staying just a few days or a few weeks, it's important that you find the right hotel to make your stay enjoyable and comfortable, and Oswego has plenty of hotel options for you.
When Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Oswego, IL?
Oswego has four distinct seasons, with early summer and early fall being the best months to visit. July is typically the hottest and most humid month of the year, but this is when you can canoe or kayak the Fox River, engage in fun family events, and enjoy the long summer evenings. It's wonderful to dine in one of the many great downtown restaurants and then take the family to see an outdoor movie shown at one of the local parks. Summer is peak season, so room rates are high and book up quickly. Make your hotel reservations well in advance to get the best deals.
Spring is often rainy, but it's also a magical time to be in Oswego. The Oswegoland Park District has over 40 miles of maintained trails that you can hike or mountain bike along. The weather is cooler than summer with fewer visitors, and you can watch for migrating birds along the wetlands. During the months of April and May the wildflowers begin to bloom, creating a colorful spectacle. There are fewer visitors during the spring months, so you can find a good room rate with plenty of availability.
Fall is beautiful in Oswego, especially mid-September through early November. The summer crowds have gone home, and the leaves on the trees are turning beautiful colors. This is a wonderful time to kayak the waterways, fish, and to enjoy the plentiful produce grown locally and sold at the seasonal farmers markets. While not peak season, fall is often busy. Room rates are still reasonable and there is availability; just make sure to book in advance.
Except for the holidays, winter months are the slow season for Oswego. The weather is cold, rainy, and snowy, and not many tourists visit this time of year. However, if you enjoy winter activities, such as sledding, snow-shoeing, or skiing, there is plenty to keep you entertained. Rooms are reasonable and you shouldn't have any trouble finding availability, except over the holidays.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Oswego, IL:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs displaying average rate patterns by star rating class in Oswego, IL. Analyze these charts to evaluate the most cost effective time to book in Oswego for any future trips.
What Are the Best Hotels in Oswego, IL for a Luxury Stay?
4 Star Average Prices: £101.60
While the charming village of Oswego may not have luxury hotels, there are several hotels that offer guests very nice amenities, and one of them is the Hampton Inn Yorkville, just a couple of miles from the center of Oswego. Start your day with a delicious free hot breakfast, take a swim in the heated indoor pool or work out at the fitness center before heading out to have fun for the day.
The well-appointed rooms are spacious with premium bedding, and you can watch cable programming on a 32-inch flat-screen TV. Surf the internet on the free Wi-Fi and enjoy the convenience of a microwave and mini fridge in your room for your snacking pleasure. Select rooms and suites have sofas and soaking tubs.
Another nice hotel to stay at is the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Chicago Oswego. You'll get a good nights rest on premium bedding, and you can use the blackout shades to block out excess light. Watch your favorite cable and satellite shows on the large flat-screen television or check the internet with free Wi-FI. Each room has a microwave and mini fridge, as well as free bottled water upon arrival. Fuel up for the day on the complimentary hot breakfast, swim in the indoor heated pool, or stick to your exercise routine in the fitness center.
Are There Affordable Hotel Options in Oswego, IL?
3 Star Average Prices: £92.88
There are several affordable hotels in Oswego, and the Super 8 Yorkville, just a short distance from the town center, is a modest hotel that offers free breakfast and free Wi-Fi so you can check emails and surf the web. This non-smoking hotel allows guests to relax on comfortable bedding while watching cable programs on a flat-screen TV.
Rooms have a microwave to heat snacks, and you can make coffee in the morning with the in-room coffee maker. You're close to fun attractions such as the Raging Waves Water Park. Featured rooms have a spa tub so you can relax after a full day of exploring the Oswego area.
Another great budget-friendly hotel is the Rodeway Inn, just minutes from Oswego's town center. This basic hotel offers guests a no-nonsense and easy stay while visiting Oswego. Enjoy surfing the net with free Wi-Fi at this smoke-free hotel, work out at the fitness center, and enjoy in-room amenities such as a coffee maker, a mini fridge, and a microwave. Relax at the end of the day watching satellite programming on the 40-inch flat-screen TV from your comfortable bed.