Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Ottawa, Kansas

The seat of Franklin County in eastern Kansas, Ottawa is an inviting town characterized by a bustling Main Street, a variety of engaging events, and captivating 19th- and early 20th-century architecture.

Numerous notable landmarks in Ottawa, such as the Franklin County Courthouse, were crafted by the esteemed architect George P. Washburn (1846-1922), whose firm operated locally.

The alignment of the Leavenworth, Lawrence and Galveston Railroad, constructed in the 1860s, bisects Ottawa, with the former depot serving as an impressive local history museum.

The city’s name is derived from the Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma, who migrated from Iowa in the 1830s and relinquished this area in the 1860s before relocating to Oklahoma.

1. Old Depot Museum

This outstanding local history museum occupies a historic two-story depot building on the Leavenworth, Lawrence, and Galveston Railroad (LL&G).

Constructed from limestone transported from Cowley County, 150 miles south, the depot is among the many local edifices designed by George P. Washburn, whom we will discuss further.

The museum is enchanting, recreating historic rooms from over a century ago, including a general store, soda fountain, dentist’s office, parlor, and a one-room schoolhouse.

Additionally, there exists a permanent exhibit dedicated to the Abolitionist John Brown and the Bleeding Kansas events, which were a series of conflicts between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions in Kansas Territory during the late 1850s. Outside, a caboose, constructed in the 1940s, was positioned here in 2013.

2. Downtown Ottawa

Situated along Main Street, just south of the Marais Des Cygnes River, downtown Ottawa is preserved as a historic district.

Commercial districts do not get much more beautiful or lively, largely thanks to the significant presence of locally owned shops, restaurants, and businesses.

Antiques are a true local specialty, and visitors will find numerous stores along Main Street.

Downtown Ottawa boasts a vibrant cultural scene enriched by venues such as the Ottawa Memorial Auditorium, the Carnegie Cultural Center, and the renowned Plaza 1907 theater, complemented by charming pocket parks and the Prairie Spirit Trail, which extends along the west side of downtown.

Visit City Park for outdoor concerts in the summer, while the elegant Franklin County Courthouse serves as the backdrop for events like September’s Ol’ Marais River Run Car Show.

3. Prairie Spirit Trail

The Old Depot Museum also serves as the northern trailhead for a 50-mile pathway along the right-of-way of the Leavenworth, Lawrence and Galveston Railroad, extending to Iola.

Connecting ten communities, the Prairie Spirit Trail is paved through these cities, with limestone screenings on its rural sections.

As the path runs parallel to Ottawa, just a few blocks west of Main Street, it offers a convenient alternative for navigating the area without a car, linking Kanza Park, the County Fairgrounds, and the site of the Ottawa Farmers’ Market in the south of the city.

4. Franklin County Courthouse

An enduring symbol of downtown Ottawa is the seat of government, completed in a Romanesque Revival style in 1893.

The architect responsible for its design was George P. Washburn (1846-1922), whose practice was located here in Ottawa, where he designed no fewer than thirteen courthouses and nine Carnegie libraries across Kansas.

The Franklin County Courthouse is widely regarded as one of his masterpieces, featuring several of his trademark elements, including four square corner towers and two cupolas—one containing bells and the other a clock.

During your visit, you can take a moment to read the NRHP marker situated in front and observe the poignant Veterans Memorial located on the lawn’s southwest corner.

5. Plaza 1907

A highlight of downtown Ottawa, Plaza 1907 has recently achieved certification from the Guinness World Records as the oldest operating movie theater worldwide.

Having gone by various names over the years, Plaza 1907’s history can be traced back to 1905 when Fred Beeler screened films here.

The establishment officially became a cinema in 1907 when it opened as The Bijou, while the Plaza name emerged following a remodel in the mid-1930s.

The theater underwent a conversion into a duplex in the 1980s and continues to showcase the latest first-run films.

Within the old stage area, you can explore the Memorabilia Museum, which displays a collection of posters, cameras, scripts, and props spanning from the 19th century to the present.

6. Ottawa Memorial Auditorium

This esteemed performing arts venue in downtown Ottawa opened its doors in 1921 to commemorate the residents who perished in WWI.

The Ottawa Memorial Auditorium was among the many buildings affected by the Great Flood of 1951, and in the 1970s, it underwent a substantial renovation.

Since that time, the auditorium has a capacity of 830, featuring a 30-foot proscenium stage primarily used for live music, especially in the Country and American genres.

Noteworthy events include the Grand Ottawa Opry, a recurring Branson-style country music show showcasing classic Country music, along with some Gospel and Rockabilly performances. This family-friendly event occurs on the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month.

7. Ol’ Marais River Run Car Show

In September, one of the largest car shows in the Midwest takes place in Ottawa. The Ol’ Marais River Run Car Show has been an annual event since 1985, featuring vehicles from 1972 and earlier.

This typically spans two days, commencing on Friday evening with a social cruise-in at Forest Park, accompanied by live music.

The main event occurs on Saturday, when Main Street is closed for a cruise, elongating store hours, and providing nostalgic music and food vendors on the courthouse lawn.

8. Forest Park

Located on the north bank of the Marais Des Cygnes River, Forest Park is in the northwest section of the city and is cherished for its majestic oak and walnut trees.

This picturesque venue hosts events such as the Chautauqua Festival and Fireworks Show (Ottawa’s July 4th celebration) and serves as the backdrop for the cruise-in of the Ol’ Marais River Run Car Show.

Moreover, Forest Park features numerous facilities, including a municipal outdoor pool, five recently constructed lighted tennis courts, eighteen horseshoe courts, lighted baseball and softball fields, a disc golf course, and four playgrounds, one of which serves as a tot lot.

9. Smoked Creations BBQ

Although Ottawa is located less than thirty miles from the Kansas City area, the town boasts only one BBQ establishment.

Fortunately, Smoked Creations, established in 2010, ranks among the finest in the region. Its Traditional BBQ menu features hickory-smoked brisket, hand-rubbed pulled pork, lean smoked turkey breast, seasoned pulled chicken, smoked chicken, jalapeño-blend smoked sausage, and honey and brown sugar ham.

One must not overlook the St. Louis Cut Spareribs, which are smoked slowly over selected hardwoods and served as a whole slab, half slab, plate of three ribs, or as a single bone.

Accompanying sides include BBQ pit beans, coleslaw, fried corn on the cob, hand-cut fries, and more. The most optimal time to visit is during the weekends when the restaurant features its signature burnt ends on the menu.

10. Ottawa Farmers’ Market

Ottawa hosts a flourishing farmers’ market that operates from May through October on Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings.

The marketplace is located in the Orscheln Parking Lot at 2008 Princeton, conveniently near a Prairie Spirit trailhead for those arriving on foot or by bike.

There is no finer option for fresh produce and seasonal flowers in Franklin County, all sourced from growers within a few miles of Ottawa.

Additional specialties include pies and other baked goods, crafted from traditional Mennonite recipes passed down through generations, alongside locally-raised meats.

11. Carnegie Cultural Center

This historic Carnegie library building, nestled among the tall, mature trees of City Park, is one of the most notable attractions in Ottawa.

The old Ottawa Library, another creation by George P. Washburn (1902), showcases a Free Classical style featuring an imposing portico and two Ionic columns flanking the main entrance.

The public library vacated the premises in the 1990s, and the building subsequently transitioned into a cultural center hosting fine art exhibits, concerts, theatrical productions, and lectures, along with educational programs including art workshops and music classes.

The second floor accommodates the Ottawa Suzuki Strings, a music school specializing in string instruments, which regularly presents performances.

12. City Park

The primary park serving downtown Ottawa is the stately City Park, anchored by the Carnegie Cultural Center.

While this is the main attraction, a key piece of local history is located just south in the form of the Dietrich Cabin, one of the few remaining original log cabins in Kansas.

This cabin was constructed in 1859 by German immigrant Jacob Dietrich for his family, replacing a structure that had burned down in 1857.

The cabin was expanded over time and restored in 1961, becoming a pioneer museum open for visits on Sunday afternoons during the summer. Other features at City Park include an artillery piece from before WWII, a bandstand that hosts summer concerts, and a children’s playground.

13. Kanza Park

Another park located along the Prairie Spirit Trail is this lush green area in south Ottawa, bisected by the Skunk Run stormwater drain.

Kanza Park’s standout feature is a mile-long multi-use trail, embellished with charming Victorian lighting fixtures that were once situated on Main Street in the early 20th century.

This circular path hosts a variety of annual events, including runs and walks and boasts a beautiful luminary display during Christmas. Additional amenities include a children’s playground, a workout area, and a disc golf course winding through the trees.

14. Pleasant Ridge Pumpkin Patch

Located in the countryside east of Ottawa, this family-run farm has been welcoming visitors for seasonal festivities since the late 1980s.

Pleasant Ridge has been in the Peckham family since 1914 and cultivates approximately 1,000 acres of soybeans, corn, wheat, hay, pumpkins, and Christmas trees.

The pumpkin patch is open from late September through October, offering visitors hay wagon rides to the two-acre field.

Children can enjoy numerous fall activities, including a hay maze, pedal carts, bean bag toss, rubber duck races, and a 40-foot tube slide.

During the holiday season, the farm invites guests to select fresh Christmas trees, taking a hay wagon ride and enjoying a delightful light display.

15. Franklin County Fair

Franklin County boasts one of the longest-running fairs in the state, approaching its 160th edition and attracting thousands of visitors to the city.

This six-day celebration, typically held around mid-July, presents an opportunity to witness traditional skills in action.

The fair showcases numerous 4-H exhibits across various categories, and children delight in observing the many animals prepared for judging.

Among the annual traditions of the fair are a youth rodeo on Wednesday, followed by the URA Rodeo on Thursday and Friday, while Thursday evening features a popular community barbecue. Familiar fair food is a staple, along with carnival attractions and a demolition derby.