Founded along the Marais des Cygnes River more than 159 years ago, our thriving little town boasts a distinctive blend of architectural styles that include Gothic, Renaissance, Victorian, and Art Deco. Downtown Ottawa’s Historic District was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 and continues to be the heart and soul of our city.
It’s here that you will find a rich history of freedom, commerce, agriculture, and trade that laid the foundation for who we are today. Historic downtown Ottawa is a destination featuring locally-owned businesses, salons, boutique shopping, unique restaurants, and museums. We are proud to have the Oldest Cinema in the World, the oldest surviving George P. Washburn courthouse in the state, and to be at the heart of where the Prairie Spirit Trail and the Flint Hills Trail State Park trails intersect; unleashing over 170 miles of outdoor recreational options.
We invite you to explore our site and our town to see all that we have to offer!
Be sure to create your free Locable account today!
