Overview
Ottawa is a town in Eastern Kansas, USA which was founded by Baptist missionaries in 1867 on land that had been inhabited by Native Americans of the Ottawa tribe.
1 sights
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Ottawa
Old Depot Museum
A local history museum which focuses on the history of Kansas. The museum is located in an old train depot, and has a large model train display.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–May, Sep–Oct. Summer highs reach about 90°F; winter lows dip to about 20°F. Very hot (Jul) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Cold months (Jan) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: May and Jun. (climate data from nearby Topeka)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- MCI Kansas City International Airport, Kansas City — 56 mi away (major hub). Directions
- MHK Manhattan Regional Airport, Manhattan — 84 mi away. Directions
Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Food for you
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Get in
By car
- Interstate 35 on the Northwest and South sides of town.
- State Highway 68 connects the West and East sides of town.
- U.S. Route 59 comes from the North of town and turns into Main Street.
See
Do
- Ol' Marais River Run Car Show is an annual event held over a long weekend in September where people can show off and view old timey cars. The event occurs mainly in Forest Park and features food trucks and stands. On the Saturday night of this show there is a "Cruise Night" where the cars cruise up and down Main Street in almost a parade-like fashion.
Learn
- Ottawa University is a private Christian university which is affiliated with Baptist churches. Its enrollment is around 650 students.
Eat
- El Sol is a Mexican restaurant located at 210 S. Main Street. A meal here will typically cost $10-15.
- Pizza Time is a restaurant that serves pizza, bread sticks, and Italian-style sandwiches. There is also a lunch buffet with a salad bar on weekdays. It is located at 208 South Main Street and a meal will typically cost $7-12.
- Smoked Creations BBQ serves barbecue, burgers, wings, and other related meals at 222 E. Logan St. They serve Kansas City style barbecue and make several of their own barbecue sauces, including a spicy sauce and a Carolina-style mustard sauce.
Drink
- Mugshot Coffee is a local coffee shop which serves various coffee, tea, and espresso drinks and is well known for their tasty muffins.
Nearby
Baldwin City
City / town · 12 mi away
Lawrence
City / town · 46 listings · 24 mi away
Olathe
City / town · 16 listings · 31 mi away
Lenexa
City / town · 7 listings · 37 mi away
Topeka
City / town · 43 listings · 37 mi away
Overland Park
City / town · 33 listings · 41 mi away
Kansas City
City / town · 23 listings · 49 mi away
Kansas City
City / town · 145 listings · 50 mi away
My experience
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