A small city with a college-town vibe and a quaint downtown
The city of Ottawa was originally home to the Ottawa Native American tribe who lived along the Marais Des Cygnes River. Through a treaty signed in the mid-1800s, tribal lands were ceded and an agreement to establish a college led to the development of Ottawa University. Today, the university continues to serve as a major area institution, partnering with the Ottawa people to provide free tuition to certified tribal members. Despite its small enrollment size — the school's student body is only around 930 undergraduates — the university's presence does evoke a college-town vibe. “On game day, the downtown picks up,” says Vance Finch, a real estate agent with Prestige Real Estate, who has lived in Ottawa since he was born there in 1969. “The restaurants get full, then everyone heads to the game.” Along with football games, this city of around 12,700 residents hosts downtown events, bringing the community together year-round. And in 2025, Ottawa was named one of Kansas’ most eccentric towns by WorldAtlas, crediting the city’s historic downtown scene.
Despite its small enrollment size Ottawa University's student body is only around 930 undergraduates its presence evokes a college-town vibe.
The Flint Hills Nature Trail stretches 118 miles and crosses over the Marais Des Cygnes River in Ottawa, Kansas.
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Eclectic housing options and tax incentives
The median home price in Ottawa is $210,000, with modest fixer-uppers selling as low as the $20,000s and upscale properties on multiple acres of land selling in the $700,000s. Single-family homes are predominant throughout the city, coming in many different ages, shapes and sizes. Houses here date as far back as the late 1800s, some of which are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. “The city has invested in what we call revitalization areas,” says Finch. “There are tax incentives for people who buy older homes and restore them. If they build a newer home in those districts, there’s an even larger tax credit.” Homes sell after an average of about 30 days on the market, which is faster than the national average. They have also increased in value by an average of 9% each year since 2020.
The Marais Des Cygnes River used to cause a lot of flooding. That was until the 1960s when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers constructed levees and pumping stations. Now, it’s not so much of an issue. The city is, however, located in Tornado Alley, a Midwest region known for seasonally high tornado activity between March and June. There have been no significant tornados in Ottawa since the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration began tracking tornadoes in 1950. All four seasons are experienced throughout the year, with hot summers and winters that can get below freezing.
Modern homes in Ottawa are scattered throughout the city sitting on various sizes of land.
Older 1900s Victorian homes can be found near Ottawa's city center.
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Shops and restaurants in Historic Downtown Ottawa
Historic Downtown Ottawa has local businesses lining its Main Street. Many small shops, restaurants and bars do business from these century-old Italianate-style buildings in this very walkable area of town. Street parking is made easy with diagonal spots. “The downtown area is pretty quaint,” says Finch. “It has some really neat coffee shops, eateries and some unique shops.” While many of the local stores typically close around 5 p.m., the restaurants and bars stay open throughout the evening. About 2 miles south of Main Street are some big- box retailers for everyday shopping needs. The city has a variety of job opportunities, with some of the biggest employers being the American Eagle Distribution Center, Ottawa University and AdventHealth.
The Corner Market has coffee and lunch options in downtown Ottawa.
American Eagle Distribution Center is one of Ottawa's largest employers.
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Two state biking trails and fishing in the Marais Des Cygnes River
Ottawa’s Parks Division maintains 10 municipal parks throughout the city. Ottawa is also a popular destination for cyclists, as it has two intersecting state bike trails: The Flint Hills Trail and Prairie Spirit Trail. “It’s the only town in Kansas with two state bike trails,” says Finch, “So we get a lot of biking tourism.” The Marais Des Cygnes River isn’t typically used for boating, but the river’s Second Street Dam is a common spot for fishing.
The Prairie Spirit Trail runs 51 miles from Iola to Ottawa and locals love riding, running and walking it.
The Second Street Dam in Ottawa is a popular spot for fishing, relaxing and enjoying the views.
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Ladies Night and other annual events
Ottawa holds several events throughout the year, many of which are sponsored by the Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce and the Ottawa Main Street Association. One of the most highly anticipated events is Ladies Night. “Ladies Night is a big deal,” says Finch. “All the shops open up, the women come out and they have drawings and prizes.” Summer is full of different music festivals, such as CityFolk Fest, O-Town Hoedown and Ottawa Bluesfest. There are also several holiday celebrations, including the Boo Bash Candy Parade for Halloween, a Veteran’s Day parade and winter holiday celebrations that involve a parade and the mayor’s tree lighting ceremony.
Locals flock to the downtown movie theater - Plaza Cinema in Ottawa.
Ottawa holds several events throughout the year, many of which are sponsored by the Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce and the Ottawa Main Street Association.
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Education through Ottawa USD 290 and Ottawa University
Ottawa Unified School District earns a B grade from Niche and serves kids in the city and the surrounding rural communities. Students are split between three elementary schools before they all merge into one student body at Ottawa Middle and Ottawa High. Post-secondary students may opt to stay in the city by attending Ottawa University, a private Baptist institution. It offers dozens of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, and the school's teams compete in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.
Students are split between three elementary schools before they all merge into one student body at Ottawa Middle and Ottawa High.
Ottawa Unified School District earns a B grade from Niche and serves kids in the city and the surrounding rural communities.
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Commuting to Kansas City and Topeka
Ottawa is a mostly car-dependent city. While there are no public bus routes, residents can schedule shuttle rides through the Franklin County Public Transportation system. Kansas City is about 1 hour away via Interstate 35, and travelers can take U.S. Route 59 for an approximately 45-minute drive to Topeka. The closest airport with commercial flights is Kansas City International Airport.
Crime
Crime statistics for Ottawa are not readily available.
Written By
Nicolas Stuart
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Brooke Wasson
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Andrew Perrius
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Ottawa, KS sell after 36 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Ottawa, KS over the last 12 months is $220,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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