Education and scenic surroundings are Ottawa's main draws
Ottawa is not only an expansive rural community with ornate mansions and ample recreational outlets, it's also a town where schools are among the best in the state, and education plays a major role in the community. Families are drawn to Ottawa Township, often just called Ottawa, because students interact with their natural surroundings, local businesses and community groups. "This gorgeous, heavily wooded area offers a solitude and quality of life that appeals to many," says Sara Otto, chief communications officer of Kettle Moraine School District. Ottawa, with fewer than 4,000 residents, takes its name from the Ottawa Native American tribe that thrived with Wisconsin's fertile soil and ample lakes. "It's a wonderful place to hike, swim, cross-country ski or simply enjoy the outdoors while relaxing on your patio," Otto says.
Sprawling mansions, farmhouses and lake houses are available
Houses border the area's lakes and line spacious subdivisions. Still, Ottawa is less developed than the townships and cities to the north and east. "Homes are typically tucked into large lots with plenty of tree cover, providing privacy and natural beauty," Otto says. Lake houses are among the most expensive, selling between $480,000 and $1.4 million. Homes in subdivisions and along county roads are more affordable, ranging from $275,000 to $1 million, depending on size and age. Ranch-style homes, bi-levels and farmhouses on operating farms are among the older homes. The town's newest homes feature Modern Craftsman design, 6,000 square feet of livable space and yards large enough for pools, guest houses and even hobby farms.
Kids attend schools that are in a top-rated district
According to Niche, Kettle Moraine School District is rated A and is the 20th-best school district in the state. "As students progress through our district, they are continually engaged and challenged through unique and rigorous learning opportunities," Otto says. Children begin learning at B-plus-rated Dousman Elementary School before moving up and across the street to Kettle Moraine Middle School, rated A. The district is constructing a large youth sports facility at the shared campus to meet the growing community's needs. Kettle Moraine High School is rated A-minus and offers over 50 clubs and activities, including competitive robotics teams, horsemanship, ice fishing, mountain biking and many others.
Parks and forests are kept pristine with organized cleanups
Students are encouraged to interact with their surroundings, and many participate in cleanups throughout the district's parks and forests. Ottawa Town Park is one nearby, where softball, baseball and T-ball programs organized by the Kettle Moraine Recreation Association take place. Those looking to get out on the water can launch a boat on Petty Lake or Hunters Lake. The Glacial Drumline State Trail is a railroad corridor turned recreational space that stretches 52 miles throughout Waukesha County. Winters are cold and snowy, and the trail allows both cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
Local shops and restaurants offer opportunities for entrepreneurship
Bicycle Doctor Nordic Ski Shop does custom bike builds and adjustments, as well as ski fittings and rentals. The shop is just north of The Glacial Drumline State Trail and a convenient stop for those biking or skiing by. Small shops and restaurants are in the Village of Dousman, including a pizzeria, ice cream shop, cocktail bar, liquor store and a grill. Heading 10 miles northeast towards Waukesha, there's a large shopping center at the intersection of Interstate 94 and Wisconsin State Road 83. Target, Aldi, Walmart, department stores and casual restaurants are there.
Little light pollution makes the night sky clear for stargazing
Given the area's landscape, outdoor activities are a significant part of life. Ottawa Lake Recreation Area and Pinewoods Campground have campsites for locals and visitors to spend a night looking at the sky that is free of light pollution. Ottawa Lake is also where high school students race handmade cardboard boats on the water. Hunting is allowed with the proper licensing at Paradise Valley State Wildlife Area and Paradise Valley Public Hunting Dousman. Hunting, fishing and trapping are permitted in the forested and marshy valley.
Interstate 94 connects to larger cities
Wisconsin State Road 67 runs north to south in the town and connects north to Interstate 94. The interstate heads east to downtown Milwaukee, about 30 miles away. Shopping centers, employers and ProHealth Waukesha Memorial Hospital are 12 miles northeast in Waukesha. No buses stop in the town, so residents travel with personal vehicles. Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is 40 miles east.
The CAP Index Crime Score in Ottawa Township is 1 out of 10, compared to the national average score of 4.
