There is always something to do in Ottawa, KS! Check out our blog for a list of activities and events happening in our great city.
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Introduction
Ottawa is a city located in Franklin County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 12,649. It is the county seat of Franklin County. The city is along Interstate 35, unsigned U.S. Route 59, and U.S. Route 50 near the confluence of the Marais des Cygnes and Marmaton Rivers in eastern Kansas.
The Ottawa tribe of Oklahoma originally inhabited lands just south of present-day Ottawa along the Osage River in present-day Missouri and Arkansas City, Kansas.
In 1867, the Ottawas sold their land to the Federal Government for $1.25 per acre ($309/km2) in a treaty signed on July 3, 1867, by Chief Abraham Miller and several other Ottawa leaders; they were relocated to a reservation south of Miami, Oklahoma.
Even though the treaty was negotiated during Reconstruction after the American Civil War ended in 1865, no slaves were freed as part of this treaty; only those Ottawas who had been held as slaves by other Native American tribes were set free under this treaty’s provisions.
In addition to owning slaves themselves, some Ottawa even returned runaway African-American slaves who had crossed into Indian Territory while fleeing enslavement in Missouri and other parts of the South; these fugitive slaves became members of their bands
Parks and Recreation
The Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for the maintenance and operation of the city’s parks and recreation facilities. The department also manages the city’s cemetery and oversees the street lighting program.
The Parks and Recreation Department offers a variety of programs and services for residents of all ages. There are organized sports leagues for youth and adults, as well as special events held throughout the year. The department also manages the city’s summer playground program.
Historic Sites
The Franklin County Historical Society operates three museums in Ottawa: the Old Depot Museum, the Independence Museum, and the Prairie Spirit Rail Trail Museum. The Old Depot Museum is located in the Union Pacific Railroad Depot, which was built in 1887. The Independence Museum is located in the old City National Bank building, which was built in 1906. The Prairie Spirit Rail Trail Museum is located in the former Santa Fe Railroad Freight Depot, which was built in 1915.
All three of these museums are located on South Main Street and are open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Visitors can learn about the history of Ottawa and Franklin County through exhibits, photographs, documents, and artifacts.
Shopping
There are many great places to go shopping in Ottawa, KS. Here are a few of our favorites:
1. The Cider Mill: This quaint local shop specializes in homemade cider and pies. They also have a great selection of local meats and cheeses.
2. The Gathering Place: This is a great place to find unique gifts and home decor items. They also have a great selection of local photography and art.
3. The Little Shop: This is a great place to find vintage clothes and furniture. They also have a great selection of local antiques.
Dining
If you’re looking for a great place to eat in Ottawa, you won’t be disappointed. There are plenty of excellent restaurants to choose from, whether you’re in the mood for something casual or formal. Here are some of our favorites:
-For a casual meal, try POPS Diner or Old Mexico Café.
-For something more upscale, try The Cove or The Wetlands Grill & Bar.
-If you’re in the mood for sushi, check out Asahi Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar.
-And for a truly unique dining experience, head to The Goat Locker Café, where you can enjoy a meal while surrounded by live goats!
