Between Kansas City And Wichita Is An Underrated City With Scenic Trails And Historic Charm

Kansas City and Wichita are the undeniable heavy hitters of Kansas' tourism industry. As most big cities do, the sprawling metro hubs have a way of luring the crowds, with both pulling in millions of visitors each year. Ottawa, positioned somewhere in between the two, is far less rowdy. Home to fewer than 13,000 folks, it has the kind of close-knit, family-friendly feel you'd expect from a little river community. As one local shared on Niche, "it is a small but friendly town," the kind of place where "you can go anywhere and know at least one person." That said, Ottawa is far from boring. It may fly under the radar for most travelers just passing along the freeway, but it's definitely a popular base camp for riders and outdoor enthusiasts. 

The city serves as a major jumping-off point for miles of long-distance trails, so you can park your car and set out on foot. If you're driving in, Ottawa straddles Interstate 35 and Highway 68, so it's pretty convenient to get to. Coming from Wichita, you can be in town in about two hours, give or take, with no traffic, while Topeka and Lawrence are both under an hour away. If you're not from the area, you can easily fly in, too, as the Kansas City International Airport (MCI) sits just across state lines in Missouri. Whether you're sneaking away for a day trip or have packed a weekend bag, Ottawa has plenty to fill the itinerary. Take a scenic stroll on the surrounding trails, or wander around the historic downtown district and soak up all the local charm.

Ottawa's roots stretch way, way back. The community was established in the 1860s, along the banks of the Marais des Cygnes River. Decades have come and gone, but the past is still very much alive in the downtown district. Ottawa's city center, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, is charmingly centered around Main Street. The buildings look straight out of another era, some still standing from around the time the town was founded. Stroll around and admire the patchwork of old-fashioned architecture, most notably the landmark Franklin County Courthouse, with its classic red-brick exterior and Romanesque Revival arches. Head around the corner to check out the Art Deco flair of Plaza 1907, the oldest operating "purpose-built" cinema in America, too.

A slew of historic storefronts line the main corridor, sporting Victorian accents and other vintage styles. Pop into one of the locally owned stores to pick up some small-town treasures. Country Living and Boutique has a cute selection of gifts, home goods, clothing, and other items. Front Porch Antiques is another local favorite, filled with vendors that sell all kinds of old and new gems. Don't miss a tour of the Old Depot Museum while you're downtown. Housed in a late-1800s train depot, the museum features a variety of local history artifacts and exhibits, including a large model train and a one-room schoolhouse. "There were a lot of interesting things to see," wrote one visitor. "It's definitely worth a visit." Charging no admission, at the time of writing, it's a great option if you're on the prowl for free museums perfect for a family day trip.

From downtown, you can access two of Kansas' longest rail trails, both of which are designated as state parks. The 51-mile Prairie Spirit Trail, which is Kansas' first rails-to-trails state park, runs south from the Old Depot Museum. It intersects with the 117-mile Flint Hills Trail, which runs east to west, at Legacy Square, a community gathering place at the intersection of South Walnut Street and West 1st Street. Both routes follow former railroad lines through the countryside, so there's plenty of gorgeous scenery to take in.

You can also take a little stroll in the middle of town at Kanza Park. The Kanza Park Trail circles its namesake park for less than a mile, looping right by the Prairie Spirit Trail. "Nice for an evening stroll," shared one visitor on AllTrails, adding that bikes are allowed on the paved path. More stomping grounds can be found at the slew of other surrounding recreation areas. Hillsdale State Park, Clinton State Park, and Pomona State Park are all lakeside and only about a 30-minute drive away. With miles of designated equestrian trails, Hillsdale is a haven for horseback riders, while Clinton has rugged tracks perfect for hardcore hikers and mountain bikers. Pomona also has fun for the whole family, boasting several short scenic trails, along with a disc golf course.