Ottawa County

Ottawa County is an administrative division spanning north-central Kansas with the Solomon River running through its northern portion. Minneapolis functions as the county seat, serving as the main community center for the region.

Established in 1860, the county takes its name from the Odawa Native American people who lived in the region before European settlement. This naming honors the original inhabitants and remains part of the area's identity.

Minneapolis serves as the community hub where residents gather for local events and civic life. The downtown area reflects the character of a rural county seat, shaped by the people who live and work there.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife manages Ottawa State Fishing Lake east of Minneapolis, offering recreation options for visitors. The lake provides a natural setting for outdoor activities in the county's landscape.

The county maintained alcohol restrictions for nearly 150 years before residents voted in 2006 to permit sales under specific regulations. This shift reflects how rural communities gradually adapt their traditions over time.

Location: Kansas

Inception: February 27, 1860

Capital city: Minneapolis

Shares border with: Cloud County, Saline County, Clay County, Dickinson County, Mitchell County, Lincoln County

Website: http://OttawaCounty.org

GPS coordinates: 39.13330,-97.66670

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:02