Ottawa County, Kansas

Welcome to Ottawa County, Kansas

Our county museum has four main goals to accomplish. They are the following:

Preservation of artifacts
Exhibition of artifacts
Collection of historical information
Promotion of historical education

The Ottawa County Historical Museum features many outstanding displays. One of the premier George Washington Carver exhibits resides within the museum. Also included is an excellent military exhibit – one of the best anywhere. There is an interesting dinosaur exhibit relating to Silvisaurus condrayi, the most famous Kansas dinosaur, found in Ottawa County. There are rocks and many fossils other than Silvisaurus, including a dinosaur egg from China. Many dishes, Eisenhauer dolls, Jagger Wheat, and Bohnenblust plates from throughout the world are exhibited. A 1917 Fordson tractor, which was featured in the December 1984 National Geographic Magazine, restored by Bob Robins is displayed in the museum. Pioneers and Native Americans are featured along with a school room. There is information about Indian captives of the area, as well as a fire wagon and old jail from Bennington. A letter written by Grace Bedell to Presidential candidate Abe Lincoln suggesting that he grow a beard is highlighted.

Communities of Ottawa County are represented with many photographs displayed. There are many other artifacts and exhibits for visitors to observe. Please click the following link to view a list of donors and artifacts: Donors and Artifacts.

We serve all of Ottawa County – Ada, Bennington, Culver, Delphos, Minneapolis, Niles, Tescott, Wells and other communities.

Museum Advisory Board Members are: Neal Kindall, Jana VanMeter, Ray McGavran, Margaret McGavran, Connie Preheim, John Carson, and Jim Kay

Got a dream to create your own business or move your business to Ottawa County?

Want to grow or adapt your business to capture new opportunities in the market place?

Know before you grow!

Whether you are pursuing a dream or making plans, it's never to early to learn about the incentives and resources your county and the State of Kansas provide to encourage business expansion and job creation.

Your Economic Development office is dedicated to promoting Ottawa County as a first-class community for families and businesses.

Ideal family environment

small town living
a truly caring community
affordable homes in peaceful neighborhoods
rural acreage of all sizes in our picturesque Kansas countryside
exceptional schools with abundant opportunities to excel

Ideal business climate

low cost of operating
proximity to cross-country interstate highways
a workforce that takes pride in giving a full day's work
supportive services and business-friendly government
a great fit for all - from home-based endeavors to full-scale manufacturing

If you're interested in . . .

relocating your family to Ottawa County
operating a business in Ottawa County
expanding your exising Ottawa County business
starting a new business in Ottawa County
or improving your exisisting Ottawa County business

January 26, 2011 - Economic Development 101

sponsored by your Ottawa County Commission

Nearly every corner of the county was represented by business owners, residents and elected officials, which is a very good indication that many recognize the need to invest in the economic development of Ottawa County. Those who attended received a realistic, down-to-earth overview of what economic development can be for our communities from two Department of Commerce Business Development Center representatives who have lived the process in communities just like ours as Chamber of Commerce directors, Economic Development directors and regional program directors.

Economic Devolpment 101 Summary (PDF)

Ottawa County is part of the Central Kansas Extension District of K-State Research and Extension. It is located in the basement of the Ottawa County courthouse.

Director: Cade Rensink

Livestock Production Agent: Justine Johns

Family & Community Wellness: Leah Newman

Office Professional: Paula Baccus.

For more information about our services, upcoming events, etc. click on this www.centralkansas.k-state.edu