Ottawa, Ohio, is a small village situated along the Blanchard River, approximately 30 miles from Lima. Known for its slower pace of life and historic downtown, Ottawa features locally owned shops, restaurants, and businesses housed in red brick buildings. Recent revitalization efforts have enhanced the downtown area, including the renovation of the Du Mont building, which now hosts Ottawa Brewing and a restaurant with outdoor seating and a pickleball court. Ottawa-Glandorf Local Schools are highly rated, with about 1,500 students and notable athletic achievements, including multiple Western Buckeye League team championships. The village offers various things to do, such as visiting Memorial Park, which is the largest recreational hub with mature trees, playgrounds, and shelter houses. Rex Pavilion hosts Thursdays at the Rex during the summer, featuring live music and food trucks. Kayaking is popular on the Blanchard River, with new public access points added in 2023. Ottawa's housing includes a mix of 20th-century homes and newer builds, with common styles like bungalow, National, ranch, American foursquare, farmhouse, and revival. The village is well-connected via U.S. Route 225 and state Route 65, providing access to nearby cities like Lima and Findlay, and larger cities such as Columbus and Fort Wayne within a two-hour drive. Despite its charm, Ottawa faces practical challenges, including the risk of flooding from the Blanchard River, with several severe floods occurring in the past two decades.
