A BBQ Trip to Ottawa, Kansas (And Surprising Finds We Didn’t Expect)

My husband and I are always on the lookout for a good BBQ spot.

When we planned the 50-mile drive to Ottawa, the mission was clear: track down some delicious Kansas barbecue and head home with plenty of leftovers.

But like the best day trips tend to go… we found a lot more than we planned.

A Downtown That Tells a Story

We started along South Main Street, and it didn’t take long to realize this wasn’t just a quick stop kind of town.

A row of colorful sports cars with open hoods parked along a quaint street lined with historic buildings and shops under a partly cloudy sky. — *^{A special treat on the Saturday we visited was discovering a Corvette show filling the main street.}*

Downtown is full of late-1800s charm, with brick buildings featuring well-kept storefronts that showcases its history without the distraction of modern structures.

According to a historic marker we passed, many of these buildings date between 1872 and 1900, and remarkably, much of the area still looks much like it did back then.

Finding More than Antiques

We also made a stop at Gold Rush Merchantile, and it ended up being more than just a quick browse.

It’s not only antiques—you’ll find a mix of collectibles, handmade items, and unique pieces throughout the shop. It was easy to wander through, and a couple vendors really stood out, including beautifully crafted wood bowls and a selection of sturdy, handmade Yoder baskets in all sizes.

The service was friendly, and we even got a few great recommendations for other spots around town.

There are a few antique stores in Ottawa, but this is definitely one you’ll want to include on your list.

📍 218 S. Main Street

Landmarks that Anchor the Town

As we explored a little further, more notable architecture stood out.

The historic Franklin County Courthouse, pictured at the top of this post, has served as the county seat since 1864. With its distinctive design, it remains a timeless landmark that continues to be part of everyday life.

📍 315 S. Main Street

Across the street is First Baptist Church, and this is where the history gets especially meaningful.

Based on historical information from the church, the congregation was first organized in May of 1864, making it one of the earlier established communities in the area. A small chapel followed in 1867, with an addition added in 1886. The main auditorium—what gives the building much of its presence today—was completed in 1895.

That layered growth shows up in the architecture. Built in the Romanesque Revival style, the church features thick stone walls, rounded arches, and a strong, grounded design. The stained glass windows—likely added during that 1895 expansion—bring in color and detail that contrast beautifully with the heavy stone exterior.

📍 410 S. Hickory Street

Exterior view of First Baptist Church featuring stone architecture, arched windows with stained glass, and a tower with a decorative spire.

Close-up of a church tower featuring a stone facade, decorative pillars, and a cross at the peak under a blue sky with clouds.

As we made our way back to the car, another building stood out. The long, narrow structure on the corner of South Main and 2nd Street is hard to miss.

The former People’s State Bank Building, also known as the Hamblin Building, features a Renaissance Revival design with a distinctive curved southwest corner that softens the edge of the block.

📍 205 S. Main Street

Historic brick building with a curved roof, featuring ornate architectural details, located on a street corner under a blue sky. — *^{Former People State Bank / Hamblin Building built in 1879.}*

One detail that makes all of these buildings more interesting is that they aren’t just connected by time—they’re connected by the same person.

The Hidden Thread Through Ottawa

Much of what you see in downtown Ottawa can be traced back to George P. Washburn, a local architect who opened his business there in the early 1880s. He designed the Franklin County Courthouse, contributed to the design of First Baptist Church, as well as the remodel of this People State Bank in 1901. But he also worked on other buildings throughout the city—including the original plans for the railroad depot and the Carnegie Library.

Once you learn that connection, it changes how you see the town. In many ways, one person helped shape the look and feel of Ottawa. It’s not just a collection of historic buildings—it’s the work of someone who helped define the look and feel of Ottawa during its years of growth.

The BBQ That Started It All

Of course, we couldn’t leave without doing what we came for. We made our stop at Smoked Creations BBQ, and it did not disappoint.

I ordered the brisket sandwich with their house sauce, and it was exactly what you hope for when you’re chasing down a good BBQ spot—tender, smoky, and full of flavor without being overdone. The sauce added just the right balance without taking over.

A close-up of a beef sandwich with tender slices of beef inside a soft, round bun, resting on a plate.

Interior of a lively restaurant featuring a Bud Light neon sign, wooden beams, and multiple TVs displaying various content. Diners are seated at tables, enjoying their meals and drinks, while staff are visible in the background.

We also tried the Jalapeno sausage, which had that perfect snap on the outside and was seasoned just right on the inside. (Ask to try their spicy BBQ sauce for more kick!)

It wasn’t fancy, and it didn’t need to be. Just solid, well-made BBQ that hits the spot after a day of walking and exploring.

📍 222 E. Logan Avenue