Kansas can be renowned for its wide-open plains and wide-open skies, but within its borders lie small towns with personality and character. These are 11 small towns in Kansas that offer quaint experiences that typically elude tourists:
1. Cottonwood Falls
Location: Flint Hills
Features: Gateway to the Flint Hills, this town offers scenic views and a peaceful, small-town existence.
Must-See: Chase County Courthouse, Kansas’ oldest operating courthouse, and Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve.
2. Lindsborg
Location: Central Kansas
Features: “Little Sweden” showcases Swedish heritage with art galleries, festivals, and quirky shops.
Must-See: Coronado Heights Castle and the Swedish Pavilion.
3. Abilene
Location: Central Kansas
Features: President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s boyhood home, this historic town mixes rich heritage with modern charm.
Must-See: Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum and historic Seelye Mansion.
4. Wamego
Location: Northeast Kansas
Features: Charming town with a link to “The Wizard of Oz,” Wamego has offbeat attractions and scenic beauty.
Must-See: Oz Museum and the nearby Wamego City Park.
5. Lucas
Location: North-Central Kansas
Features: The “Grassroots Art Capital of Kansas,” Lucas is a place for kitschy and whimsical artwork.
Must-See: Garden of Eden and the Grassroots Art Center.
6. Atchison
Location: Northeast Kansas
Features: Historic river town with stunning architecture, spooky tales, and aviation heritage connection.
Must-See: Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum and the Haunted Atchison Trolley Tour.
7. Council Grove
Location: Flint Hills
Features: Historic Santa Fe Trail stopping place, Council Grove has nature and history.
Must-See: Kaw Mission State Historic Site and Allegawaho Heritage Memorial Park nearby.
8. Hays
Location: Western Kansas
Features: Vibrant mix of history, culture, and contemporary amenities, Hays is a western Kansas cultural hub.
Must-See: Sternberg Museum of Natural History and old downtown area.
9. Yates Center
Location: Southeast Kansas
Features: A peaceful, old-fashioned small town, Yates Center is surrounded by picturesque lakes and outdoor activities.
Must-Visit: Woodson State Fishing Lake and Toronto Lake for camping and fishing.
10. Marysville
Location: North-Central Kansas
Features: Renowned for its Pony Express legacy, Marysville is a historic town with warm hospitality.
Must-Visit: Pony Express Barn and Marysville City Park.
11. Lecompton
Location: Northeast Kansas
Features: Once the territorial capital of Kansas, this small town is steeped in Civil War history.
Must-See: Constitution Hall State Historic Site and Territorial Capital Museum.
Each of these Kansas towns boasts a unique piece of culture, history, and natural beauty to share, and they are great places for visitors to visit who want to uncover the state’s best-kept secrets.
