8 Top-Rated Small Towns In Kansas

Kansas is distinguished for its welcoming people and rich history. The Sunflower State is a unique blend, embodying the best of both Midwest and Southwest cultures. While the state is recognized for many things, it's often associated with the Great Plains, rebellious cowboy culture, endless acres of ranches, and, of course, the classic Wizard of Oz movie, where Dorothy Gale lived. What's more, Kansans are known to be among the most hospitable people in the country, making its towns and cities all the more worth visiting. In this article, we're going to explore the eight top-rated small towns, so pack your cowboy boots and throw on a jacket, and let's uncover why this state is embraced by so many.

Leawood

Known for its meticulously designed green spaces and well-maintained infrastructure, Leawood offers a wide array of activities. Among many notable features of Leawood is its upscale shopping options in the esteemed Town Center Plaza and Park Place, where shoppers can delight in vibrant pedestrian-friendly green spaces with access to more than 50+ establishments of upscale outlets. Less than 10 miles away is the Museum at Prairiefire, a must-see destination that focuses on the natural history of the region; the 42,000-square-foot facility opened nine years ago and has received several awards for its architecture. And if you're a cat lover, the Feline Cedar Cove Feline Conservatory is the perfect place to book tours and is a half-hour drive away — here, visitors can witness some of the most exotic animals on the planet, including lions, tigers, leopards, and wolves. If you'd like to experience the abundance of attractions Leawood has to offer, this cozy town is home to several accommodations, including Holiday Inn & Suites and other budget-friendly motels.

Spring Hill

This historic town dates back to 1857, when postmaster James B. Hovey first settled 166 years ago. Spring Hill prides itself on its resiliency, having lived through the worst of the economic depression of the 1930s and the Wild West days. Today, it serves as an unnoticed gem in the greater Kansas City metro region and boasts a plethora of amenities and seasonal events. One of the highlights of visiting Spring Hill is being able to tee off at the Sycamore Ridge Golf Course; it has consistently ranked first place for six consecutive years by Golf Digest as the best golf course in Kansas, and to celebrate the Winter season, it will be hosting the Polar Bear Scramble event on December 17. Another notable feature of Spring Hill is its proximity to Hillsdale State Park; featuring more than 12,000 acres of land, it provides ample space for locals and tourists to engage in activities such as disc golf, flying model airplanes, and camping.

Abilene

Home to the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum and the Greyhound Hall of Fame, Abilene retained its title of once again being crowned the "Best Small Town to Visit in the U.S." by TravelAwaits for 2023. This town's story began with a small group of Swedish immigrants who settled in the area, which, to this day, still influences the festivities, cuisine, and architecture of the town. If you're lucky enough to visit Abilene, you will not want to miss out on seeing the Seelye Mansion; founded in 1905 and named the "8 wonders of Kansas," this hidden gem features furnishings from the 1904 St. Louis World Fair and boasts over 20 rooms including a ballroom, antique bowling ally, and even a music room adorned with gold French furniture — the Seelye also garnered media attention in the past, being highlighted on an episode of the History Channel's Mysteries at the Mansion show. To cap off your getaway to Abilene, consider touring the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad trip — it began as a project three decades ago to preserve and highlight the town's railway heritage as it takes riders on a historical adventure to spotlight special places with historical significance.  

With over 20 National Register of Historic Places sites, Atichison beckons as an ideal spot for a weekend getaway, inviting adventurers the perfect getaway to uncover the town's rich history. A few options that come to mind include the Amelia Earheart Birthplace, a historic museum where the first female aviator who flew across the Atlantic Ocean, Amelia Earheart, was born. And 12 minutes away lies the International Forest of Friendship, a memorial forest dedicated to esteemed members who participated in space exploration and aeronautics. What's more, the park features trees that represent all 50 American states. In addition to this town's unique connection to aviation, Atchison was also named one of the best towns to celebrate Christmas in the U.S. with a wide array of festivities and events, such as the sights and sounds of Christmas, roller skating at Memorial Hall and weekly Winter-themed farmers markets.

Manhattan

Not to be confused with the Empire State's Manhattan, this Manhattan has a whole vibe of its own. It was ranked as one of the top destinations for young retirees by CNN Money and is also known for having a vibrant college atmosphere. Founded by settlers in the 1850s, Manhattan blossomed into a top-rated town, having received several awards, notably being ranked first for best town-gown relationships, as well as ranking top ten for best places to grow a small business. Furthermore, the "Little Apple" is also considered a premier college town thanks to Kansas State University, the town's biggest employer. Among many places to visit, the Aggieville district particularly stands out as it harbors more than five blocks of bars, shops, and restaurants. Another hidden attraction is the Flint Hills Discovery Center, a heritage and science outlet dedicated to preserving the town's local history, which features a state-of-the-art immersive theater.

Salina

Laden with a unique blend of old-town charm and modern-day attractions, Salina shines as a top-rated small town. It offers tourists a plethora of picturesque scenes; from the Marty Bender Nature Trail to Kansas's oldest museum, the Smoky Hill, there is something for everybody here. The downtown area is filled with art galleries, shopping outlets, and arcades that cater to those seeking fun activities. For family-friendly activities, a stop by the Rolling Hills Zoo will provide a memorable visit as you observe big cats, primates, and mammals. Last but certainly not least, Oakdale Park lies in the heart of the city to get away from all the noise and distractions, offering visitors a serene space to get some fresh air and wind down.  

Dodge City

Dubbed the Cowboy Capital of the World, dodging this town would have been wise during the late 19th century when the Dodge City Gang dominated the political and social scene, but today, this quaint town offers tourists a range of safe activities, from thrilling races at Dodge City Raceway Park to a brisk stroll through the historic district that features the Boot Hill Museum, you will find something to do here. To add to the town's dynamic culture and history, the Carnegie Center for the Arts offers a wide range of gallery exhibitions and events, including the Christmas market that runs through November to the end of December.

Emporia

Recognized as the gravel-grinding capital of the world of the world for its esteemed cycling community, Emporia offers cyclists some of the best world-class trails to break a sweat. But when it is Winter, for just $8, you can sit back and relax as two mighty horses lead the carriage through town. On the ride, you will explore the town's commercial and historic district, among many other notable features — the annual rides begin in late November and last through December 21. To get a better sense of the town and its history, the Lyon Country Historical Center was established in 1937 and accentuated various attractions in the town, including natural historical sites and famous ranches. 

In short, the Sunflower State and its friendly inhabitants extend their welcoming and warm embrace to you. Whether you explore the rich history of Atchison, the green spaces of Leawood, or Manhattan's vibrant and picturesque downtown, you're bound to be captivated by the hospitality and savory local flavors of Kansas as you immerse yourself in an unforgettable experience with cherished memories.