10 Most Historic Small Towns to Visit in Kansas

Kansas is often overlooked when it comes to travel, but it is a spectacular place full of history that is great for a trip with family and friends, regardless of the time of year. From the Civil War sites in Lawrence to the 19th-century architecture in Abilene, many of the towns retain magnificent histories and tastefully preserved districts. Be it the old forts in Leavenworth or the cobblestone streets in Cottonwood Falls, Kansas, has much to reveal under the history pages.

Abilene

Abilene is the last great cowtown along the Chisholm Trail. Noticeably built in 1905 stands the Historic Seelye Mansion, a grand 25-room house. At the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood Home, one can rather fully delve into the life of the 34th President of the United States, Dwight D. Eisenhower. Old Abilene Town is a replica of an 1800s Wild West town, offering a glimpse into life through the pioneer days of this part of the country. The Dickinson County Heritage Center contains historical exhibits from the area. The Lebold Mansion is another treasure that's quite impressive, given that it was constructed in Second Empire style.

Lawrence

Lawrence was one of the major battlegrounds in the Civil War, especially during its prelude, known as "Bleeding Kansas." The eventful era and the rest of local history are showcased at the Watkins Museum of History. The Eldridge Hotel—rebuilt after incendiaries burned it during the Lawrence Massacre—is a symbol of the town's resilience. Other attractions included the Spencer Museum of Art, which holds a good collection of American art, and the Black Jack Battlefield—the site of the Civil War's first battle. After visiting these sites, consider the Kansas Memorial Union, a key historic building located on the campus of the University of Kansas.

Atchison

Atchison touts Victorian-era architecture and the birthplace of Amelia Earhart. The town's best-known attraction is the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum, located in the family home where she was born. It contains displays regarding local history and railroads that put the town on the map, all located within the Atchison County Historical Society Museum. History and art come together under one roof at the Muchnic Art Gallery, housed in a gorgeous 19th-century mansion. Other historic sites include the Sallie House, known for its haunted history, and the Evah C. Cray Historical House, a beautiful mansion constructed in the late 1800s.

Leavenworth

The city of Leavenworth is an inviting town known as the "First City of Kansas" in military history. Fort Leavenworth is among the oldest military bases west of the Mississippi River and includes the Frontier Army Museum. A great deal of the downtown area historically was preserved and renovated for public use and features buildings from as far back as the 19th century. The Carroll Mansion Museum documents life in the Victorian era, while the C.W. Parker Carousel Museum also represents local industry. Also located here are the National Cemetery, which dates back to the Civil War, and even the Richard Allen Cultural Center, which focuses on the history of African Americans in this region.

Cottonwood Falls

Cottonwood Falls, Kansas, hosts the oldest extant courthouse in Kansas, completed in 1873 and still in operation. A small but handsome downtown holds most of the businesses in town, operating out of historic buildings that include the Roniger Memorial Museum with Native American artifacts and exhibits on local history. Just outside the city is the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, offering a view of what the 19th-century landscape looked like. Other smaller attractions include Prairie Fire BBQ, a restaurant that serves savory barbeque cumbersome of this town's traditions, and Emma Chase Friday Night Music, a downtown live music tradition for music lovers.

Fort Scott

Fort Scott’s historic downtown area boasts 19th-century styled architecture that includes one of the oldest national cemeteries, Fort Scott National Cemetery, in the county. The Gordon Parks Museum is dedicated to the life and work of the famous photographer and film director. Visitors can also check out the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, an attraction that inspires change using the stories of unknown but influential historical figures. Fort Scott Farmer's Market in a charming historic downtown square is great for families to attend. Families can then unwind at Gunn Park or Ellis Park.

Council Grove

Few communities in Kansas are home to as many sites on the National Register of Historic Places as Council Grove. The Kaw Mission State Historic Site and Museum is the story of the Native Americans known as the Kaw people and early missionaries. In 1857, the Hays House opened to make that one of the oldest continuously running restaurants in the area. Then there are such statues as the Madonna of the Trail for the pioneer women and the Last Chance Store, dating from 1857, representing the oldest building, as well as the Council Oak, where they signed treaties with that Native American tribe, plus a Post Office Oak Museum.

Wamego

Although it might be called a town of history and charm, Wamego is best known in conjunction with "The Wizard of Oz." It is here, in the Oz Museum, that visitors will find memorabilia from the classic film and books. The town's other historical sites include the Wamego Historical Museum and the Prairie Town Village, a group of 19th-century buildings. The others are a Dutch Mill, built in 1879 from an old prairie windmill in Kansas; and the Mount Mitchell Heritage Prairie, which played an important role in the Underground Railroad. Additionally, there’s the Historic Schonhoff Dutch Mill, an 1870s restored windmill, and the Wamego City Park.

Lindsborg

Lindsborg is a breathtaking town and home to many people of Swedish descent. The downtown area of Lindsborg is full of Swedish stores, restaurants, and historic buildings. At the Old Mill Museum, visitors can trace the history of the town's earlier milling industry. The one-of-a-kind heritage has been strongly left on this town by the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery, containing paintings of the renowned Swedish-American painter; the Swedish Pavilion relocated to the grounds of Bethany College from the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair; and historic campus buildings all over town. Other must-visits are Hemslojd, a craft shop in the tradition of Swedish handicrafts, and Red Barn Studio Museum.

Paola

Paola is one of the loveliest small towns in Kansas. An anchor of downtown is a historic square surrounded by 19th-century buildings preserved in great condition. The Miami County Historical Museum has exhibits about the town's history, from its founding to its role in the Civil War. Not too far from these, the appeals to natural beauty are Hillsdale State Park and Historic Paola Park Square, considered to be the heart of this community. Among other historic places in this town are the John Brown Museum and the Paola Free Library. The John Brown Museum gives insight into this famous abolitionist and his work when he was alive. It's a great place for those historically invested in this era.

History runs deep in Kansas, with all of the small towns comprising an incredible view of the state's past. These small towns, with remarkable historic districts, important places, and lively cultural settings, make them places to go for every history lover. Every town gives visitors a different feel, yet each has a unique tie to Kansas' rich heritage, making it one of the best places to visit for history lovers and avid travelers.