10 Small Towns In Kansas To Visit For A Weekend Getaway
The small towns of Kansas are remarkable for their impressive and charming natural scenery, defined by open plains and prairie vegetation. Plus, they are rich in Wild West history and culture, all combining to make them ideal retreats for a weekend getaway. Whether one is seeking to explore the corridors of history at the Eisenhower Presidential Library in Abilene or promenade the Wamego City Park in Wamego town, the Sunshine State is ready to satisfy all visitors. Here are 10 of the best small towns to enjoy an unforgettable weekend getaway.
Colby
Colby is a charming little town in western Kansas with vast, unspoiled plains, making it look like a wilderness. But don't be fooled because this town is bustling with activities year-round and packs a handful of adventures for every visitor. An ideal first port of call here is Fike Park, a serene green park with a gorgeous lake where visitors can hike, relax, enjoy lake views, and hold picnics.
Villa High Lake in Villa High Park is another top attraction in this town, featuring picnic shelters, fishing, and playground equipment. For a touch of history, visitors can head over to the Prairie Museum of Arts and History, where various artifacts and exhibits reflect the town's deep history. For those visiting in June, the Pickin on the Plains Bluegrass Festival is an exciting event that features folk music and lights up the town with fanfare. The Colby Inn and Suites is a great place to lodge for the weekend.
Lucas
Art lovers can call Lucas their home for the weekend, as it is renowned for being the "Grassroot Arts Capital of Kansas." This small town is incredibly artistic, with most of its buildings made of Post Rock limestone. The Grassroots Arts Center is a good place to spot some artworks by locals, mostly folk arts. Other interesting places to find incredible art exhibitions in Lucas include Switchgrass, Fork Art Park, Dada Museum, and Old Blue Studio.
However, the town's highlight attraction is the S.P Dinsmoor's Garden of Eden - a log cabin built with Post Rock limestone featuring more than 150 sculptures. Bowl Plaza - a beautiful, mosaic-designed restroom is a must-visit and has been ranked as America's quirkiest restroom. For lodging, Garden View and LaSada Lodges are recommended.
Norton
Norton fits the bill for a Kansas small-town weekend getaway as it is naturally alluring and serene, with just above 2,700 residents. Visitors can spend time with nature at the Prairie Dog State Park, where its beautiful creek presents exciting fishing and boating opportunities. The park is also a great destination for camping, swimming, and enjoying strolls, with a chance to spot the Prairie Dog.
Keith Sebelius Lake, an artificial reservoir for water supply and flood control, is another interesting outdoor hot spot on Prairie Dog Creek. It serves as a recreational spot for camping, boating, and fishing. History buffs can head to the Norton County Historical Society and Museum to see ancient relics that mirror the town's glorious past and learn about its history. Visitors can lodge at Brooks or Hillcrest Motels for the weekend.
Fort Scott
Fort Scott is the ideal small town to enjoy a weekend getaway and cool off from the bustle of life. In this scenic and relaxed town, visitors can spend their time hopping its historic and art museums for a dose of history. The Gordon Park Museum and Museum of Creativity are two prime spots to enjoy fascinating photography and creative arts. A popular destination for every visitor is the Fort Scott National Historic Site, a former Civil War site and now home to several iconic historical buildings and exhibitions.
Outdoor lovers can spend the entire day at Gunn Park - a park of more than 150 acres, with two lakes, a golf course, camping sites, and seven shelter houses. One of the park's lakes - Fern Lake, is a great spot for fishing and boating. Alternatively, visitors can hike the approximately 6 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails along the Marmaton River in the park to spot wildlife like deer and foxes. For lodging, Fort Scott Inn and Courtyard Hotel & Spa are excellent options.
Council Grove
Council Grove is a scenic town that combines history and natural allure to give visitors an unforgettable weekend treat. Once in this town, visitors can head to the Allegawaho Heritage Memorial Park to admire a 35-foot limestone tower in the Kanza Monument Area, dedicated to an unknown Kanza Warrior. Next, visitors can check out the Kaw Mission State Historic Site and Museum to learn about the early Kaw settlers of the town and their culture. Don't miss views of the magnificent Council Oak - a giant oak tree that served as the meeting point of the town's pioneers.
When it comes to food, Hays House Restaurant downtown is the perfect place to enjoy some delicious meals after strolling around the downtown district marked by impressive historic architecture. Another point of interest for visitors, especially nature lovers, is the Council Grove Lake, where fishing, boating, and promenading are highlight activities. Prairie Lodge Motel and The Cottage House are ideal places to lodge in Council Grove.
Lindsborg
Popularly known as "Little Sweden", Lindsborg is a small town renowned for its Scandinavian and German heritages. Thus, it houses museums and historical centers to reflect these foreign roots. The McPherson County Old Museum is a treasure trove that showcases the town's historic past in artifacts while featuring a historic flour mill and homestead cabin. Lindsborg also features Hoglund Dugout - a pit that was once the home of the town's early inhabitants.
Away from history, Lindsborg invites visitors to Coronado Heights - a magnificent hill that offers scenic views of the city. The hill also houses a castle-like shelter surrounded by lush green lawns, perfect for picnics and relaxation. Lindsburg's downtown area is also captivating, with several Wild Dala Horse statues occupying the streets. For outdoor enthusiasts, the 4.5-mile-long Valkommen Trail, north of Bethany College, is a great place for biking and hiking. For lodging, the Coronado and Vikings Motel are some of the best places to spend the night in Lindsborg.
Wamego
Wamego is an ideal town for a vibrant weekend retreat involving fun and family-friendly activities such as picnics. This adorable little town is home to the Wamego City Park, a 12-acre park featuring lush, colorful gardens, a fish pond, a swimming pool, a playground, and a giant Dutch windmill. Visitors can amble around the park for sightseeing, hold picnics on the lawns, and record their moments in photography sessions.
The town is also home to the Museum of Oz, where everything about the Wizard of Oz, from artifacts to film props, are featured, including that of the story writer, Frank Baum. There is also an Oz winery for tasting an assortment of wines. For premium entertainment, the town's Columbia Theater offers interesting shows and performances cutting across different genres. Visitors spending the night can lodge at the Wamego Inn and Suites.
Atchison
A weekend getaway in the small, quaint town of Atchison promises to be remarkable. This town is notable as the birthplace of the famous American female pilot, Amelia Earhart. There is a museum in the town to commemorate her lifetime achievements for history and aviation enthusiasts to explore. In addition to its historic allure, the town lies by the Missouri River, where visitors can take idle strolls along its riverwalk to capture the sunset and the greenery on its banks.
Alternatively, there are two parks by the river's bluff - Riverfront and Independent Parks for recreational activities like sightseeing, picnics, and games. Riverfront Park is also the location of the Annual Amelia Earhart Festival and Fireworks every July. Visitors seeking spooky vibes in this town can head to the 1889 Mcinteer Haunted Villa, where many paranormal activities have occurred. For lodging, the Holiday Express Inn and Suites is a great spot.
Abilene
There is no better weekend hideaway for history buffs than the charming Wild West town of Abilene. This historic town is renowned as the hometown of President Eisenhower, and it features the Eisenhower Presidential Library, his boyhood home, and a museum. In the museum, several artifacts, galleries, and presentations offer a peek into the glorious life and times of America's 34th president. More history awaits at the A.B. Seeyle Mansion and Museum - a Georgian-style, 25-room mansion that houses original antique furniture and Edison lighting.
Fun lovers can head to the C.W. Parker Carousel to experience the thrill and excitement of riding horse and chariot carousels. The Eisenhower Park and Rose Garden in the town's historic district is a great place to stroll and admire the gardens or swim in the municipal pool. Also, visitors can check out the stadium where Eisenhower declared his intention to run for president in 1952 in the park. The Holiday Inn Express and Suites and Diamond Motel are two ideal places to lodge for the weekend in this town.
Cottonwood Falls
Cottonwood Falls is a small, elegant town of just over 800 residents, making it a tranquil weekend hideaway for peace-seeking travelers. Aside from its serenity, Cottonwood Falls boasts picturesque natural scenery starting from its position in the heart of Flint Hills. Cottonwood River also runs across the town, and visitors can enjoy its gorgeous views by walking on the Cottonwood River Bridge. Still outdoors, the Chase State Fishing Lake is an ideal spot for camping, fishing, and strolling around the lake while capturing the beauty of Chase Lake Falls on the east end.
History lovers can check out the Chase County Courthouse, the oldest courthouse, west of the Mississippi River. This courthouse mirrors French Renaissance architecture and elegance and is always a delight to behold. As for nature lovers, the nearby Tall Grass Prairie National Preserve sets the stage to observe nature in its idyllic form and also see bison as they graze in the area. The Lark Inn on Main St. Guest House is a perfect place to lodge when visiting.
Away from Wichita, the most populous and famous city in Kansas, there are priceless natural beauties and experiences abundant in the small towns of this state. They offer an escape from the city's chaos, serving as weekend getaways for memorable experiences. From the museums and parks to the historic downtowns and the great outdoors, one thing is certain - a weekend getaway in these small towns of Kansas is surely the tonic for stress and a recipe for relaxation.
