11 Adorable Small Towns In Kansas
When thinking of the Midwestern United States, the "Sunflower State" of Kansas often comes to mind. With its beautiful natural surroundings, unique cultural history, and agriculturally rich land, Kansas is a place of wonder for any visitor who wants to become better acquainted with the US. A staple of the American Midwest, Kansas was long inhabited by Native American peoples, and its history during the Civil War reveals a fascinating era of change for the nation. Within the State's small towns, visitors will find plenty of history, beautiful nature, and loads of welcoming hospitality in a place affectionately known as "America's Heartland."
Ottawa
The seat of Franklin County, the town of Ottawa was founded in 1864 and today is home to a population of about 13,000 residents. Located on the banks of the Marais des Cygnes River, this charming Kansas town is also the site of the Baptist Ottawa University (1865). A wonderful place to discover authentic Midwestern life, visitors to Ottawa can explore a number of historic landmarks and experience genuine small-town hospitality. Stop by the Old Depot Museum and learn more about the Kansas Territory and its growth before Statehood and then stroll through the downtown, where a number of 19th-century buildings continue to populate the landscape.
Wamego
Founded in the 1860s, the town of Wamego is a picturesque place of beauty and historic intrigue. With a population of around 5,000 inhabitants, this town in Pottawatomie County is a great destination for a weekend trip, and history lovers will find plenty of interesting landmarks to explore. These include the stone Dutch Mill (1879), the Columbian Theatre (1895), and the quaint and alluring Wamego Park.
Any casual or serious film fanatic cannot miss the OZ Museum and its impressive collection of over 25,000 items all related to the books and film of "The Wizard of Oz." Wamego continues to be a satisfying stopover for anyone on a road trip in Kansas, where history, nature, and a little magic come together.
Fort Scott
Fort Scott traces its history back to the 1850s and today is home to a population of 7,500. The seat of Bourbon County and situated along the Marmaton River, visitors may feel a sense of time travel when in town, where a number of historic 19th-century buildings continue to remain prominent. Marvel at Victorian architecture and take in the sights of charming brick buildings at the Fort Scott Historic Site, now listed in its entirety on the National Register of Historic Places.
The splendid 155-acre Gunn Park offers a quiet and calming atmosphere to all who visit, while activities like fishing, sailing, cycling, and golfing are also popular. And with its hot summers and mild winters, Fort Scott is a pleasant place to discover throughout the year.
Atchison
Located on the western banks of the Missouri River and near the border with Missouri, Atchison is another historic Kansas locale with a foundational history dating back to the 1850s. The seat of Atchison County and home to just under 11,000 people, this wonderful historic town has plenty of natural beauty and fascinating history. Discover the many Victorian-style buildings downtown and take a special trolley ride. History lovers will further appreciate the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum, which chronicles the famed aviator’s early life in a stunning cottage on the river banks.
Time spent along the Missouri River, taking in the quaint surroundings and calming sounds of nature, is always a delight, and the area has numerous trails and picnic sites. Back in town, a number of welcoming local restaurants like Pete's Steakhouse makes any stay in Atchison one to be positively remembered.
Abilene
Nearly 6,500 residents call the charming town of Abilene home, which was founded back in the year 1857. The seat of Dickinson County, this town on the endpoint of the historic Chisholm Trail (a popular cattle driver's route), maintains an Old West feeling. In the Old Town District, visitors can explore several 19th and early 20th-century buildings, including saloons.
Visit the Seelye Mansion (1905) or even take a special train ride on the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad for a true sense of travel to the 1800s. History enthusiasts will also appreciate Abilene as the hometown of former President and WWII General Dwight Eisenhower. Stop by the Eisenhower Presidential Library for fascinating insights into the life and lasting contributions of the 34th Commander in Chief.
Lindsborg
Established by Swedish immigrants in 1869, today, Lindsborg maintains a unique and special Scandinavian ambiance. Home to just under 4,000 inhabitants and lovingly known as "Little Sweden USA," visitors can expect to find an assortment of northern European attractions, which include the Wild Dala wooden horse sculptures, the 1904 Swedish Pavilion from the World’s Fair, and a plethora of brightly colored and charming Nordic-style homes.
At the Old Mill Museum, the entire family can enjoy the cuisine, art, and history of the town’s founders. And naturally, given Lindsborg’s ethnic uniqueness, visitors can expect to find a number of great restaurants that serve all the traditional favorite dishes of the Scandinavian people all within the confines of small-town Kansas.
Dodge City
Dodge City, established back in 1872, was a hotspot for cowboys, outlaws, and gamblers, making for quite the quintessential Wild West setting. Today home to a population of around 28,000 residents, visitors can still find plenty of 19th-century allure and attractions in town.
Stop by such places as the original Boot Hill Cemetery and Boot Hill Museum for fascinating looks into the lifestyle of the post-Civil War nation, while a charming trolley ride in the historic downtown is always a fun excursion. Families can also enjoy the fun Dodge City Days during the height of summer. Here everything from parades, live music concerts, rodeos, and even tasty barbecue cookoffs are on offer in one of the most amusing ways to spend time in any Kansas town.
Leavenworth
Nicknamed the "The First City of Kansas," Leavenworth is a fascinating historic place where direct encounters with America’s past are always abundant. Established in 1854 and today the home of just over 37,000 residents, Leavenworth played important roles during the Civil War and as a notable supply base during the settlement of the American West. Visit sites like the Buffalo Soldier Memorial Monument, the Frontier Army Museum, and the always-popular Fort Leavenworth (1827). Considered the oldest active military site in Kansas, over two centuries worth of soldiers have trained and lived at this place of literal living history.
Leavenworth is also situated on the western banks of the Missouri River, meaning there is plenty of scenic activities to partake in. Enjoy beautiful hikes and biking trails along the water for a serene afternoon. And for those in Leavenworth in springtime, do not forget the annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, where the spirit of being Irish comes alive with a unique Kansas flare.
Atwood
The seat of Rawlins County, the town of Atwood is a quaint and calm community first established in 1875. With a population of just under 1,300 inhabitants, visitors will find a genuine slice of friendly small-town America in Atwood, where an assortment of locally run eateries and other shops always leave their charm. These include Casey’s Pizza Shop or the Great Outdoors Gunshop for some of the finest offerings of sporting goods. And with Atwood’s vicinity to the same named Lake, visitors can partake in hiking, biking, camping, fishing, sailing, and golfing. For total family fun, check out the Rawlins County Fair in July, a fun atmosphere with food contests, competitive races, and live music.
Norton
Norton is the home to a modest population of almost 3,000 residents while also serving as the seat of the same named County. In addition to the lush greenery that surrounds the town, spend time at the Prairie Dog State Park, watching over 300 prairie dogs in a natural habitat that includes fun walking trails, a swimming beach, and even an archery range for human visitors.
Back in town, at the Norton Downtown Historic District, tourists can explore up to 43 contributing buildings that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the Norton County Courthouse (1929) and the Southwestern Bell Telephone Building. For a relaxing spot where natural beauty and local history come together, Norton is a fine Kansas destination to discover firsthand.
Cottonwood Falls
Established along the southern side of the Cottonwood River in 1859, the town of Cottonwood Falls is a charming community full of relaxing vibes. Home to a population of just under 900 residents, visitors can expect to find a friendly atmosphere with loads of historic intrigue. Visit such listings on the National Register of Historic Places like the Chase County Courthouse (built in 1873 and still the oldest operating of its kind in Kansas), the Cottonwood River Bridge (1914), and the Samuel Wood House, among others. Or strolling along the cobblestone streets and admiring 19th-century architecture from a distance is always delightful.
The area’s natural beauty also makes it an attractive place to relax and get away from busy city life. Enjoy time by the tiver or spend an afternoon at the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, where up to 10,000 acres of preserved ecosystem offer a most immersive experience. And with more than 40 miles of trails, there is never a shortage of spaces to wander. Visitors may also visit the Chase State Fishing Lake, where camping, fishing, and picnicking next to splendid waterfalls and tall grasses make for a most serene daytime excursion.
Whether it is the relaxing ambiance of Atwood or the Wild West intrigue of Dodge City, these and other great small Kansas towns continue to show why the "Sunflower State" is unique in the Midwestern US. From its beautiful natural framings to its fascinating history and its special cultural character, Kansas is a special place to discover. While the State’s major cities like Topeka and Wichita may continue to be well known, it is Kansas’s adorable small towns that also offer their share of great fun, intrigue, and authentic doses of Americana. So wait no longer and see why these towns are Kansas’ gems.
