2024's 8 Most Beautiful Small Towns In Kansas
Residents of Kansas know how they feel about their state, and as a person who grew up in the "Sunflower State," I know firsthand that it is a hidden gem in the heart of America. While its more prominent cities like Wichita and Kansas City often steal the spotlight, the state's authentic charm lies in its small towns. Each offers a unique slice of Kansas life, full of history, culture, and natural beauty. Here are eight of Kansas's most beautiful small towns, whether you are looking for a weekend getaway or planning to stay longer.
Lindsborg
This small town of Lindsborg sits just south of Salina and is known as "Little Sweden" due to its Swedish heritage. The Scandinavian roots are evident everywhere, in the architecture, quaint shops, museums, and local culture. Visitors will want to stroll through the cobblestone streets and visit the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery, which showcases the works of the renowned Swedish-American artist. The Old Mill and Swedish Heritage Museum offers excellent insights into the local history. Even though it won't happen this year, Lindsborg hosts the Svensk Hyllningsfest every other year. This Swedish festival honors the immigrants who settled in the town in the mid-1800s, and the weeklong event attracts visitors from across the country.
Visitors will want to walk along the rustic main street as they search to admire the Wild Dala Horse sculptures sitting in front of local businesses. Each sculpture is unique, each with attractive, vibrant colors and accents. Be sure to eat at the Crown and Rye for authentic Scandinavian cuisine. One of our favorite spots is Blacksmith Coffee and Roastery, serving specialty brews in a historic brick building.
Council Grove
Council Grove sits in scenic tallgrass prairies of the Flint Hills, about an hour southwest of Topeka. The town is steeped in history, serving as a pivotal location on the Santa Fe Trail. The town flourished as a place of commerce for settlers moving west, and there are still remnants of the pioneer days in the historic downtown district. The old Hays House, The Cottage House, and The Kaw Mission State Historic Site are just a few of the buildings located there, and with over 25 historic sites, there is no shortage of places to explore.
Council Grove Lake and the Neosho River are just north of town, with ample walking trails and campgrounds. Visitors will want to enjoy the lake's many outdoor activities, including swimming, boating, and excellent bass fishing. Be sure to eat at the Trail Days Cafe and Museum or the Hays House for an old-time ambiance. One of the best times to visit is for the Washunga Days Festival, scheduled for next June, with food/craft vendors, a parade, a car show, and a fireworks display guaranteed to light up the sky over the Neosho River.
Hays
Hays is a small college town (Fort Hays State) on I-70 in the west-central portion of the state. This close-knit community has great residents who love living and thriving in their small-town atmosphere. Hays began as a military outpost in the middle of Indian Territory in the mid-1840s, and a few of the original buildings remain at the Fort Hays State Historic Site. The Sternberg Museum of Natural History showcases impressive fossil collections and interactive exhibits that will delight the grandchildren. If you are planning a trip, try to take in the Wild West Days festival over the Fourth of July weekend because this festival attracts people from all over the state.
The historic downtown area dubbed "The Bricks" has undergone quite a revival in recent years, attracting several shops, boutiques, and dining establishments. Visitors will want to eat at Gella's Diner and Lb. Brewing Company, a gastropub with excellent burgers and a beer selection. There are plenty of dining options around the I-70 interchange, but one of my favorites is Billy Simms Barbeque, with smoke-kissed ribs and brisket that will make your mouth water. This franchise is owned by football great Billy Simms, a Heisman Trophy winner who played for the University of Oklahoma and the Detroit Lions in the mid-80s.
Ellinwood
Ellinwood, with its well-preserved historic architecture, transports visitors back in time. The town began as a railroad settlement when the Santa Fe Railroad reached the region. The town is home to fascinating history, including the Ellinwood Underground Tunnels, a fascinating network of passageways used during Prohibition. The tour isn't very long but is filled with stories, anecdotes, and antiques.
Stroll down Main Street to view historic buildings and enjoy the tranquil ambiance of the town's interesting boutiques, parks, and gardens. The community sits about half an hour from Cheyenne Bottoms Refuge and the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge. Both are great places to see migratory birds who have made the region their resting place.
Plan on eating at the 10-39 Cafe, a cozy joint on W. 1st St, featuring delicious smash burgers and sidewinder fries. If you have a sweet tooth, you can't go wrong at the Freaking Delicious Cheesecake Company, which, as its name implies, specializes in some of the best cheesecake flavors you have ever tasted. The best time to visit is during the After Harvest Festival in mid-July, which is a three-day celebration of the wheat harvest.
Dexter
The town of Dexter may be tiny as far as towns go, with only a few hundred residents, but it is brimming with rustic charm and historical significance. The town was founded in 1875, named after a local trotting horse, and gained national recognition when a large deposit of helium gas was discovered in 1903. The primary attraction of this town is that it offers a serene setting for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of urban areas. The Cowley Waterfall and Fishing Lake has been named one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country. The 84-acre lake is a pleasant environment with excellent camping and bank fishing.
History buffs will want to visit the Dexter Historical Museum to delve into the town's past. When you visit, try the Grouse Valley Grill, a local convenience store serving big burgers that are a favorite with area residents.
Cottonwood Falls
Cottonwood Falls, nestled in the Flint Hills and situated as part of the Flint Hills Scenic Byway, offers a tranquil setting far from the congestion of city life. The town's centerpiece is the picturesque Chase County Courthouse, a stunning example of Romanesque Revival architecture that towers over the main street. The downtown district has several small shops and boutiques perfect for an afternoon of exploring. Several quaint cottages and bed & breakfast venues add to the romance of this serene little town.
Just a short drive away, the Cottonwood Falls flows gracefully, providing a wonderful backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers. The lush, rolling hills that frame the falls are ideal for hiking and offer breathtaking panoramic views of the unspoiled Kansas landscape, where the beauty of The Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge seems to stretch in every direction.
Visiting the Cottonwood Falls Historical Museum offers a glimpse into the area's past, including its role as a stop along the Santa Fe Trail. When you go, be sure to dine at the Grand Central Grill on the first floor of the iconic hotel with the same name.
Baxter Springs
Baxter Springs lies in the state's southeast corner, on Route 66, near the four corners region where Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma meet. The town was a booming mining community around the turn of the 20th century when the world's largest lead and zinc deposits were discovered. The mines lasted until the beginning of the Second World War, and the town suffered economically when they closed. Today, Baxter Springs is making a comeback by adding a nearby tribal casino and revitalizing their main street. Many turn-of-the-century buildings still stand, filled with numerous small shops and local businesses.
As part of a 13-mile stretch of Route 66 that meanders through Kansas, Baxter Springs does its best to keep the nostalgia of "The Mother Road" alive. Visitors will want to wander through the local Visitors Center and museum, which are filled with artifacts and exciting curiosities. Bricks and Brews Woodfire Grill is an excellent burger and beer pub. For gamers, The Downstream Casino is right off of I-44, about five miles out of town, and is a beautiful place to stay.
Wamego
Wamego, Kansas, is a captivating small town with a delightful blend of historical charm and vibrant cultural attractions. The community is renowned for its love for the classic movie, "The Wizard of Oz." The Oz Museum sits on the main street and features an impressive collection of memorabilia and exhibits from the magical world of Oz. The town's beautifully restored Pottawatomie County Courthouse and charming Main Street, lined with boutique shops and local eateries, create a welcoming atmosphere. There is even a yellow brick road and several cute statues of Toto (Dorothy's little dog) that children will love seeking out as they wander through town.
Wamego City Park is the perfect spot for a picnic or an afternoon of fishing in the small 2-acre pond that adjoins the park. If you need a bite, dine at The Friendship House, an old Victorian home serving breakfast, lunch, and fresh-baked cookies.
A Final Thought
As a writer who has lived in Kansas (both in Hays and Baxter Springs), I can testify that there is a natural beauty to the prairie lands that rivals the glory of almost any other place on the planet. As you travel the state, take a moment to revel in the slower pace and lifestyle many residents enjoy. Walk through the middle of a tallgrass prairie, marvel at the wheat fields that stretch for miles, and pause long enough to take in a glorious sunset as it fills the horizon with vibrant shades of purple, orange, and amber. These sights are the reason the people of Kansas live where they do. Who knows, once you visit, you might want to stay longer or, perhaps, never leave at all.
