2024's Towns In Kansas That Come Alive In The Fall
Outsiders may think of Kansas as being nothing but treeless plains and farmland, but visitors soon realize that the arrival of autumn blankets much of the state in vibrant hues of orange, gold, and crimson. During the peak fall foliage season, small towns across the state welcome autumn with a wide range of festive celebrations. From pumpkin patches to harvest festivals, Kansas offers a charming array of experiences perfect for savoring the season. Here is a guide to some of the best small towns to visit this fall.
Oakley
Set in the high plains of northwest Kansas, Oakley offers striking views of the prairie dotted with fall foliage in mid-to-late October. For the best views, take a scenic drive through the Smoky Valley Ranch or visit Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park, where autumn hues create stunning contrasts against the chalk formations. The town’s expansive parks, such as the picturesque Buffalo Bill Cultural Center, also showcase brilliant fall foliage. Be sure to check out the annual Oakley Fall Festival (October 5, 2024), which features local artisans, live music, and delicious food.
Liberal
Liberal long ago declared itself the hometown of Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz, and goes all-out to celebrate this connection. In addition to a re-creation of Dorothy’s farmhouse and a yellow brick road, Liberal hosts a bi-annual “OzFest” in October, which, unfortunately, will not happen again until 2025. But you can still enjoy the Liberal Fall Festival, held downtown (October 19, 2024), with outdoor activities, live music, games, and more. The second half of October is ideal for viewing fall foliage in Liberal as well—your best bet is to take a drive on the roads leading in and out of town, which are lined with golden cottonwood trees.
Hutchinson
Hutchinson is famous for its salt mines, which earned it the nickname “Salt City,” but it is also a great fall destination. The just-passed Kansas State Fair (September 6-15) marked the start of 2024’s fall festivities, but you can still catch the Hutchinson Fall Samboree craft festival (September 26-29) at the fairgrounds or the downtown HutchFest (October 4-5). If you prefer to experience the peak fall foliage season, wait until mid-to-late October to visit. When you arrive, check out the 9-acre Hutchinson Zoo, where the colorful trees create a serene environment for a leisurely walk among the animal exhibits.
Hiawatha
Hiawatha is affectionately called the "City of Trees," so it gets a head start on the fall foliage season by holding its signature Maple Leaf Festival early in autumn (September 28, 2024). If you would prefer to wait for peak autumn color in mid-to-late October, come instead for the Hiawatha Halloween Frolic on October 31. In addition to lots of family-friendly activities, the festival includes what is believed to be the oldest annual Halloween parade in America! After a fun frolic downtown, explore the nearby Brown County State Park, where the stunning views of fall foliage make for great photo opportunities.
Glen Elder
Glen Elder sits along the shores of Waconda Lake, a man-made reservoir in the north-central part of the state. Glen Elder State Park, also along the lake, is a must-visit during mid-to-late October when the leaves turn vivid shades of orange and red. Even when the leaves are before or beyond their peak, the park is also an excellent spot for autumn hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking. Time your 2024 visit for October 5 in order to experience the ninth annual Waconda Indian Festival, which honors the local Native American culture with authentic music, dance, food, crafts, and more.
Baldwin City
With the help of a local biology professor, Baldwin City leaders determined in 1958 that the third weekend in October was the ideal time to achieve peak fall color for the newly established Baldwin City Maple Leaf Festival. This beloved annual festival returns October 19-20, 2024, to celebrate the vibrant autumn foliage with a parade, live music, a quilting show, arts and crafts booths, and great food. The festival’s backdrop of fiery maple trees and the charming downtown area make Baldwin City an ideal spot for enjoying the season with about 30,000 other fall lovers!
Atchison
Atchison, beautifully perched along the Missouri River, gets into the Halloween spirit with the month-long “Haunted Atchison” tours, starting in late September and hosted at the historic former railroad depot (now a local museum). If you prefer leaf-peeping to spooky thrills, enjoy the peak colors of mid-October at nearby Atchison State Park, which also offers great hiking trails. Or, combine your sightseeing with a history lesson at the International Forest of Friendship, an arboretum and memorial forest with 1,200 granite plaques dedicated to important individuals spaced out among the colorful autumn trees.
Experience the Best of Kansas's Autumn Charm
As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to change colors, these seven charming Kansas towns offer the perfect blend of autumn beauty and festive fun. Whether you are exploring vibrant parks, attending lively festivals, or enjoying local delicacies, a trip to any or all of these small towns will give you a renewed appreciation for the fall season. So grab your sweater, prepare your leaf-collecting book, and get ready to experience the magic of autumn in Kansas!
