6 Best Kansas Towns For A Weekend Trip
Kansas is generally considered one colossal flatland. However, it contains many charming small towns with distinctive appeal and unique attractions. Take Wamego, where your family can experience the magic of The Wizard of Oz at the Oz Museum. Take a walk down the literal yellow brick road here in town as well. For groups more focused on the state’s history, check our spots like Fort Scott for the National Historic Site and the highly acclaimed Gordon Parks Museum. These towns, among many others, promise that a weekend in Kansas is anything but ordinary.
Wamego
Wamego is one of those towns that almost seems torn from the pages of a storybook, which is fitting considering its entire personality is based on the acclaimed Wizard of Oz novel and film. The town references this iconic creation in everything, from its paved Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City Playground and even the Oz Museum, which has an exterior brightly painted as though it were plucked from the set.
The food here is also connected to the pop culture phenomenon, with eateries like Toto’s TacOz. If the town’s unique theming is not enough to draw you in on a random weekend throughout the year, consider stopping by for one of the community’s massive gatherings, like the Tulip Festival in the spring or Oztoberfest in the fall.
Fort Scott
Fort Scott should be considered if your ideal weekend getaway involves a location rife with history and natural wonder. Travelers here can immerse themselves in the community's rich historical significance through attractions like the Fort Scott National Historic Site, which features preserved structures and reenactments, or the Gordon Parks Museum, which celebrates the life and achievements of the town’s own famous filmmaker.
Your day of exploration and discovery will indeed work up an appetite, and the best place locals love is Lucci’s Café. Here, you can treat yourself to delicious Italian fare in an inviting atmosphere. You can maximize your weekend if you coincide your trip with the annual Fort Scott Rodeo, a summer community attraction that embraces Kansas’ cowboy culture.
Leavenworth
In Leavenworth, people come in every season of the year for the promise of adventure and fun. A deep dive into the community begins with your first experience in the Historic Downtown District, where you can see some locally owned shops and eateries like The Depot. This restaurant is known most for its hearty dishes and friendly staff - making it popular with locals and visitors alike. The potential for adventure also exists in nature, with Cedar Creek Park offering miles of beautiful trails overlooking the scenic backdrop of rural Kansas.
Your weekend visit to the town will not be complete without exploring its history, conveniently on display at the Leavenworth County Historical Society Museum. Multiple artifacts and exhibits help you understand the town's early days and how it became what it is today.
Atchison
Much of the draw for those planning a visit over the weekend to Atchison is its history. Predominantly, much of the history focuses on this Kansas town’s most famous resident - Amelia Earhart. From the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum in her original homestead to the Hangar Museum featuring artifacts and unique insight into flight in the 19th and early 20th century, this is a must-see for those fascinated with the mystery of this American aviator.
The Atchison County Historical Society Museum is a final stop for those looking to go beyond aviation to see what other significant history defines the town. There are no shortages of local spots to grab a bite in your weekend of adventure, among the most popular being Mr. G’s Restaurant for homemade dishes. September brings the Atchison Music Festival, which offers an extra reason to visit. The festival features local musical talent, entertainment, food, and community spirit.
Lindsborg
A community with a deep-rooted personality and culture, Lindsborg is one of the must-visit small towns in the Sunflower State. The community is best known for its Swedish heritage, evident in countless shops, eateries, and attractions throughout the town. Begin your exploration of this culture with the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery, showcasing the work of many local artists year-round.
Landmarks that showcase this heritage include the Swedish Pavilion, with its unique architecture and multiple interactive exhibits that educate visitors about the original settling families. Even the eateries are welcoming and charming, including local favorites like Crown and Rye, best recognized for its inviting ambiance and sizable portions.
If you visit Lindsborg in the summer, you can attend the Lindsborg Midsummer Festival, a true celebration of Swedish traditions and culture, including music, food, and dancing.
Baldwin City
Kansas has many charming towns, but few have the nature, history, and aesthetic appeal of Baldwin City. Speaking of history alone, there is much to explore to keep visitors occupied over a long weekend. Beginning with the oldest four-year college in Kansas, Baker University, buffs can also carve some time to visit the Old Castle Museum, which offers an in-depth look at the local history before the original settlement.
With a fresh understanding of the region's rich history, set out to explore nature at the Ivan Boyd Prairie Preserve or the Black Jack Battlefield Park. Not only is this a little more historical value for your travels, but the scenic views are memorable. Wind down from one of the weekend days by either grabbing a delicious plate of home-cooked goodness at the Wooden Spoke Restaurant or getting a classic pizza at Gambino’s.
Kansas' small towns offer refreshing breaks from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Each serves as a gateway to new adventures, stories, and experiences. You can uncover the Swedish heritage in Lindsborg, hit the scenic trails in Leavenworth, or visit places like Baldwin City, which showcases a perfect blend of the old and the natural at the Ivan Boyd Prairie Preserve. Any of these towns you see for the weekend will surely leave you with indelible memories and a deeper appreciation for the Sunflower State.
