6 Eclectic Small Towns In Kansas

Even though Kansas is a landlocked state in the middle of the country, it is anything but a basic, boring place. Known affectionately as the "Sunflower State," Kansas sets the scene as a down-home, welcoming place as it was portrayed in the Wizard of Oz classic film. However, this pretty Midwestern state does have a wild side, which is evident in these six eclectic small towns. From one-of-a-kind prairie-inspired attractions and historic sites to eccentric downtown boutiques and eateries, visitors should expect the unexpected when traveling through this surprisingly unique state.

Hiawatha

Nestled in the state's far northeast corner near the borders of Missouri and Nebraska, the small town of Hiawatha is as charming as it is eclectic. Hiawatha is known as one of Kansas' oldest communities, dating back to the 1850s, and it was named after the revered Iroquois leader.

If you are lucky enough to visit the welcoming community at the end of October, don't miss the annual Halloween Frolic, a tradition that began in 1914 and is dubbed "the oldest continuous Halloween parade and frolic in the USA." As if all of that isn't enough to set Hiawatha apart from the rest of Kansas' small towns, it was used as a template for Archie's town of Riverdale in the popular Archie Comics. If you are a history lover, check out the Brown County Historical Society - Ag Museum and Windmill Lane or the historic Davis Memorial, which consists of several life-sized marble statues of two of the town's well-known residents.

Lucas

If you are looking for a quirky vacation destination in middle America, look no further than the quaint town of Lucas, which is considered the "Grassroots Art Capital of Kansas." Although only about 400 people call Lucas home, the town has a rich tradition and history of being a premier folk art destination. Begin your visit with a trip to the Garden of Eden, a one-of-a-kind sculpture garden constructed by S.P. Dinsmoor, a local Civil War veteran. Roam around the eye-catching display, taking in more than 150 concrete sculptures featuring biblical and political themes.

After walking through this eccentric garden, take a tour of the veteran's limestone log cabin and view his mummified body inside a glass-topped coffin. On the slightly less quirky side, the Grassroots Art Center is another must-see attraction.

Council Grove

Another small Kansas town worth exploring, Council Grove is affectionately named the "Main Street of the Flint Hills" due to its charming blend of classic Americana with a modern, thriving community. The town prides itself on being both wholesome and a bit wild, with attractions such as Hermit's Cave, the previous home of a Christian mystic who roamed along the Santa Fe Historic Trail, administering the sacraments to people.

Although Council Grove is tiny, it is fortunate enough to feature 15 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Among these eclectic attractions are Hays House 1857, the oldest operating restaurant west of the Mississippi River, and the Post Office Oak, a tree where pioneers would tack letters for travelers to deliver before the official postal service began. History enthusiasts will also delight in downtown Trail Days Cafe and Museum for recipes dating back to the homesteading days.

Ottawa

With approximately 13,000 residents, beautiful Ottawa still retains a warm, welcoming feel along with an eclectic vibe. The town celebrates its unique history and culture through many special events, including classic car shows, agritourism festivals, and traditional fairs. Ottawa's biggest claim to fame is that it is home to the magnificent Plaza Cinema Movie and Memorabilia Museum, the country's oldest operating cinema. This exciting attraction, along with the fact the Wizard of Oz movie was set in Kansas, brings in movie buffs from all over the world.

Ottawa also boasts historic structures featuring a wide range of architectural styles, such as Victorian, Gothic, and Art Deco. While you are in town, don't forget to check out the Train Depot Museum, which depicts the town's eclectic railroad history, and the Carnegie Cultural Center.

Wamego

The historically significant Oz Museum, which commemorates the classic film The Wizard of Oz and the book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, puts the must-visit town of Wamego on the map. Known as one of Kansas' most popular attractions, the museum displays over 2,000 themed artifacts, such as rare movie memorabilia.

Continue with the Oz theme by checking out downtown's Emerald City Playground, which features a yellow brick road that visitors can walk along and 15 whimsical Toto the Dog statues. Wamego also has other historical attractions of note, including City Park, a 15-acre respite featuring a historically significant windmill. Tourists can learn about the state's pioneer days at the Wamego Historical Museum and Prairie Town Village.

Lindsborg

When you arrive in the eclectic town of Lindsborg, you may feel like you are not in Kansas anymore, as it was dubbed "Little Sweden USA" for good reason. The town celebrates its rich Swedish heritage and culture with all things Sweden, from traditional architectural styles to tasty cuisine. Lindsborg began as a Swedish-American settlement and is now home to an exciting array of historical attractions, eateries, and museums.

The town plays host to a variety of eccentric special events throughout the year, including the Svensk Hyllningfest and the Messiah Festival of the Arts. There is no shortage of destinations to check out while you are in town, such as the Lindsborg Old Mill and Swedish Heritage Museum, the whimsical Trollslanda Toy Store, Hoglund Dugout, and Ol Stuga.

Whether you are visiting wild and wonderful Kansas on a summer family vacation or a weekend getaway, you will never complain about being bored. While the state's big cities, such as Wichita and Topeka, lure people in, it's Kansas' smaller, more eclectic towns that make them want to stay. The state has the perfect combination of breathtaking natural beauty, including its swaying tallgrass prairies and eccentric roadside attractions celebrating classic Americana.