6 Whimsical Towns To Visit In Kansas

Celebrated for those oh-so-wide-open prairies and its fascinating ties to America’s Old West, Kansas is one of the best places to visit for those seeking an authentic Midwest experience. If that sounds like you, here’s a tip: be sure to include some of the Sunflower State’s most whimsical small towns in your planning. Not only do these smaller, often overlooked communities offer unique experiences for travelers, but they also will provide a slice of authentic Kansas that you simply won’t find in bigger cities like Wichita or Kansas City.

Set amidst a backdrop of those vast open plains, these fascinating destinations boast copious amounts of charm along with plenty of quirky attractions, unusual landmarks, and cool events that celebrate local culture and creativity. Find out more about these six whimsical towns to visit in Kansas and start planning the perfect Midwest getaway.

Lindsborg

Dubbed "Little Sweden" for its Swedish roots, Lindsborg is an easy one-hour drive north of Wichita and is a popular day trip for its European-inspired architectural flourishes. One of the most whimsical features of Lindsborg is its Wild Dala horse project. These colorfully decorated Dala horse sculptures represent a traditional symbol of Swedish characteristics of strength and faithfulness and are scattered throughout the town. Decorated by local artists, they make for a delightful scavenger hunt and selfie backdrop.

Other highlights of Lindsborg’s whimsical connection to its Scandinavian roots can be seen at the 120-year-old Swedish Pavilion. Originally built for the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis, this ornate barn-like structure now houses a museum dedicated to Swedish-American culture. Lindsborg is also home to Svensk Hyllningsfest, a biennial celebration of all things related to Sweden. Held in October on even-numbered years, this family-friendly event features traditional folk dancing, music, and a parade.

Wamego

Wamego, easy to get to from Topeka via the I-70 just 40 minutes to the east, will forever be known for its deep connection to The Wizard of Oz. As a nod to the story’s Kansas setting, the town has worked hard to become the center for all things Oz-related. Highlights include the excellent Oz Museum, a fun Kansas attraction housing an extensive collection of Oz memorabilia, including rare collectibles, original costumes, and interactive exhibits that bring both the book and the movie to life.

The town’s whimsical Oz references extend to local businesses, too. One of the best is the wonderfully named Toto’s TacOz, a local eatery that adds its own Wizard of Oz twist to traditional Mexican cuisine with dishes named after characters from the story. A favorite for many is the annual Oktoberfest, a quirky take on a traditional Oktoberfest that’s been modified to celebrate all things Oz with costume contests and a parade. Be sure to allow a little additional time in your Wamego travel itinerary to explore the nearby Kansas River, a popular spot for kayaking and fishing.

Lucas

Considered the "Grassroots Art Capital of Kansas," Lucas is a tiny town of just 400 people that’s well worth a visit. What makes Lucas truly whimsical is its dedication to folk art, most notably represented by the Garden of Eden, a bizarre yet fascinating sculpture garden created by Civil War veteran S.P. Dinsmoor. This unusual garden features over 150 concrete sculptures depicting biblical and political scenes, all designed in Dinsmoor’s distinctive, eccentric style. In addition to touring his cabin, which is partially made of limestone logs, you can even view his mummified body entombed in a glass-topped coffin on-site.

Lucas is also home to the Grassroots Art Center featuring the work of self-taught artists from Kansas and beyond. The town’s quirky charm is further highlighted by the unique Bowl Plaza, an elaborately decorated public restroom that has gained fame as a must-see roadside attraction. Fancy a visit in September? If so, participate in the Grassroots Art Extravaganza, an artistic celebration with workshops, live music, and plenty of art on display.

Hays

Roughly halfway between Kansas City, MO, and Denver, CO, the small town of Hays has much to commend to curious travelers in search of a little whimsy. Top things to do in Hays include visiting Fort Hays Historic State Site, a relic from 1865 that played a role during the Indian Wars. Now a museum with original surviving buildings and artifacts, there are 177 acres to explore here, so take your time (tours are available for a small fee).

The town’s rich history is also very much on display during the four-day Wild West Festival held each July 4th weekend, with rodeos, parades, and fireworks bringing the spirit of the Old West to life. Also fun, the town's Art Walk events are held throughout the year and see local galleries, shops, and cafés open their doors to showcase the work of regional artists, accompanied by live music and performances. Traveling with kids? Be sure to visit the world-class Sternberg Museum of Natural History with its life-size dinosaur replicas and interactive exhibits.

Wilson

Known as the "Czech Capital of Kansas," Wilson’s East European heritage is celebrated throughout the year, but most notably during the annual Czech Festival. Held every July, this fun event features traditional Czech music, dancing, and food, with highlights including the kolache baking contest and the crowning of Miss Czech-Slovak Kansas. Wilson’s main street is lined with Czech-themed murals and shops selling imported goods from Czechia, adding to the town’s unique whimsical charm.

One of Wilson's most unusual attractions is the World’s Largest Czech Egg, a 20-foot-tall hand-painted egg located in the town square. This huge is adorned with traditional Czech patterns and serves as a symbol of the town’s pride in its unique heritage. You should also explore Wilson Lake, just a short drive away, which offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and hiking.

Garden City

Our last stop, Garden City, oozes small-town charm. In western Kansas, Garden City is home to the Lee Richardson Zoo, one of the largest zoos in Kansas and one of the state’s top family-centric attractions. This 50-acre zoo park offers a unique experience where visitors can drive through the park to see animals from around the world. It also features a walk-through area with interactive exhibits. Best of all, the zoo is free to pedestrians opting to walk, while vehicles are only $10 each, making it a popular spot for families and animal lovers looking for a low-cost Kansas getaway.

Other whimsical things to do in Garden City include visiting the Finney County Historical Museum, which offers a glimpse into the town’s past through exhibits on pioneer life, Native American history, and the infamous buffalo massacre of 1887. Visiting in September? Check out the Tumbleweed Festival, a three-day event featuring live music, arts and crafts vendors, as well as fun activities for children.

The Final Word

While Kansas is, of course, well-known for its vast prairies and farming roots, these six whimsical towns prove that the Sunflower State has much more to offer. From the Swedish charm of Lindsborg to the Wizard of Oz-themed fun to be had in Wamego, as well as the quirky art scene and the unique attractions of Garden City, each town provides a distinct and memorable experience for curious travelers. Whether you’re a traveler in search of something out of the ordinary or simply looking for an alternative to the bigger, better-known attractions in this lovely part of the Midwest, these Kansas towns deliver a delightful mix of whimsy and small-town charm, making them perfect destinations for an unforgettable visit.