7 Ideal Kansas Destinations for a 3-Day Weekend in 2024
The Midwestern state of Kansas is at the center of the action in more ways than one. It's located in the heart of the country and is surrounded by diverse forest, plains, and pasture landscapes. Despite being landlocked, Kansas boasts plenty of rivers, sparkling lakes, and creeks to cool off during the warm summer months. In addition, Kansas also offers year-round festivals and special events, making it the perfect place to spend a 3-day getaway, such as Memorial Day or Labor Day weekends. Consider calling these seven charming small towns "home" during your short vacation in these best small towns for a long weekend.
Abilene
If you're looking for the ideal long weekend retreat destination, you can't go wrong with charming Abilene. The small town is known for its interesting and introspective museums, Wild West re-enactments, thriving downtown, and abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities. Spend a few days in Abilene to discover why Smithsonian Magazine added it to its "Best Small Towns to Visit" list. The town is best known as the home of former president Dwight D. Eisenhower and features the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum.
Wild West history lovers will delight in a visit to Old Abilene Town, which offers can-can dancers and gunfights during the summer months. If you're visiting town during Labor Day weekend, check out the annual Chisholm Trail Days event and enjoy a cattle drive and country music concerts. The C.W. Parker Carousel, the oldest-operating Parker carousel, will entertain kids and adults alike. For an authentic stay, book a room at the lovely Abilene's Victorian Inn Bed & Breakfast.
Chanute
Situated on the Neosho River in the Southeast region of the state, cute Chanute is known for its quaint downtown featuring tree-lined brick streets and a collection of beautiful historic homes and buildings. The Chanute Historical Museum is a great place to get acquainted with the charming town during your getaway, as it features historic artifacts from the Santa Fe Railroad, personal collections from local baseball and basketball professionals, and various memorabilia from the Kansas oil industry.
Visitors also come from all over to experience the Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum, which transports people to exotic places such as the South Seas and Africa via interesting exhibits, films, and children's programs. Outdoor lovers won't want to miss a trip to the Lakeview Recreation Area during their long weekend, as it features an 18-hole disc golf course, a fitness area, and more than two miles of walking and biking trails. There are plenty of places to stay here, including the Hampton Inn and the Holiday Inn Express.
Fort Scott
Another perfect place to spend a three-day weekend is Fort Scott, which is known for its rich military history and was named after the Mexican War hero General Winfield Scott. Start your stay by checking out the Fort Scott National Historic Site, where you can learn about life on a military fort in the 1840s. The introspective and interesting site features interpretive exhibits, living history programs, artillery demonstrations, and period furnishings and memorabilia. For a quaint stay, try out The Cottage House or the Prairie Lodge Hotel.
Fort Scott's charming and historic downtown is situated on the Frontier Military Historic Byway and is home to unique boutiques, antique shops, eateries, and quaint cafes. Take a narrated trolley tour through downtown Fort Scott to learn about the area through educational and amusing stories. History enthusiasts will delight in the Gordon Parks Museum, an attraction dedicated to the life of the famous Kansas-born photographer Gordon Parks.
Council Grove
Although Sweet Council Grove is small in population, with just over 2,000 residents, it's big on history, scenic vistas, shopping and outdoor recreational opportunities, and natural beauty. Council Grove is located on the Santa Fe Trail and has an impressive pioneer history and a downtown listed on the National Register of History Places. The town is situated in one of the world's last authentic tallgrass prairies, making it easy to imagine life on the wagon trains in the mid-1800s.
Spend a long weekend in Council Grove to discover why the Smithsonian named it "one of the best 15 small towns to visit in America," and immerse yourself in all the welcoming community has to offer. The town has two lakes, which you can access by boat via the Council Grove Marina. You can also rent pontoon boats, kayaks, canoes, and even live bait if you want to go fishing. Take a hike around the lake via the Pioneer Nature Trail.
Lindsborg
Dubbed "Little Sweden" due to its rich Swedish, Scandinavian, and Nordic heritage, the small town of Lindsborg has enough attractions and annual special events, such as the Midsummer's Festival, the Svensk Hyllningsfest, and the Lucia Festival, to bring visitors back time and again. Friendly Lindsborg is home to various attractions and historic sites, including the Smoky Valley Roller Mills, which were constructed in 1898, the Hoglund Dugout, which dates back to 1868, and a collection of historic homes.
The town offers several parks for tourists wanting to get outside and explore local nature, such as Carlson Memorial Park, Lucia Park, and Riverside Park. Golfers can play their favorite sport even while traveling at the Lindsborg Golf Course, a 64-acre, 9-hole municipal course. Check out the Lindsborg Old Mill and Swedish Heritage Museum to learn more about the area. For some sweet dreams, check in to Sweet Dreams Inn in the heart of the city.
Dodge City
Kansas' unique history is alive and well in Dodge City, named "The Best Small Town in Kansas" by Getaway, a digital travel publisher. There are so many unique attractions and historical sites to explore that you may have difficulty fitting it all in during a 3-day weekend, and the Gunfighters Wax Museum should be at the top of your list. The museum features life-size figurines of many Wild West characters, such as Wyatt Earp, Buffalo Bill, and Calamity Jane. For a comfy stay, check out the Dodge House Hotel!
You can take a historic trolley tour through downtown to gain insight into Dodge City's storied past. You'll roll by several points of interest, including the Longbranch Saloon and Gospel Hill. Spend a few hours at the Kansas Heritage Center, which showcases the state's Great Plains and Old West history.
Atchison
History, natural beauty, and exciting hometown festivals meet in alluring Atchison, a small town featuring so sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places. If you're a thrill-seeker looking for a scare during your 3-day weekend, you're in luck in Atchison as it's the home of the infamous Sallie House, the United States' most haunted house. Other popular historical sites include the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and St. Benedict's Abbey.
No matter what time of year you visit, you're sure to find a festival or other type of special event worth attending. Some well-attended ones include Witches Weekend, the Muddy River Music Festival, and the Atchison Oktoberfest. If you're a wine lover, check out the Riverwood Winery, a family-owned winery that produces handcrafted wines and whiskey. For accommodations, stay at one of the many chain hotels, such as the Holiday Inn or the Super 8, that offer comfort and familiarity.
If you're looking for the perfect destination for a 3-day weekend this year, you're in luck if you find yourself in Kansas. From top to bottom, the diverse state is filled with interesting small towns that will either keep you busy or allow you to relax, depending on what type of experience you're seeking. Kansas also boasts more than its fair share of fun festivals and fairs, so consider planning your getaway around your favorite one.
