7 Most Quaint Small Towns in Kansas
Somewhere over the rainbow, the Wheat and Sunflower State of Kansas is a breadbasket brimming with the quaintest small towns you can cherish. As exciting as it might be to visit more populous and popular locations like Wichita or Kansas City, these small towns have amenities that will keep you skipping on the Yellow Brick Road. Sightsee the emerald Flint Hills in a town like Cottonwood Falls. Step into Oz itself in Wamego, or an Oz-like atmosphere in Lucas. Get a taste of history in Council Grove and Fort Scott. But most of all, enjoy all the quirky pleasantries one can find in Lindsborg and Abilene.
Lindsborg
Välkommen to the unique town of Lindsborg, a far cry from the typical southern American ideal of Kansas. Dubbed the “Little Sweden of the US,” Lindsborg was established by Swedish immigrants in 1868 and has continued to uphold many Scandinavian and German traditions. The Coronado Heights Park promotes exquisite vistas of American prairies surrounding the Swedish-style town. Lindsborg's Old Mill Museum features artifacts and exhibits that provide a fascinating journey into the town’s past. The Swedish Pavilion stands as a quaint and relaxing monument of the town’s European ties. Most importantly, visitors can attend the biennial Svensk Hyllningsfest, a celebration of all things Swedish on September. Only about 46 miles from Abilene, the town of Lindsborg provides fine lodgings like the Rosberg House Bed & Breakfast and Vacation Rental or the Drom Sott Inn (Sweet Dreams Inn).
Council Grove
The Santa Fe Trail is dotted with many wondrous towns throughout Kansas. One of these quaint small towns is Council Grove, so named after an agreement between American settlers and the Osage Nation. There are many more historic buildings to find at the Main Street of the Flint Hills. The Kaw Mission State Historic Site honors the town's Native American heritage. Meanwhile, the Hays House Restaurant, a pioneer-era establishment, is a fine dining place to sample modern cuisine in a pioneering atmosphere. You can even see the names of the early pioneers carved on the Post Office Oak. Outdoor lovers will certainly enjoy camping or kayaking on the town’s Twin Lakes, Council Grove Lake and Federal Reservoir. But do not miss out on the 18th Gathering In The Grove, a traditional fine arts show bringing masterful artists from the Flint Hills around November. If you need a place to stay, then head to the Cottage House Hotel, Weathered Wood Home, or Territory Ballroom.
Wamego
What would Kansas be without some reference to The Wizard of Oz? On the Kansas River and about 45 miles from Topeka, Wamego will make you feel like you are not in Kansas anymore. Explore the Oz Museum with all the movie-themed memorabilia. Follow the Yellow Brick-themed Road to see more murals of Oz. Moreover, there are over a dozen or so uniquely colored and sculptured Totos greeting all you merry travelers. If you get exhausted from all the Oz-related attractions, then visit the Schonhoff Dutch Mill for the ambiance or the historic Columbian Theatre for splendid performances. Witness the town blossom vivaciously during the Tulip Festival on April 13 – 14, or celebrate OZtoberFest on October. Consider staying at the Simmer Motel or the Victory Inn Bed & Breakfast.
Abilene
About an hour away from Wamego, the town of Abilene is a place that celebrates a few of America’s founding achievements. The Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum & Boyhood Home celebrates the life and legacy of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. In addition, the Greyhound Hall of Fame pays homage to the nationwide racing industry's formation and enduring culture. Buildings like the Seelye Mansion and the Old Abilene Town send travelers back to the Victorian and Wild Western times of Abilene, respectively. You can get a chance to see the World's Largest Belt Buckle at Eisenhower Park. For romantics, enjoy Valentine’s Day by riding the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad Valentines Dinner Train. For athletic individuals, get pumped during the Eisenhower Marathon on April 27. And for those who need a break, lounge at the Budget Lodge Inn Abilene or Abilene's Victorian Inn Bed & Breakfast.
Cottonwood Falls
Cottonwood Falls is an elegant town in the heart of the Flint Hills, one of the last remaining, tallgrass prairies in the world. Among the many attractions gracing Cottonwood Falls is the French Renaissance-style Chase County Courthouse, a historic and captivating landmark from 1872. The Roniger Museum elaborates on the town’s inception since 1854. Likewise, the Chase County Veterans Memorial honors war veterans for their service to the American dream. Nearby, the Flint Hills and the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve promote the evergreen and everlasting beauty of Kansas’ prairies. The Chase Lake Falls is also a magnificent place to meditate or take photos, just as the Chase State Fishing Lake is a pristine site to do some fishing. You ought to attend the soothing Symphony in the Flint Hills and the Folklife Festival in the second weekend of June.
Lucas
If Wamego is an Oz-themed town, then Lucas is an Oz-like town with its own unique quirks and charms. known as the "Grassroots Art Capital of Kansas," Lucas entreats visitors to a plethora of unconventional and unusual artworks. The Garden of Eden, an eccentric folk-art environment by brilliant Civil War Veteran Samuel P. Dinsmoor, embodies the wild wit seen throughout Lucas. In addition, The Grassroots Art Center curates the grassroots art culture from the region. Miller's Park is made up of a collection of rocks gathered by Roy and Clara Miller in the 1930s to the 1960s. Bowl Plaza earned its title as the 2nd Best Public Restroom in the United States in 2014. Weirdest of all is that Lucas houses the World's Largest Collection of the World's Smallest Versions of the World's Largest Things. Lucas will truly make you feel like you are not in Kansas, and if the strangeness gets overwhelming, rest up at the Horseshoe Lodge.
Fort Scott
On the Marmaton River, the town of Fort Scott is an hour-away getaway from Kansas City. Visitors can take a 50-minute-long trolley tour through some of Fort Scott’s historic landmarks. Among these icons is the Fort Scott National Historic Site, which played a vital role in American history particularly through Bleeding Kansas, the Civil War, and the Railroad Expansion. There is also the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, where a performance dedicated to Irena Sendler, called Life in a Jar, honors many underrated heroes in American history. Fort Scott also celebrates an annual Veterans Celebration from November 11 to 12 to pay homage to many fallen soldiers. Visitors might also fancy seeing the empowering photographs of influential filmmaker, Gordon Parks, in the Gordon Parks Museum. Stay a while in this historic town at the Courtland Hotel or Fort Scott Inn.
In Conclusion
Visitors will be swept away in a state centrally located in Tornado Alley. And if the wind stops pulling and tugging, you might get lucky to land on one of most quaint small towns in Kansas. The Sunflower State may be rich in oil wells and wheat, it is the small towns like Lucas, Abilene, and Wamego that are abundant with Americana wonder and home to the most sublime grasslands in the nation. So kick those ruby-red slippers to the sweeping state of Kansas, and experience the dreams you dreamed of once in a lullaby.
