7 Slow-Paced Towns to Visit in Kansas
Officially known as the “Sunflower State,” Kansas is an important geographic and cultural center of the Midwestern United States. Long the home of many Indigenous peoples, modern Kansas remains a diverse and beautiful place where just under three million inhabitants reside. Known for its hot climate and agriculturally rich land, the beautiful character of Kansas can be really felt across an exploration of its smaller towns. Although the cities of Wichita and Topeka may spring to mind first, smaller, close-knit, and slow-paced towns of the “Sunflower State” are also worthy of discovery. Here, another side of “America’s Heartland” can be experienced, where small-town charm, rustic beauty, and loads of historic intrigue await any traveler looking for a slice of Americana. Do not delay then and come visit these slower towns where the best of Kansas awaits!
Fort Scott
The seat of Bourbon County, near the border with the State of Missouri, Fort Scott, was established in the 1850s and named after a general in the War of 1812. Today this historically fascinating locale is home to just over 7,500 inhabitants, and visitors can experience a real immersion into the America of the 19th century. Visit the Fort Scott Historic Site (listed on the National Register of Historic Places), where upwards of 20 buildings of significance transport guests to the daily life of an army base in the 1800s. Meanwhile, a visit to the National Cemetery is a most moving outing, where the graves of more than 8,000 service members rest.
Finally, the outdoors lover can also appreciate Fort Scott and the fun opportunities to enjoy nature, which are never far away. Featuring a climate known for hot summers and mild winters, the town is beautifully located along the Marmaton River within the Osage Plains. Spend time along the water and in the vast grassy areas, or travel to the splendid Gunn Park. Spanning some 155 acres, one can go camping, fishing, sailing, cycling, hiking, and even play golf in a serene and calming ambiance.
Ottawa
Ottawa serves as the seat of Franklin County, where it scenically lies along the Marais des Cygnes River. Founded in the 1860s (and with no relation to Canada’s capital), today, just over 12,600 inhabitants call this welcoming community home. Site of Ottawa University (1865), this historic town is a most inviting locale. Spend an afternoon at the downtown Historic District where many landmarks from the 19th and early 20th centuries are featured on the National Register of Historic Places. Of note is the Plaza 1907 movie theater, which labels itself as the “oldest purpose-built cinema in operation in the world.”
Finally, as a river town, Ottawa is simply a great place to enjoy a slower pace of life. Known for its hot summer and cool winter temperatures, whatever one chooses to do outside, it will be a pleasant experience. Add in cute eateries like Grub and Chug and shops like Blends N Trends, and the charm of Ottawa comes fully to life.
Lindsborg
Affectionately known as Little Sweden, USA, the town of Lindsborg is a special destination in McPherson County in central Kansas. Founded by Swedish immigrants in the 1860s, this ethnic community boasts a modest population of just under 4,000 residents today. Visitors to Lindsborg will find a truly northern European flavor here, and a number of attractions offer an authentic slice of Scandinavia. Stroll by many brightly colored Nordic-style houses, while a visit to the Swedish Pavilion from the 1904 World’s Fair is a photogenic delight. One cannot miss out on posing with the town’s assortment of hand-painted Wild Dala wooden horse sculptures, which are located on many streets.
From there, spend an afternoon at the Old Mill and Swedish Heritage Museum, which lovingly celebrates the art, cuisine, culture, and history of the town and its pioneer founders. Add in hot, humid summers and cool winters, along with fun annual events like the Midsummer Festival and Smoky Valley Classic Car Show, and Lindsborg should be on the list of Kansas towns to return to time and again!
Cottonwood Falls
The seat of Chase County, the scenic Cottonwood Falls, is beautifully situated along the Cottonwood River, where a most humble population of just under 900 reside. Established in the 1850s, this historic town with loads of natural splendor is a great destination for anyone traveling in east central Kansas to relish a slower pace of life. Enjoy time spent near the river or head over to the nearby Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, which is just a short drive away. Here up to 40 miles of trails and 10,000 acres of ecosystem make this a wonderful place to explore. Tourists may also find the Chase State Fishing Lake of interest, where great picnic, fishing, and camping spots await.
Meanwhile, a number of fascinating historic landmarks also await in the town proper, several of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the Cottonwood River Bridge (1914), the Chase County Courthouse (1873), and the Carter Building (1888), amongst others. In addition, find cobblestone streets in the downtown area and fine dining like the Doghouse Saloon; the charm of this community is truly hard to beat.
Wamego
A most picturesque town in northeastern Kansas, Pottawatomie County, Wamego was established in the 1860s, and a modern population of just under 5,000 reside there. Filled with historical intrigue, visitors to the town can find an assortment of landmarks here that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the Columbian Theatre (1893) and the Dutch Mill (1879), amongst many others. Meanwhile, at the charming Wamego Park, enjoy pretty floral arrangements, changing foliage colors, and cute pond areas that make for a most relaxing and inviting afternoon.
When visiting Wamego, one cannot forget about the famed OZ Museum, which is dedicated to everything that is “The Wizard of Oz.” Celebrating the book series and beloved film, marvel at an impressive collection of over 25,000 items that will surely delight passionate film lovers and casual visitors alike.
Abilene
Known as the childhood home of President Dwight Eisenhower, the lovely town of Abilene can trace its modern roots to the 1850s. Today this seat of Dickinson County is home to nearly 6,500 inhabitants, and it remains a lovely place to learn more about American history and take in some scenic vistas. Situated along the Smoky Hill River, Abilene was once a stop on the Chisholm Trail (a famous cattle driving route), and it continues to maintain an Old West character. Visit the Old Town District and its array of 19th and early 20th-century landmarks, many of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the Seelye Mansion (1905) and the Lebold Mansion (1880) while traveling on the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad, which is the most extraordinary way to travel back in time to the 1800s!
With the town’s connection to President Eisenhower, history lovers will surely not want to miss a stop at the Eisenhower Presidential Library. This commemorative museum celebrates the life and career of the Second World War General and later Commander in Chief through an extensive collection of personal items, documents, and other materials.
Norton
Near the border with the State of Nebraska, the town of Norton serves as the seat of the same named county. Founded in the 1870s and with a modern population of just under 3,000 residents, this modest community offers visitors the chance to meet both natural beauty and historic intrigue. Visit the Prairie Dog State Park and enjoy the lush greenery of the area, while the chance to see upwards of 300 prairie dogs is a treat. There are also fun camping sites, walking trails, swimming areas, and even archery ranges.
Finally, back in the town proper, the historic character of Norton can be appreciated through a visit to its Downtown Historic District. Here more than 40 contributing properties are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the County Courthouse (1929) and the Southwestern Bell Telephone Building from the 1950s. There are also cute dining options like Town & Country Kitchen and shops like Thread Junkies Boutique, and a real sense of Americana will never be far away for anyone visiting Norton.
When visiting the Midwestern United States, the “Sunflower State” of Kansas certainly cannot be ignored. A place of natural beauty, intriguing American history, and loads of cultural charm, Kansas is a wonderful destination to explore. While the major urban centers continue to attract many who visit, the smaller towns and communities often give guests a more intimate and authentic feeling of their surroundings. In Kansas, a number of smaller, slow-paced towns exist, ready to welcome all with a dose of American allure. From the Swedish flavor of Lindsborg, the Old West character of Abilene, the historic intrigue of Fort Scott, and the scenic delights of Cottonwood Falls, these and other pretty Kansas towns are perfect places to spend one’s next road trip holiday. So wait no more and come visit the Sunflower State, where splendid memories are never far away!
