8 Darling Small Towns in Kansas
Steeped in lore and history, the story of Kansas has been depicted in film, literature, and tales told through generations of farmers, ranchers, travelers, and everyone in between. From hallowed cow towns like Liberal and Dodge City to the home of the Big Red One in Manhattan nestled in the Flint Hills to the terror and excitement of the Wizard of Oz, it would be hard to find someone who hasn’t heard of the legend of Kansas.
What few people realize, though, is many of these started small and grew like a storm on the prairie, a product of a tiny town. Those towns gained notoriety for one reason or another, some good and some bad, but all put them on the map and brought in visitors, new residents, and businesses. Tiny towns became small towns, then sprouted into something grand, vibrant, and even wild.
While this might indicate that tiny towns are few and far between, that isn’t the case at all. Some citizens like their town exactly as it is. Everyone knows everyone, they chip in no matter what with a pride and purpose rarely seen these days, and there is a real community vibe. Most of them you might miss if you blink while driving by, and that would be a shame. They offer more than you might think.
Wamego
With a population of just over forty-three hundred happy residents, Wamego has enjoyed the attention of movie lovers and readers alike with locales like the Yellow Brick Road, where they can act out their favorite scenes. Then, stroll through the Wizard of Oz Museum and Auntie Em’s gift shop before venturing to the Oz Winery for an evening respite.
Wamego is part of the Oregan Trail and the birthplace of Walter Percy Chrysler, an engineer for the Kansas Pacific Railway, among others, who entered the automotive sector in 1911. In 1893, the town welcomed the Columbian Theater Museum and Art Center. This was modeled after the creative ingenuity and aesthetic style of J.C. Roger, and some think it is haunted by his spirit.
Lucas
People often think a state like Kansas is iconic-Americana with very little international diversity. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Lucas is a good example that European influences can find a second home, even on the prairie. Take the delicious fare sliced and diced at Brant’s Market, where Czech-style sausages, jaternice, and bologna are made fresh daily. It’s been a staple of the Lucas diet since 1922.
Lucas is considered the grassroots capital of Kansas, with unique attractions like the Grassroots Art Center, which showcases a collection of art from over 20 artists and cannot be missed if art is in your heart. More curious and distinctive, though, is the Garden of Eden, called the strangest house in Kansas, featuring a cabin entirely carved out of limestone and surrounded by many statues, sculptures, and displays throughout, all also from limestone.
Lindsborg
Another town with a distinct European influence, Lindsborg, is known by another moniker: “Little Sweden.” It earned this unique title from three of the town founders who held high positions in the Chicago organization of Swedish Farmers. Now, the 3,500 residents hold the deep Scandinavian heritage in high respect and keep the spirit alive in the architecture, commerce, and festivals.
You are guaranteed to see ornate horses scattered throughout the town, usually near businesses. These “dalas” represent the national symbol of Sweden, and every single one has a name. The Chocolate Lover’s Affair in February is always a crowd pleaser, or dance the night away at the Lindsborg Street Dance in September.
Wilson
With a population south of 900 enchanting citizens, you would be remiss to think that Wilson should be overlooked when choosing a new tiny town to check out on a road trip. Such a choice would be a huge mistake. How huge? About the size of the giant Czech egg that is the town’s centerpiece. This 20-foot-tall focal point arrived in Wilson in 2012 and draws plenty of eyes, especially during the After Harvest Czeck Festival in July.
Kids will lose their minds, and expend their energy, at Pride Park, Splash Pad, and Playground, while you enjoy a nice picnic or a romantic stroll through Wilson’s Community Gardens. Wilson celebrates its fallen and those who gave their all for freedom and liberty at Legion Park and displays its Czech pride at the Wilson House of Memories Museum.
Greensburg
Sometimes an opportunity to make a huge change is thrust upon you and you can choose to run with it or stand still, holding tight to tradition. Greensburg has done the latter. In 2007 a massive tornado ate much of the town. The devastation was catastrophic. However, the citizens saw it as a sign to make a huge change. Now, Greensburg is a model of sustainability, with most of its electricity generated by wind turbines.
If that isn’t enough to inspire you to visit, perhaps the hard-working American spirit would be a bigger draw. Greensburg is home to the deepest hand-dug well in the world, completed in 1888, and at 109 feet deep and 32 feet wide, is truly something to behold. While you check it out, take a gander at a celestial wonder, the World’s Largest Pallasite Meteorite.
Colby
Come for the architecture, stay for the charm, and take away memories that will make you smile with experiences you will cherish for life. That sounds like a tall order for a small town to fill but Colby is up for the challenge. Start with the Pickin’ on the Plains Bluegrass Festival, a wonderful event to soak in the wholesome vibes that are the hallmark of many Kansas tiny towns. Even if you don’t like the music, you will surely fall in love with the people and the pageantry.
Learn a little at the Prairie Museum of Art and History and take a trip to different days and simpler times. Most of what people know of the prairie they learned from Laura Engles Wilder, and this will certainly fill in the gaps. Finish your visit with a picnic at gorgeous Fike Park, where the kids can wear themselves out at the Fun Zone.
Abilene
Most have heard of Abilene, Texas but few know about the historical significance of Abilene, Kansas. For starters, it is the birthplace of Dwight D. Eisenhower, our 34th President, decorated 5-star general, and the inspiration for the highway system in which many of us travel. Abilene was also named one of the “best small towns to visit” by Smithsonian Magazine. That’s kind of a big deal.
Abilene is also at the end of the Chisolm Trail, so its position in cowboy history is firm and was named the #1 True Western Town by True West Magazine. See live shows at the Great Plains Theater, take a spin on the oldest working Parker Carousel in existence, and feel the raw power of a working steam locomotive at Abilene & Smoke Valley Railroad. There’s something for everybody.
Atchison
Situated on the banks of the Missouri River and with a population of just a hair less than eleven thousand residents, Atchison is a town embedded in many rich Kansas legacies. Amelia Earhart was born here, Louis and Clark trekked through the town on their journey west, and the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe railroad was founded within its borders.
Explore the many museums concerning Atchison’s storied past, including the Amelia Earhart Birthplace and Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum, then take a lovely walk through downtown and pop into a few of the interesting boutique shops. If you are so inclined, the Haunted 1889 McInteer Villa awaits to test your nerve. Get your music fix at the Muddy River Music Festival in September or Atchison Porchfest in May. If you have a passion or interest, Atchison is likely to have a tour or event to satisfy them, and then some.
Discover the Spirit of Kansas
Cinema, agriculture, Old West lore, and even a few famous criminals, all are part of the story that makes Kansas more than most give it credit for. Every small town has something to share, each with a spirit that will forever endure, a charm that can only be measured in the experiences of those lucky enough to enjoy them, and a wild and wonderful character. Embrace Kansas as a significant part of US history, tradition, and commerce. The people, the lifestyle, and the feel of it might seem simple, but behind the scenes, there is plenty to enchant the mind and the soul.
