8 Most Vibrant Towns in Kansas
Kansas was welcomed into the United States in 1861, becoming the 34th state in the union. The landlocked state's sprawling fields and wide-open skies are home to a collection of towns packed with fascinating stories. Kansas is a place where timeless traditions blend with modernity, while its legacy is built on the history of its early inhabitants, including Native Americans and settlers who left their imprint. This combination has created many lively towns that Kansans call home. Come explore the heart and soul of the Midwest by visiting some of Kansas's most exciting and vibrant towns.
Lindsborg
This charming town is affectionately known as “Little Sweden” because of its Swedish roots, running all the way back to its inception. Every two years the town holds “Svensk Hyllningsfest” a celebration of Lindsborg's heritage and all things Swedish. The Swedish Pavilion, first shared with the world at the 1904 World's Fair, found a home in Lindsborg.
Today, it is a popular spot where visitors can dive into the traditions and culture of Sweden. In the region, people from all over know about Lindsborg’s Dala horses. Traditionally, they are Swedish-carved, painted wooden statues of a horse. In Lindsborg, large, fiberglass Dala horse statues are scattered throughout the town. If you are in the mood to explore outside, head northwest to find Coronado Heights. It offers amazing sights of the surrounding Smoky Valley. Atop the hill sits a sandstone castle constructed in the 1930s - remember to pack your camera before going up for a hike.
Wamego
For anybody passionate about The Wizard of Oz, Wamego is the place to see. The Oz Museum celebrates everything about "The Wizard of Oz." It has an amazing collection of items from the famous movies and also the original books by L. Frank Baum. Inside are items like props, clothes characters wore, and other interesting and unusual finds.
Every October, Wamego brings the enchanting world of Oz right to its doorstep with the OZtoberFest. This fun-filled event is decked out in "The Wizard of Oz" themes and spirit, from costume competitions to lively parades. Also in Wamego, the Columbian Theatre, which opened in 1895, is home to paintings from the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago and puts on live shows all year round. Right near Wamego, you can find the Plumlee Buffalo Ranch. Here, visitors can come face-to-face with the buffalo, creatures that have been wandering the country for millennia.
Colby
In the town called the "Oasis on the Plains," beautiful horizons run on seemingly forever and sunsets paint the sky in vibrant colors. The perfect place to learn about the local heritage is at the Prairie Museum of Art and History, which has a vast collection.
One of its standout features is the Cooper Barn, known to be the largest barn in the state. The Thomas County Courthouse will stick in the memory of anybody who passes through. The brick exterior shines in the sun, and the building’s five-story clock tower boldly asserts itself in the Kansan sky. The town is also home to “Wheat Jesus,” a unique attraction located along Interstate 70. It features a billboard with an image of Jesus emerging from a golden wheat field, holding a sheaf of wheat, without any accompanying text.
Emporia
Emporia is a vibrant place famous for its focus on education through Emporia State University and for starting the celebration of Veterans Day back in 1953. There's a must-see house belonging to William Allen White, who was a celebrated newspaper editor and won the prestigious Pulitzer Prize. Now it is called the Red Rocks State Historic Site and the museum shares what life was like for White.
The Granada Theatre is another must-see. Restored to its stunning original condition, this building from 1929 shows off classic Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. Today, it serves as a venue for experiencing shows by performers from all over the country. Not far from Emporia are the Flint Hills, known for their stunning natural sights. The tallgrass prairie here is one of the last bits of a prairie ecosystem which used to stretch across the central US.
Abilene
Abilene is found in the north of Kansas, resting on the northern side of the Smoky Hill River. If you love trains, head on over as soon as possible. Abilene boasts Kansas's sole working steam train, the Santa Fe #3415. This trip takes travelers on a five-mile journey around the Smoky Hill River valley, showing them a peek into history.
The Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum honors Dwight D. Eisenhower, the only person from Kansas who became president. This place holds a huge variety of historical documents, pictures, and items from his life.
In Old Abilene Town, step into the heart of the Wild West with authentic buildings and live shows. Watch gunfights and can-can dances come to life, especially during the big Labor Day weekend event at the Chisholm Trail.
Dodge City
The town of Dodge City started in 1872, right at the frontier’s edge in America. It quickly turned into a key location along the Santa Fe Trail and became an icon of the old Wild West. If tales of old Western times catch your interest, check out the Boot Hill Museum in Dodge City. When you visit, you will find real items from the past, a copy of Front Street exactly like it was in the 1870s, and you can even walk around the famous Boot Hill Cemetery.
Every year, Dodge City hosts Dodge City Days, a huge celebration of cowboy life. The festival goes on for ten days and includes lots of fun activities like a cowboy rodeo, live concerts, and plenty more. If you like the arts, there is also something for you at the South Dodge Drive-in Theatre, which has been a family-owned drive-in since the 1940s.
Atchison
People who love planes and trains will enjoy their time in Atchison. When you visit, you can check out the old house where Amelia Earhart grew up. Now it is a museum and a tribute to her journey and her work in flying. Step inside her well-kept Victorian home and discover more about her exciting life.
Railway fans will love the Atchison Rail Museum. It is full of classic and iconic train cars, engines, and a depot from the 1880s. Another historic building to see is the Evah C. Cray Historical Home Museum, a journey back to the Victorian times, and the lavish mansion shows the splendor of the 1800s.
For those intrigued by eerie tales, the town is reputed to have the highest concentration of supernatural occurrences in the state. If you are daring enough, the Sallie House is a must-visit for anyone wanting to explore supernatural happenings.
Council Grove
This town was named after an 1825 treaty site between the federal government, Kansas, and Osage Indians, allowing for a survey of the Santa Fe Trail. In Council Grove, there is a famous statue, the Madonna of the Trail. It is a tribute to the brave women who moved west in the 1800s. There are 11 other statues just like it all across America, each one about 18 feet tall.
The Council Grove Art Festival is a lively and entertaining event that happens every year right in the heart of town. This festival is great for families and features a parade, lots of art displays, interactive art activities for kids, and live music shows.
This town sits right on the Flint Hills Trail and is ideal for soaking the Midwest's natural charm while experiencing Council Grove's natural beauty and history. The trail is famous for its breathtaking views of the Flint Hills area.
Kansas embodies the essence of the Midwest with its vibrant towns, each offering a slice of American life. From Lindsborg's Swedish heritage, Wamego's whimsical connection to Oz, and the historical echoes of Dodge City, Kansas presents a distinct variety of experiences. These towns, set within the state's vast grasslands, reflect a blend of resilience, innovation, and deep-rooted traditions. If you find yourself getting the travel bug, and want to really see what a classic Midwestern place is like, Kansas is the perfect spot for you.
