8 Picturesque Towns In Kansas For A Weekend Retreat In 2024
Kansas is the perfect destination for a small-town weekend retreat before 2024 is over (three months and counting!). This friendly Midwestern state boasts many charming communities from which to choose, each offering visitors plenty of fun things to do when they get there.
Whether you’re interested in window shopping in quaint old downtown areas filled with boutique shops or touring historical buildings dating back to the 1800s, or even exploring the great outdoors, these towns have something for anyone seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. And yes, there’s still time to squeeze in a fun weekend retreat in these eight picturesque towns in Kansas before 2024 is over.
Lindsborg
Known as “Little Sweden USA,” the delightful little town of Lindsborg is located in central Kansas just an hour north of Wichita and is an ideal spot for a weekend getaway. The town’s well-known for its Swedish heritage, something that’s evident pretty much everywhere. You can sample this European connection firsthand at the Birger Sandzén Memorial Art Gallery, an excellent facility celebrating the art of one of Sweden’s most revered artists, and at the impressive Swedish Pavilion, a survivor of St. Louis’ 1904 World's Fair that was moved here and preserved in its original state.
Interested in local history? Then, include a visit to the Old Mill Museum, which dates back to the 1800s and features displays about Lindsborg’s roots. If you can’t make it to Lindsborg in 2024, plan to be here in 2025 for the town’s Svensk Hyllningsfest, a festival that takes place every other year and celebrates Swedish culture through music, traditional dances, and craft demos. Great places to stay for a weekend in Lindsborg include the historic Rosberg House Bed & Breakfast, a beautifully restored home from 1885, or, for those on a fixed budget, the Coronado Motel.
Wamego
Located near the Flint Hills and only a 90-minute drive west of Kansas City (the I-70 is quickest), Wamego is famous for its ties to The Wizard of Oz, America’s most beloved movie. Fan or not, be sure to include the Oz Museum on your list of weekend things to do in Wamego. Handily located on Lincoln Avenue in the town’s immensely walkable downtown area (you can’t miss its bright green façade), this fun attraction is dedicated to all things Oz and boasts a large collection of artifacts from the famous film. Another great Oz-related attraction, the Oz Winery is located nearby and offers daily wine tastings.
Other must-visits include the Columbian Theatre, built in 1895 and still showcasing regional talent through its roster of plays, concerts, and local performances. As for accommodations, The Simmer Motel offers a highly rated stay with its comfortable rooms and a convenient location near downtown. Alternatively, the Victorian-style Cottage House Bed and Breakfast offers a more intimate experience with charming décor and personalized service.
Atchison
Atchison, set on the banks of the Missouri River, is one of the most historically rich towns in Kansas. Best known as the birthplace of aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart, the town celebrates the legacy of America’s best-known female pilot at the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum, housed in her childhood home built in 1861. The historic downtown is also home to many well-preserved Victorian-era homes and buildings, with fun guided tours available that showcase the town’s architectural heritage.
When it comes to accommodations, the charming 100-year-old Victorian-era Inn On Oak Street is perfect for couples or solo travelers wanting an peaceful stay. Prefer something bigger? Check out the availability at the Holiday Inn Express, a more contemporary option with all the modern amenities.
Cottonwood Falls
Cottonwood Falls is another great little town set in the scenic Flint Hills region that’s ideal for a weekend break in Kansas. Picturesque downtown Cottonwood Falls is where you’ll find the Chase County Courthouse, the oldest of its kind still in use in Kansas. Built in 1873, tours of this architectural marvel are highly recommended. Afterwards, head to the nearby Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, a vast area of unspoiled prairie where guided tours highlight the region’s natural beauty.
If planning a weekend retreat prior to the end of 2024, consider visiting in December. The town does a great job of celebrating the festive season with its Chase County Country Christmas featuring everything from parades to personal appearances from Santa. For accommodations, The Grand Central Hotel offers a historic stay in a central location within walking distance of downtown, while The Lark Inn on Main St. Guesthouse also comes highly recommended.
Hays
Fancy a dose of the ol’ Wild West? Then Hays is your ideal choice for a Midwest weekend retreat in 2024. Located in northwestern Kansas just off the I-70 connecting Denver with Kansas City, the Fort Hays State Historic Site should top your list of places to visit. It was here in the 1860s onwards that the United States Army defended the western frontier, and fascinating tales from this period can be learned at the visitor center along with original structures like the fort's parade ground, guardhouse, and officers' quarters.
Downtown Hays is fun to explore on foot and is home to several art galleries, including the Hays Arts Council, which showcases local and regional artists. Have your camera ready to grab shots of historic buildings including the Ellis County Courthouse, built in 1942. Need help choosing a place to stay in Hays? Check out the rates at the historic Blissing House offering B&B accommodations near the town center; and the Quality Inn Hays I-70, handily located between the town center and the highway.
Council Grove
Council Grove is a great destination for weekend warriors interested in learning more about early Kansas history. Located along the historic Santa Fe Trail, the route used by settlers in the 1800s that connected New Mexico with Missouri, this charming town is steeped in history. A must-see is the Kaw Mission State Historic Site, built in 1851 and telling the story of the Kaw (Kansa) tribe and early settlers in the region. Council Grove’s downtown district is also fun to explore and is filled with historic buildings such as the Last Chance Store, built in 1857 and serving as a supply post for those heading west.
When it comes to choosing a comfortable stay in Council Grove, topping our list is The Cottage House, a charming hotel set in a well-preserved 1867 building that offers modern comforts in a historic setting only a block from Main Street. Another option is the more modest Prairie Lodge Motel on the edge of town.
Abilene
History buffs will know Abilene as the boyhood home of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Numerous references can be found dotted across this picturesque town off the I-70, including the must-visit Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum. One of the town’s top attractions, this sprawling complex also includes the Eisenhower family home and can take a few hours or more to properly explore.
From Ike’s former home, you’re just a short stroll from another of the town’s major attractions: Old Abilene Town. This fascinating recreation of an 1800s Wild West town is also fun for its re-enactments and seasonal events. If you can make for December 2024, be sure to join in the fun of Abilene’s Cowtown Christmas when some of the community’s oldest homes open their doors to the public for some winter cheer and tours. Speaking of old homes, Abilene’s Victorian Inn Bed & Breakfast, set in a beautiful heritage mansion, offers a luxurious stay with personalized service. For a more contemporary option, the Holiday Inn Express Inn & Suites provides big brand quality and convenience.
Fort Scott
Located due south of Kansas City near the state border with Missouri, Fort Scott’s an awesome choice for a fun-filled weekend retreat. This picturesque community in the southeastern corner of the state is well known for its rich Civil War history, with Fort Scott National Historic Site is one of the town’s top attractions. This well-preserved fort was established in 1842 and also played a crucial role during the country’s westward expansion and the Civil War. Visitors can tour the grounds, explore the restored buildings, and learn about life at the fort through exhibits and re-enactments.
Another popular attraction is the Gordon Parks Museum, dedicated to the renowned photographer, filmmaker, and writer who grew up in Fort Scott. And for accommodations, check out (and into) the Sleep Inn & Suites, providing modern comforts and convenient amenities near downtown. For a romantic weekend stay close to the downtown area, the Courtland Hotel & Spa is perfect for a late 2024 getaway.
The Final Word
These eight picturesque towns in Kansas offer a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty for a weekend retreat in 2024. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing getaway in the scenic Flint Hills, immersing yourself in the rich history of Atchison or Abilene, or exploring the arts and culture in Wamego or Lindsborg, each of these destinations provides something quite unique. Round off 2024 with a visit to any of these eight picturesque towns in Kansas for a weekend retreat and you won’t be disappointed.
