8 Towns in Kansas That Were Ranked Among US Favorites

Kansas is in the geographic center of the United States, putting its borders within a mix of unique regions, including the Midwest, the Mid-South, and even a tiny sliver of the Ozarks. It is a state that is probably most significant as being a gateway to the Great Plains of North America, and therefore, has a history that is closely associated with the western frontier from the early days of the country.

Featuring a small collection of larger cities, like Kansas City, Overland Park, Topeka, and Wichita, Kansas has a far greater number of small towns dotted throughout its often sparsely populated landscapes. Discover eight of the best small towns in Kansas to visit that were ranked among US favorites.

Lindsborg

Known as "Little Sweden," Lindsborg earned national recognition as one of the state's favorite small towns. Centered almost exactly in the center of Kansas, this town is celebrated for its rich Swedish heritage and ode to many of the original European settlers of the area in the 19th century and beyond. Many come to Lindsborg for the biennial Svensk Hyllningsfest, a traditional Swedish festival held in odd-numbered years. Traditional dancing, food, and crafts can all be found in Lindsborg during the festival.

The town's main street is lined with iconic and colorful Dala horse sculptures and features local boutiques, art galleries, and Swedish import shops. Make sure to check out the Birger Sandzén Memorial Art Gallery downtown, which shares its name with the famous Swedish painter.

Nature lovers can explore Coronado Heights, a scenic park atop a sandstone bluff near Lindsborg, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding Smoky Valley. There is also a small stone castle at the top of the hill, built in 1936. You can freely explore this structure during your visit.

Abilene

As the boyhood home of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, the town of Abilene now features historic landmarks like the town’s Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood Home to attract visitors year-round. Abilene’s other well-preserved historic sites, such as the Seelye Mansion and the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad, also highlight the town’s storied past.

Abilene’s small size, with a population of just over 6,000 residents makes for a typical relaxed Midwestern atmosphere, with a quaint downcore containing a number of locally owned amenities. The Jeffcoat Photography Studio Museum, just off North Spruce Steet intrigues photographers and history buffs alike, while classic joints like M & R Grill keep visitors fed with delicious American fare.

Atchison

Atchison stands out for its picturesque setting along the mighty Missouri River, the longest river in the United States. Known as the birthplace of famed aviator Amelia Earhart, Atchison offers visitors a chance to learn about this famous early aviator at the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum. Beyond its aviation history, the town’s well-preserved Victorian architecture makes for a beautiful backdrop to take a stroll in, particularly in neighborhoods around the much-visited Atchison County Historical Museum.

The riverfront offers more scenic walking paths and parks, making it a peaceful retreat for both residents and visitors during their stay. For those interested in the paranormal, Atchison is also famous for its haunted history, with ghost tours and annual festivals celebrating its spooky reputation. Be sure to stop by this October for a fun yet spooky adventure!

Cottonwood Falls

Cottonwood Falls, nestled in the heart of the Flint Hills about halfway between Wichita and Kansas City, is a perfect stop for anyone traveling between the two cities. With a tiny population of fewer than 900, it may be small, but it does not skimp on things to see and do.

The town’s historic Chase County Courthouse, built in 1873, is the oldest courthouse still in use in Kansas and a striking example of French Renaissance architecture. be sure to stop by to snap a photo of this ornate and iconic state landmark. Paty a visit to the Chase County Historical Society & Museum for more info on this area's past and present.

Cottonwood Falls is a gateway to the scenic Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, where you can hike through one of the last remaining expanses of tallgrass prairie in the world and maybe catch a sight of roaming buffalo. Chase Lake Falls is another wonderful natural feature nearby, with a beautifully cascading waterfall among a wooded patch of land just west of town on Prather Creek.

Wamego

Wamego has been a haven for film enthusiasts thanks to its unique connection to The Wizard of Oz. Many will argue that this small town in Kansas, the location in which the famous movie takes place (at the beginning and end of it, at least), is centered around its beloved Oz Museum, which houses one of the largest collections of Oz memorabilia in the world. Visitors are able to walk through the colorful Oz-themed park and explore attractions like Toto’s Tacoz and the Columbian Theatre, a historic venue that hosts local performances (and somewhat regular screenings of The Wizard of Oz).

Wamego’s charm isn’t limited to its Oz-themed attractions. The town is also surrounded by the scenic beauty of the Flint Hills, making it an ideal spot to get outdoors. The Wamego City Park is easy to reach while in town, while the nearby Oregon Trail Nature Park provides more ways to go picnicking, hike trails, and simply enjoy Kansas’s natural landscapes.

Wamego is also known for being within an important wine-producing region within the state. A few tasting rooms are available to check out downtown. For those who want to stick with the town's theme, stop off at the Oz Winery on the aptly named Road to Oz Highway, a.k.a Lincoln Street, for a glass or two.

Fort Scott

Best known for Fort Scott National Historic Site, the town of Fort Scott preserves its frontier past through its restored 1840s military buildings and reenactments that bring the history of America's westward expansion to life. It’s a living history experience that draws history buffs from around the country.

The Fort Scott National Historic Site is located on the northern edge of downtown. This interesting and history-filled destination hosts many of the preserved buildings, many of which date back to 1842, and a pristine bit of tallgrass prairie for a nice touch of nature. Gunn Park, located at the western end of town, is one of the oldest parks in Kansas and provides visitors with scenic walking trails, and picnic spots, making it a favorite for outdoor recreation.

Fort Scott also hosts the annual Good Ol’ Days Festival, celebrating the town’s heritage with music, food, and family activities in early June of every year.

Dodge City

Dodge City is synonymous with the Wild West and many of the figures who lived in the country during this iconic period. Known as the “Queen of the Cowtowns,” Dodge City played a pivotal role in cattle drives and law enforcement during the late 1800s when the state was still somewhat on the western frontier of America, and visitors can experience this history at spots like the Boot Hill Museum. The museum, complete with a recreated Old West street, offers daily reenactments of gunfights and historical events, making the past come alive.

Dodge City's downtown area, with its classic Western feel, features shops and restaurants that reflect the town's cowboy heritage. The Dodge City Trail of Fame, with bronze medallions honoring legendary figures like Wyatt Earp and Bat Masterson, invites you to walk the same streets as these iconic figures. The nearby Arkansas River is also a great place to explore nature in this southwestern portion of Kansas.

Great Bend

Great Bend earned a spot among Kansas' favorite small towns for its blend of natural beauty and cultural attractions. With proximity to the Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area, Great Bend draws birdwatchers from across the country. These wetlands, one of the largest in the interior US, provide a sanctuary for hundreds of species, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers of all types.

The town itself offers other fun destinations, like the Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo, which makes for a family-friendly attraction that is free to visitors almost all days of the year! On the other hand, the nearby Barton County Historical Society Museum and Village will teach you more about the area’s early roots, with restored buildings and exhibits that tell the story of Great Bend’s development and original pioneers.

See the Best Kansas Has to Offer

From the charms of Atchison to the Wild West spirit of Dodge City, each of these towns provides a unique experience that reflects the diverse draws of Kansas, a state that is otherwise severely underrepresented as a vacation locale. These small towns are not just destinations but experiences that celebrate the heart of America.

Leave the big cities and experience true Americana this year by embarking on a journey through the Sunflower State. When you leave, you may just be wondering why you are not in Kansas anymore.