8 Underrated Small Towns to Explore in Kansas

The Outlaw Josey Whales may only exist in fiction, but his sentiments that "Kansas was all golden and smelled like sunshine" are undeniable reality. The Sunflower State, famed for the Wild West, Ruby Slippers, and the promise of new frontiers, has some of the best hidden gems in the country. Landscapes canvassed by hues of yellow fields and snow-capped mountain ranges surround small towns built upon agricultural and industrialized innovations. Kansas boasts a diverse community that celebrates its unique identities. From Civil War heritage to contemporary dining and recreational parks, find out why these towns should never be underrated as your choice of travel destination.

Dodge City

The name alone conjures images of gun battles and legendary Wild West action. Famed for pioneering explorations, the town worked hard to transition from its image of unrest to a family town. Industrialist Andrew Carnegie was one of the lead architects in Dodge City's reimagining.

Dodge has no shortage of Western heritage. The town itself is a veritable textbook on the subject. For a fully immersive experience, mosey on down to the Boot Hill Museum. Participate in saloon gunfights, watch the can-can dancers, and order a frosty one. The museum does not simply tell you about life on the frontier; it allows you to become part of the story.

The Mueller Schmidt house, locally known as the Home of Stone, was initially owned by John Mueller, a boot dealer. It is the last existing limestone house and the oldest standing building in Dodge City. It opened its doors to the public in 1965. Nearby, the Dodge City Trail of Fame takes you past the haunting grounds of Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, and more.

Motorcross sports are revered in Dodge City. The site of one of the First World Championship Races in 1914, attended by legendary motorcycle manufacturers Willam Harley and Walter Davidson, the Ford County Legacy Center pays homage to this heritage with an annual festival honoring various motorsports legends.

Atchison

With a rich heritage that encompasses railroads, art, and frontier legacies, Atchison has over 20 listings on the National Historic Register. Incorporated in 1858, its main water source was the Missouri River. The hometown of Amelia Earhart, its stamp on aviation history is chronicled throughout the town. The Birthplace Museum showcases the achievements of Amelia Earhart and other aeronautical legacies. As told through artifacts and personal essays, visitors can follow the footsteps of these pioneers. The Hanger Museum houses the Muriel, a replica of Earhart's final mission.

Ghosthunters will appreciate touring The McInteer Villa. Unexplained noises, shadows, and flickering lights have the town convinced that the guests are not the only inhabitants.

Main Street boasts an array of eclectic shops. At the Atchison Bazaar, don't be surprised to find vintage magazines detailing Earhart's expeditions next to a rack of luxury designer handbags.

Abilene

Starting as a stagecoach stop in 1857, Abilene became a prosperous town in 1860 when The Kansas Pacific Railway enabled the cattle trade. Home to President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Ike was once Quoted as saying, "The proudest claim I can make is that I'm from Abilene." The Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library is a fascinating journey into the life and times of the 34th president. The museum includes his childhood home and is the burial site of The President, First Lady Mamie, and their firstborn son Dwight. There is even a piece of their wedding cake on display.

Old Abilene Town is perfect for those wanting to experience the Old West. Old trains, cowboy rope tricks, and cattle wrangling are just a few of the activities to choose from. For the older patrons, there is a full-service saloon.

Take in the rodeo—there are a few, but the Wild Bill Hickok is the most popular. Welcoming over 50,000 visitors every year, guests are treated to an authentic Wild West sporting performance.

Fort Scott

A US county Army headquarters during the Civil War, Fort Scott was founded in 1853 as a military base and later became a residential community. Its industrialization and agriculture efforts helped it become one of the most prosperous territories in Kansas.

The Fort Scott National Historic Site features both Original and reconstructed buildings. Costumed actors recreate the military events that transpired between 1856 and 1872. Considered one of the top sites in the state, the Fort Scott National Cemetery is the final resting place for veterans from wars spanning two hundred years. Gunn Park spans 155 acres, providing scenic hikes and opportunities for camping and disc golf.

Freedom Farms has a progressive approach to farming. Family-owned and operated, the homestead's goal is to educate future generations about the benefits of an organic, holistic approach to our food sources.

Lucas

With a population of less than 400 people, this tiny hamlet is deeply connected and has a strong sense of community pride. Founded in 1877, this farmstead is officially known as the "Grassroots Art capital of the world" in recognition of the many original folk art pieces dotted around town.

Artistic expression is felt throughout Lucas. The Garden of Eden has over 200 sculptures in an open-air creative installment. Designed by Samuel Dinsmore, a Union soldier in the Civil War, it reflects his desire that the voices of everyday citizens would be heard and respected. Over the years, Lucas residents have paid homage to Dinsmoore with their own private tributes. The Grassroots Art Center provides maps and tours for visitors that include stops at The Garden of Isis, a unique garden composed of locally sourced stones and other materials.

Lucas Park sits along the banks of Wilson Lake and is a favorite destination for boating, fishing, and swimming. The Rocktown Hiking Trail is a 3-mile exploration of stunning views from the red sandstone hills over 30 feet tall.

Residents of Lucas enjoy a variety of festivals that celebrate their heritage, including the Adam's Apple Festival, a town-wide Halloween Parade, and Santa Clause Day. All proceeds go towards preserving the "authentic Kansas life."

Lecompton

Founded in 1854 along the Kansas River, this town has a storied history. Some consider it the birthplace of the Civil War due to the Lecompton Constitution, which outlined the divisions between political leaders at the time and became the catalyst for the Lincoln—Douglas debates.

Perfect for walking tours, Lecompton provides guests with a choice of destinations. Constitution Hall offers unique insight into the minds of the men and women of the midwestern 19th century. This 1858 wood structure is one of the last original in Kansas. Visitors can tour the rooms where delegates convened for legislative conventions. The Territorial Democratic Headquarters, built in 1858, was the meeting place for the Democratic Party until the 1860s, when it became a ticketing facility for the local railroads.

Drive the scenic River Road, then head to the Kansas River for an afternoon of boating, swimming, and looking out for bald eagle sightings. Geology enthusiasts will appreciate the various rock formations found throughout the region, including rose quartz and granite.

Historic downtown provides regional shopping and farm-to-table dining. Aunt Netter's on Elmore is a local favorite for homemade baked goods.

Baldwin City

Originally a stop on the Sante Fe Trail, Baldwin City has maintained its modest Midwestern values amongst its deeply connected agricultural community. This unassuming territory has a storied Civil War history and a highly respected university. Black Jack Battlefield and Nature Preserves is where abolitionist John Brown started his battle. A short but impressive self-guided tour takes you through maple tree groves and historic buildings, including the Robert Pearson Home, and past the Santa Fe Trail.

On the campus of Baker University sits the Quayle Bible Library, housing manuscripts dating back to the 13th century; it is the most extensive private collection of biblical artifacts in the West. Included amongst the archives are King James Bibles from 1611 and a leaf from Gutenberg in 1456.

The historic downtown of Baldwin City boasts regionally sourced shopping, dining, and social events. Started in the 1950s, the Maple Leaf Festival has grown from a small town gathering to welcoming over 50,000 visitors a year. Held each autumn, it celebrates everything maple, from trees to syrup to crafts and entertainment. It is Baldwin City's most anticipated gathering. The Wooden Spoke Restaurant is a local favorite that serves prime rib specialties and is consistently ranked among the Best of Kansas Eateries.

Colby

Incorporated in 1885 as a town centered around the timber industry, Colby experienced an economic boom one year later due to the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad. Now an agricultural center, it has earned the nickname Oasis on the Plains due to its diverse attractions.

The Prairie Museum of Art and History, housing art and recreated homesteads, one-room schoolhouses, and old farmhouses, provides an immersive experience into the lives of the Colby pioneers. The Cooper Barn is the largest in Kansas. Named one of 8 Architectural Wonders of Kansas, it stands 48 feet high. For insight into the judicial systems of the 19th century, tour the Historic Thomas County Courthouse.

For a taste of Kansas cuisine, grab a table at one of the farm-to-table eateries in Downtown Colby. The Welcome Home Cafe makes local favorites, from steak and potatoes to homestyle chili, to order. Only a few blocks away, vintage shoppers will appreciate the Southwind Antique Mall. Home to the largest collections of memorabilia and clothing, it has been a go-to for decades.

Experience the Heart of the Midwest in Kansas’ Small Towns

When tourists think of visiting the USA, New York, California, and Florida, they understandably come to mind as possible vacation destinations. Yet the truth is that some of the most underrated experiences of true Americana are found in the heart of the Midwest. From the trails of pioneers and the cultivated fields of agricultural land to the industrialized boomtowns and bustling downtowns, you don't have to look further than Kansas.