9 Coziest Small Towns in Kansas
Known for its old-west feel and tales of renegade cowboys brought to heel, Kansas is a state brimming with personality and flair against a landscape of sweeping grasslands and acres upon acres of ranch lands. Lindsborg will surely please those looking to experience a small town with a unique and cozy atmosphere, thanks to the prolific success of its Swedish immigrants. On the other hand, for folks seeking deeply rooted old-west history, a visit to Winfield will reveal a thriving town that battled lawlessness in its early years and won. Kansas is a welcoming and charming state with a variety of attractive small towns, sure to capture hearts. The following is a list of the nine coziest small cities in Kansas.
Abilene
Visiting Abilene, Kansas, offers guests a chance to jump back into the past when hopping aboard the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad. A Baldwin 1919 Steam Engine train awaits to whisk passengers away for a sightseeing journey in one of the only steam locomotives in Kansas. The C.W. Parker Carousel, the oldest operational carousel in existence within the State of Kansas, consisting of 24 horses and four chariots, also resides in Abilene. Both attractions offer a warm and inviting glimpse into the days of old within the setting of a small town centered on old-world, cozy Western charm. The city of Abilene was built upon an actual wild-west battle between the law and wayward cowboys, giving it a unique appeal to anyone seeking to experience authentic Western culture.
Winfield
Winfield, Kansas, is a small town in the Flint Hills of Kansas whose roots are steeped in big drama. The local history tells the story of a city that went from total lawlessness to a thriving community, thanks mainly to the railroad coming through, allowing the economy to grow and the population to establish itself. Winfield started with just one railroad passing through known as the Santa Fe Line, but eventually, five rails went through town by 1887. These days, Winfield boasts outstanding Victorian homes of historical significance, an incredible variety of dining options, and exceptional outdoor adventures in a setting of natural beauty and grandeur. In the holiday season, Winfield offers the coziest of experiences with its Isle of Lights Christmas lighting display, a community-wide endeavor said to be one of the best Christmas lighting events in the nation.
Cottonwood Falls
Cottonwood Falls is a genuine ranching community with its unique charm. Live music gives this small town an inviting appeal, especially on Friday nights when the locals host the Emma Chase Friday Night Music event featuring jam sessions and open mics by locals and guests. Traditional music is the show's focal point, and musicians are encouraged to use acoustic instruments and play along during this family-friendly event. The Lark Inn on Main Street provides a relaxing and peaceful visit on the quieter side of town, and on certain days, the Cottonwood River can be heard, as well as birdsong and other sounds of wildlife from the Inn's flint-rock porch. Cottonwood Falls also enjoys proximity to Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, a nature preserve protecting a portion of the wild grasslands of Kansas.
Norton
It's hard to think of Kansas without thinking about tornadoes due to the famous film The Wizard of Oz and the story of a tornado that ripped through farm country, turning life upside down for everyone. With that in mind, it is fascinating to note that Norton is where the first photograph of a tornado was taken. In 1909, photographer Will Keller captured a twister on camera. In nearby Prairie Dog State Park, a genuine adobe house is still standing and has been turned into a museum, offering a glimpse into the early years of home construction in this arid countryside. Hunting, fishing, and beautiful scenery provide the backdrop for this cozy small town, which has the reputation of being full of warm-hearted people. The highly recommended Town and Country Kitchen in Norton, located on the city's east side, offers locals and visitors a belly-warming homecooked meal.
Salina
Celebrated as a community offering something for everyone, Salina, Kansas, is a small town emphasizing the arts. Residents and visitors alike will find their schedules packed with various cultural events in Salina, including concerts, live theater, museums, and festivals. Family-friendly fun is the order of the day; a great place to start is The Smoky Hill Museum, Kansas' oldest nationally accredited hands-on museum, complete with its tornado exhibit. A visit to the Rolling Hills Zoo is always a treat before heading to the Cozy Inn Hamburgers restaurant, where patrons will be treated to delicious hamburgers from the best burger joint in town.
Emporia
Emporia, Kansas, is a community committed to creating a sustainable, entrepreneurial-minded atmosphere amidst a small town brimming with appeal. Listed as a Federal and State Historic District, Emporia is a treasure trove of architectural design, featuring original buildings that include Italianate, Spanish, and Gothic styles. This bustling town offers over 40 community-based events throughout the year, which help to foster a sense of community engagement, and best of all, residents and guests enjoy gourmet chocolate, coffee, craft beer, and a plethora of dining options within the town limits of Emporia. Best of all, folks can partake in a cozy evening ride around town on a horse-drawn carriage, an unforgettable experience of timeless holiday tradition.
Ottawa
Ottawa offers a distinction unlike the others. The Prairie Spirit and Flint Hills Trail State Parks intersect nearby, offering 170 miles of outdoor recreation for visitors and residents alike to take advantage of on the outskirts of town. In contrast, Ottawa's historic main streets in the city offer fine dining and craft beer, for starters. The Not Lost Brewing Company makes a great choice to spend an evening while the owners whip up small batches of experimental brews, wandering off the beaten path when developing new flavors for patrons to try at the brewery. Their taproom offers a cozy environment to enjoy a cold evening. As for accommodations, visitors need to look no further than the Painted Lady Bed and Breakfast for a place to spend a night or two within the richly appointed rooms with a cozy atmosphere. The Inn features a wraparound porch where guests can enjoy a smoke in this otherwise smoke-free location.
Wamego
Fans of the classic film The Wizard of Oz will really enjoy Wamego, Kansas as the town is decorated with sculptures of Toto, the famous little dog featured in the movie. Local artists paint each one and are a true delight to see. During the holiday season, Wamego offers the Season of Light event, where community-wide celebrations center on a stunning display of Christmas lights. Wine connoisseurs will be pleased to explore Wamego Highlands Community College's 1.5 acres of vineyard, where free tours are given to anyone who wishes to learn more about the intricacies of wine production. The Oz Winery should be the next stop for wine lovers as wine tasting is available in their tasting room, and guests can sample local wine flavors such as the Squished Witch or Road to Oz. A visit to the Victory Inn Bed and Breakfast in Wamego offers a perfect cherry on top of a cozy weekend, offering wraparound porches and rooms chock-full of charm and elegance. The Inn prides itself on serving the best breakfast, and guests can enjoy biscuits, gravy, waffles, cinnamon rolls, sausages, and much more. Be sure to bring your appetite!
Lindsborg
Known as 'Little Sweden,' Lindsborg, Kansas has its own identity. Being primarily settled by immigrants from Sweden, this cozy small town is deeply rooted in its Swedish identity. With an extensive list of events and things to do on the town's website, Lindsborg is an extraordinary place to explore a variety of experiences, including the Chocolate Lover's Affair, which is a chocolatier's sculpture competition where chocolate artists vie for the title of Best in Show. Lindsborg is also the place to partake in a starry night sky excursion where folks are taken by shuttle to the southernmost bluff of Smoky Hill, northwest of Lindsborg. Atop the Coronado Heights, visitors are encouraged to enjoy an evening meal at one of the town's fine restaurants, then hop aboard a shuttle to catch some of the most breathtaking starry skies in the State via the Starry, Starry Night In Lindsborg excursion. Throughout the evening, National Geographic Photographer Jim Richardson is on-site offering his lecture, Glories of Our Night Sky: Wonders and Worries.
With various endearing activities to enjoy, Kansas ranks top on the list of States with the coziest small towns, welcoming visitors to partake in the strongly nurtured community spirit and the proud sense of down-home goodness these small towns represent. Whether star gazing, wine tasting, hunting, fishing, or riding a locomotive, Kansas has something to offer everyone. Celebrating holiday cheer through light shows or wraparound porches of local Bed and Breakfasts, Kansas knows how to do hospitality right, offering a warm embrace to residents and visitors alike through community-minded events and activities along breathtaking natural wonders such as the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve near Cottonwood Falls or the Prairie Dog State Park near Norton.
