9 Most Charming River Towns in Kansas to Visit in 2024

The Sunflower State has many draw cards ranging from rich American history and culture to barbecue and an incredible landscape, among others. Kansas is also famous for its abundance of rivers, some of which include - the Missouri River, the Arkansas River, and the Kansas River. Along the banks of these rivers are several peaceful and beautiful towns that look and feel like they were taken out of fictional books. These towns are charming, refreshing, laid-back, and full of adventures. While the rivers are the main draws, these towns also come with a lot of history and so many other attractions that will keep visitors busy at all times. Yearning for a memorable experience in 2024, visit these charming river towns in Kansas today.

Perry

Perry is a small river town in Jefferson County with about 800 residents that punches beyond its weight when it comes to tourism. The town is positioned between Topeka and Lawrence, and it sits near Perry Lake. This lake is within Perry State Park, with boat ramps, hiking trails, camping, and fishing opportunities. There’s also a beach in this park where visitors can relax. Perry also features Rock Creek Park and Slough Creek Park, which both feature waterfronts as well as campsites, picnic areas, and playgrounds. For hikers looking for some adventures, the 1.5-mile Willkomm Trail, located just south of the town, is exciting as it takes one through a gorgeous forest to the shoreline of the Kansas River. 

Council Grove

Council Grove is a charming river town positioned beside the Neosho River and near the Council Grove Federal Reservoir - a lake built and operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. There are eight parks around this lake, and they all have beautiful campgrounds. Three of the parks - Canning Creek Cove, Richey Cove, and Neosho Park have hiking trails. Richley Cove has a swimming beach, and Kansas View has boat ramps from where visitors can explore the waters. 

Away from the lake, visitors can immerse in the iconic past of Council Grove by visiting the Kaw Mission State Historic Site to learn about the native Kaw tribes and the region in general. Visitors can also head over to the lively Neosho Riverwalk Amphitheater, which hosts festivals, concerts, and other events throughout the year. 

Cottonwood Falls

Cottonwood Falls is a small town by the Cottonwood River in the Flint Hills with incredible natural beauty. Visitors here will be welcomed with not just beauty but a wide range of attractions, from a historic downtown area filled with antique shops and art galleries to the Cottonwood River Bridge, which is excellent for sightseeing and fishing. For something more natural, visitors can head over to Chase Lake Falls to enjoy the sights of waterfalls, fishing, and camping. For history lovers, Cottonwood Falls features the Chase County Courthouse, which is the oldest continuously operating courthouse in the state. There’s also the Roniger Memorial Museum, where visitors can immerse in a bygone era with tons of native American artifacts and historic collections. 

Lindsborg

Lindsborg is a culturally diverse town along the Smoky Hill River, notable for its Swedish roots. Hence, arts and culture buffs here will have a great time visiting places like the Swedish Pavilion (built in 1904), Stone House (the oldest house in Lindsborg), and the Birger Sandzen Memorial Gallery (dedicated to a Swedish-born painter). 

Away from the history and culture, Lindsborg features the Smoky Hill River, which is excellent for fishing, boating, canoeing, and camping. Coronado Heights is another stunning natural attraction around this town worth visiting, as it was where Francisco Coronado ended his quest to find the seven cities of gold. The hill rises to 300 feet and features an iconic castle that makes a beautiful backdrop for pictures. If there’s still time, visitors can roam downtown on a self-guided historical tour to see different Dala horse figurines scattered across the streets. Those visiting in the summer can enjoy shows and performances at Broadway RDF - the longest continuous outdoor theater in Kansas. 

Wamego

Wamego is an attractive town by the Kansas River, renowned for being the home of the Wizard of Oz. Fans of the epic and classic novel are welcome to visit this town and feel at home at the Oz Museum, housing over 2,000 artifacts reflecting the entire Oz culture. But witches and wizards aside, Wamego features other attractions like the Wamego City Park, where a swimming pool, fishing pond and bridge, tennis courts, and playgrounds set the stage for recreational endeavors. The park is also home to a Dutch Mill and the Wamego Historical Museum, where visitors can delve into the town's past. Meanwhile, the Kansas River also beckons visitors to explore its shimmering waters via canoeing, boating, and fishing expeditions. Before leaving, visitors can also stop by the Columbia Theatre to enjoy some satisfying performances. 

Leavenworth

Leavenworth sits pretty by the west bank of the Missouri River and is close to the iconic Fort Leavenworth, which played a critical role as a supply base during the American Civil War. Today, this charming river town is home to attractions like the Leavenworth Landing Park by the Missouri River, which features a walking trail, scenic overlook, and benches. This park is adjacent to the Riverfront Community Center and Leavenworth's historic downtown, so visitors can quickly delve into some local history. Leavenworth is also home to the Frontier Army Museum, where visitors can learn more about Fort Leavenworth and the Frontier Army. To wrap everything up in this town, visitors can have some fun at the Carousel Museum, which features a revived 1913 C.W. Parker carousel and a gift shop. 

Junction City

A visit to Junction City at the confluence of Smoky Hill and Republican Rivers promises to be thrilling. This elegant river town packs a ton of attractions for visitors looking to bask in the arms of nature. Wetlands Park is a worthy mention, with access to the river via a dock, while featuring a gazebo for picnics, and a few trails to hike. Hikers and nature lovers will enjoy roaming the approximately five-mile riverwalk trail along the Republican River down to Fort Riley. Additionally, just northwest of Junction City is the Milford State Park, home to the Milford Lake - the largest man-made reservoir in the state. Here, visitors can hike and bike the trails around the lake, swim at its beach, a camp for the day, boat in the waters, enjoy splash pads, and hold picnics. 

Atchison

Atchison is an irresistible river town along the Missouri River renowned as the hometown of Amelia Earhart who was an aviation female pioneer and writer. Tourists can learn more about this iconic woman by visiting the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum and the Amelia Earhart Hanger Museum. For a full-scale exploration of Atchison, head over to the Riverfront Park or Independence Park, both of which are on the banks of the Missouri River and feature hiking trails as well as facilities for boating, fishing, and picnicking. Visitors can even see the iconic Amelia Earhart Memorial Bridge from Riverfront Park during the day and at night with its colorful lighting. 

Before leaving, check out the International Forest of Friendship, which displays statues of aviation icons, including Earhart and the Wright Brothers, in a beautiful green setting. 

Salina

Salina is a picturesque town in the Smoky Hills region near the Saline River and Smoky Hill River, with many attractions centered on nature, arts, and history. Nature lovers can begin an adventure in this town by visiting Indian Rock Park, where the Smoky Hill River flows in between cliffs as high as 30 feet, and two waterfalls complement the scenery. Afterward, head up North to meet Lakewood Park and hike trails that snake through woodlands, prairies, and a charming small lake while spotting exciting wildlife.

The Rolling Hills Zoo is an alternate choice found just west of Salina, featuring over 100 species of animals, including lions, leopards, and rhinos. It also houses a wildlife museum with life-size animal exhibits. For a dose of arts and history in Salina, check out the Yesteryear Museum (to learn about the agricultural history of Kansas), the Smoky Hill Museum (for an extensive history of the Salina area), and the Salina Arts Center (to see some local and international art).  

Discover River Town Charms in Kansas

Kansas is blessed with so many incredible rivers that offer stunning scenery and plenty of adventures. These rivers are best explored from the towns which they pass through, such as those on this list. Beyond river charms, these towns invite visitors to their great outdoors, where every adventure is thrilling, with history, arts, culture, and hospitality all in the mix. And regardless of how one decides to have a good time, there is sure to be something for everyone in these fine towns in the Sunflower State.