9 Most Scenic Kansas Towns
As the de-facto heart of America, Kansas is a vast state boasting plenty of pleasing views amidst its ample natural scenery. Following the fragrance of hot buffalo wings, visitors find themselves in some pretty little towns that provide much more than they expect. Whether one is seeking a relaxing trip between Fort Scott's Victorian homes, the mesmerizing Cottonwood Falls on the Cottonwood River, or admiring Wizard of Oz artifacts at The Oz Museum in Wamego, Kansas, holds some undoubtedly beautiful sights. These nine settlements deserve to be highlighted for their exceptionally scenic nature.
Wamego
Wamego has its roots engrained on the northern banks of the Kansas River. This small river town possesses beautiful scenery and verdant agricultural farmland, leading visitors to a vibrant downtown. Wamego still holds a Dutch heritage with the Dutch Mill, Kansas' only operating stone mill, which gives the town a scenic rural appeal. Adorned by pink dogwood trees, this monument to the town's past creates a postcard-perfect panorama unique to this village.
The Oz Museum is another peculiar attraction displaying more than 2,000 Wizard of Oz artifacts, including a copy of the first book published in 1900. Suppose Wamego's Dutch heritage has sparked your interest. In that case, you can visit the Dutch Mill bakery and restaurant, which provides typical soups and sandwiches as well as delectable cookies and pastries.
Leavenworth
Leavenworth overlooks its Missouri neighbors from the other side of the Missouri River. This town features green prairies and old-style mansions reminiscent of the Victorian era. The city acted as a refuge for enslaved people fleeing oppression, and from that, it became an abolitionist town. It was quick to consider formerly enslaved people as citizens even before the war ended in 1865.
Leavenworth streets are lined with gorgeous Ginkgo trees that turn orange in the upcoming months, making for a panoramic stroll downtown or inside the farmer market in Haymarket Square. Standing as one of the earliest operational Army stations in the country, Fort Leavenworth invites visitors to explore its outstanding military history. The Chapel of the Veterans welcomes visitors with a European-inspired cathedral built in 1893.
Fort Scott
Fort Scott is a town forged in the mid-19th century by soldiers fighting settlers. The tallgrass prairies witnessed the chain of events that encircled Fort Scott from 1842 to 1873. The country was transformed from a young republic into a united transcontinental nation. Today, Fort Scott is a hamlet in southeastern Kansas.
Besides its military pride, visitors can admire the most extensive collection of Gordon Parks photography in the world at the Gordon Parks Museum. If you would like to see Fort Scott's Victorian charm first-hand, feel free to take advantage of the Historic Driving Tour that takes you through on this self-directed tour, driving past 52 homes that seem to come out of a fairy tale and provide a panoramic view of Fort Scott suburbs amidst the sweeping green scenery.
Atchison
Amidst the rolling hills and rock-strewn valleys carved by ancient glaciers, the cute town of Atchinson is known for its vistas on the Missouri River bend and the scenic brick-lined streets. As the birthplace of Amelia Earhart, the world's most famous aviatrix, Atchison is a community that inspires people to express their best version of themselves. Her house is now a museum one can visit. Atchison's early history included being the home of the Kansa Indians, with Lewis and Clarks' Independence Creek showcasing some traditional huts the tribe once masterfully crafted.
Dodge City
Visitors feel like they are venturing into the Wild West when they enter Dodge City. Tourists can witness the community's rich Western past at the engaging displays and living history reenactments-filled Boot Hill Museum. Violent disputes over the town's pivotal location between cattle routes cemented Dodge City as a great city of lawlessness and western fable.
Today, that antebellum aesthetic can be observed in many traditional saloons, hotels, and public offices. One can visit the renowned Historic Depot Theatre to admire a performance, watch an exciting rodeo, or take the scenic route with the Dodge City Trolley across the town to explore the Santa Fe Trail's old Victorian buildings and sights. Moreover, Front Street is an Old West-themed street with saloons, stores, and gunfight displays, where travelers can step back in time by experiencing the real West in this picturesque Kansas town.
Lindsborg
"Little Sweden," or Lindsborg, is a small town cherishing its Scandinavian heritage. Visitors can admire the decorative Dala horses spread across the settlement, representing its Swedish history. The city's name is Swedish, meaning Linden Castle in English. It was named after the three men who held prominent positions in a Chicago consortium of Swedish farmers. The McPherson County Old Mill Museum is a great place to understand the town's past. Lindsborg exudes an ideal European ambiance and charms tourists with its splendor. Strolling around the scenic town center, you can sip on the best latte you will ever have from the Blacksmith Coffee Shop and Roastery.
Milford
Milford stands on Milford Lake's shores. The lake access grants many recreational opportunities to this small but thriving community. Milford is known as the "City of Beautiful Sunsets" since you can observe mesmerizing dusks that reflect on the lake's water. There are many opportunities to observe, sight, or picture wildlife on the 19,000-acre area located on the reservoir's west side and upper end. Moreover, Milford State Park is on the southeast shore of Milford Lake, the state's largest lake. The park provides scenic routes around the pristine nature and eight campgrounds.
Cottonwood Falls
Amid the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, Cottonwood Falls and its namesake cascades provide tourists with an unforgettable venue to visit. The magnificent Chase County Courthouse is an outstanding representation of French Renaissance architecture and is the town's focal point. This little town's main attractions are the Cottonwood Falls on the Cottonwood River, close to the mouth of Diamond Spring Creek. Head over to the Cottonwood River Bridge for a scenic view of the river. The neighboring Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is a haven for nature enthusiasts, allowing you to relish the splendor of the prairie, where buffalos often roam.
Lecompton
On the southern bank of the Kansas River and an hour's drive from Kansas City, Lecompton is a small community comprising less than 1,000 people. Despite its small size, it holds significant historical importance. The town is called the "Birthplace of the Civil War" because it played a crucial role in the dispute over enslavement in the Kansas Territory. Visiting the Territorial Capital Museum and Constitution Hall State Historic Site, where the territory's legislature met, one can learn more about the volatile years leading up to the Civil War. Furthermore, walking by downtown Lecompton, Civil War-era buildings still stand, creating a scenic trip to the past.
Steeped in memories and with limitless natural sights, each of these towns boasts a different panorama, contributing to Kansa's pride. From the sunsets on Milford's Lake to the rural charm of the Dutch Mill in Wamego or the Territorial Capital Museum in Lecompton, Kansas is home to many scenic small towns. Despite not having formidable mountains or endless oceans, Kansas allows memorable trips that unveil its hidden treasures.
