9 of the Quietest Kansas Towns
Every once in a blue moon, an escape from the daily hustle and bustle in the city to find solace and solitude in the countryside allows the body and mind to rest and rejuvenate. Fortunately, the Sunflower State is rich in rural destinations where you can unplug from reality and bask in a charming natural setting. These isolated gems provide a reprieve from the city within friendly communities that take pride in their simple way of life and genuine human interactions.
From the fantasy-like atmosphere of Wamego to the American Civil War heritage of Fort Scott, the quietest Kansas towns come with a touch of charm, allowing travelers to discover their curious histories, rare cultures, and fun outdoor opportunities. If you are planning a secluded getaway in Kansas, these are some of the top destinations to consider.
Norton
This tight-knit community in Norton County welcomes travelers to enjoy its relaxed scenery and engage in easygoing outdoor adventures. It is home to Prairie Dog State Park, which covers over 1,000 acres on the shores of Keith Sebelius Reservoir. This recreational hub has numerous adventure opportunities, including swimming, boating, camping, hiking, fishing, and watching the reserve's thriving population of prairie dogs. The Norton County Museum educates guests on the region's heritage. Its vast collection of artifacts and fossils highlights life in Norton from prehistoric times to the booming business era in the 1940s.
Art lovers can look forward to a satisfying time inside the Gloria Nelson Cultural Arts Center. The quaint venue exhibits a combination of art by amateur and professional artists, presenting guests with unique perspectives of regional creatives.
Alma
Nicknamed the "City of Native Stone," Alma is a tiny village in Wabaunsee County noted for its enduring historical heritage and sprawling agricultural lands. It has a well-preserved Alma Downtown Historic District listed on the NRHP, with over 20 historic buildings built between 1880 and 1936. The Wabaunsee County Historical Society provides a chronology of events in Alma since its founding in 1867. It uses a stockpile of old photographs, manuscripts, and artifacts collected from the community over the years.
Guests can enjoy fun tours in the open spaces and watch bison herds foraging freely across the 400-acre expanse of the Plumlee Buffalo Ranch. Alternatively, an easygoing round at the Wabaunsee Pines Golf Course is a great way to spend time outside. Its 18 holes challenge golfers of all skill levels.
Colby
Colby's fitting nickname, "The Oasis on the Plains," reflects its small-town charm and simple way of life. It hosts modest yet gratifying attractions, starting with the Prairie Museum of Art and History. Approximately 28,000 exhibits, ranging from toys and ceramics to glass, showcase life in Colby since the pioneers settled in the community. Colby is home to the largest barn in Kansas. The Cooper Barn measures 66 feet wide by 114 feet long and is a popular stop for those seeking quirky attractions.
At the Southwind Antique Mall, souvenir collectors can sort through a catalog of primitives and vintage treasures for something to add to their haul. Meanwhile, Fike Park is one of the pleasant outdoor spaces that tourists can access for recreation. It has picnic areas, walking trails, and playgrounds in a quiet setting.
Cottonwood Falls
Cottonwood Falls is a tiny village of fewer than 1,000 residents on the banks of the Cottonwood River, known for its captivating history and easygoing natural scenery. Its impressive museum collection includes the Roniger Memorial Museum, which provides a glimpse into the early days using a collection of Native Indian antiques. This is backed by the Chase County Historical Society Museum, where engaging displays help preserve historical events in the area, including the 1931 plane crash that killed Knute Rockne.
Visitors can opt for a fishing excursion at Chase State Fishing Lake for an outdoor escape. This secluded location harbors an uncrowded lake surrounded by grassy picnic areas and camping spots for those fancying sleeping under the stars. An alternative is a soothing round of golf on the well-maintained greens of Cottonwood Falls Country Club's 9-hole course.
Wilson
The "Czech Capital of Kansas" promises vacationers a fun cultural experience stemming from a rich history of Czech immigrants who settled in the area during its formative years. Their lasting influences manifest through events like the annual After Harvest Czech Festival. This well-attended and popular extravaganza features traditional costumes, dance, music, and delicious food. Many first-timers can't help but pose next to the World's Largest Czech Egg for a memorable photo. The quirky landmark features a towering 20-foot egg painted in the design of Eastern Europe's iconic eggs.
Meanwhile, casual shoppers can visit Kansas Originals Market for a pleasant adventure. This unique venue showcases and sells exceptional goods and merchandise produced by craftsmen, photographers, authors, artists, and farmers around the region.
Wamego
Wamego has a storybook feel that comes from its quirky attractions and delightful outdoor spaces. It is known for hosting the OZ Museum, which brings back childhood memories with exhibits related to the "Wizard of OZ." Its vast collection contains over 40,000 items, including board games, playbills, the original book, and the 1939 movie remake featuring Michael Jackson. Theater enthusiasts constantly congregate at the historic Columbian Theatre for various cultural experiences. These include viewing gallery exhibitions and watching stage musicals inside a turn-of-the-century venue.
However, nature lovers feel at home in the serene setting of Wamego City Park. This 12-acre urban oasis hosts quiet walking paths through colorful tulip gardens and offers access to a fishing pond. The highlight for many is a working Dutch windmill from 1879.
Fort Scott
Fort Scott is an adorable municipality in Bourbon County steeped in Civil War heritage and intertwined with the Battle of Bleeding Kansas. Much of this heritage and stories of the warring days are preserved at the Fort Scott National Historic Site. This 1842 complex comprises a cluster of 20 historic structures, a parade ground, military relics, and a restored tallgrass prairie reminding tourists of the early days. Visitors can pay their last respects at the Fort Scott National Cemetery, where many soldiers from the Union, Confederate, and Native American sides were buried.
War aside, those visiting with family can take the young ones to the Museum of Creativity. This exciting facility was designed to let children play, learn, and grow. It provides hands-on activities and engaging exhibits that spark their imagination and curiosity while having fun with peers.
Council Grove
One of the quietest towns in Kansas, Council Grove houses a tiny population of about 2,000 and is famed for its rich Native American heritage. It hosts the Kaw Mission State Historic Site, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This preserves a 19th-century mission that served as a church, school, and home for 30 Kaw boys in the mid-1800s. There is more to uncover about Council Grove's backstory at the Morris County Historical Society, which houses a research center and galleries with diverse artifacts documenting the community's past.
If you are not immersed in the town's history, you can explore its nonchalant outdoors while playing golf at the Council Grove Country Club. The 9-hole course has a serene environment with lovely forest surroundings that help you relax while swinging. Later, consider passing by Riverbank Brewing for a tasty pint of locally crafted beer.
Lindsborg
This McPherson County community stands out for its unique Nordic heritage, evidenced by its festivals and heritage centers. Guests come for an immersive cultural encounter, starting with exploring rare exhibits at the Lindsborg Old Mill and Swedish Heritage Museum. The site conserves a restored flour mill from 1898 and displays various memorabilia chronicling the life of Swedish pioneers between the 1870s and the 1980s. Lindsborg also hosts the Svensk Hyllningsfest, or Swedish Honoring Festival, biennially to celebrate its Swedish identity through food, crafts, dance, a parade, and other traditional forms of entertainment.
If you appreciate the arts, consider heading to the Birger Sandzen Memorial Art Gallery and admire its impressive selection of art by regional creatives. The intimate venue also showcases elaborate works by the founding Swedish-born painter.
Whether you are trying to get away from the rigors of everyday city life or seeking a peaceful vacation to let your mind rest and recharge, these quietest towns in Kansas have all the hallmarks to guarantee a gratifying experience in the United States. Besides basking in the tranquil rural atmosphere, there is no shortage of fun adventures to look forward to. The possibilities are endless, and you can indulge in rare Native American history in Council Grove or learn Kansas' Czech connection in Wilson to pass the time.
