9 Off-The-Beaten-Path Towns In Kansas
Kansas is a quintessential Midwestern state. Located at equal distances from the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans in the Great Plains, this state was once home to a host of Indigenous tribes, including the Kaw people, for thousands of years. From the 1500s, Europeans began visiting the area, starting with Francisco Vazquez de Coronado in 1541 and then permanent settlers in the 1800s. The territory soon became the center of a bitter rivalry between pro-slavery and anti-slavery advocates, eventually leading to one of the darkest times in American history. Learn more about this state’s history while exploring its attractions like the Kaw Mission State Historic Site and a few of the World's largest things in these nine off-the-beaten-path towns.
Chanute
Chanute is a quaint town on the Neosho River with a remarkable history, interesting arts, and natural beauty. This town's history dates to the early 1870s, when it was first settled and named after a civil engineer and aviation pioneer named Octave Chanute. Today, it is a great bucket-list destination for lovers of America's transportation history and arts. Visitors here will be inspired by the Chanute-Wright Brothers Memorial and its biplane sculpture, which was erected in honor of the town's namesake, Chanute, whose pioneering aero works inspired the Wright Brothers.
For more about the town's founder and the town in general, tourists can head to the Chanute Historical Museum. The Cardinal Drug Store in town will also satisfy the curiosity of history enthusiasts as it is home to one of the oldest, authentic soda fountains in Kansas. Art lovers can always visit the Chanute Art Gallery to browse the over 500 art collections in its more than 1,500 square feet of space.
Wilson
Otherwise known as the Czech Capital of Kansas, Wilson is a small and interesting town that is largely unsung. In the 1870s, this area was flooded by large numbers of Czech settlers who came to work on the newly built railroad. Naturally, the area soon developed a strong Czech culture and was eventually incorporated in 1883.
Today, the town honors and promotes Czech heritage by celebrating the After Harvest Czech Festival every July. The festival features arts and crafts, pageantry, good eats, and entertainment, among other fanfares. Wilson also invites visitors to check out its 20-foot tall egg, painted in a traditional Czech design and dubbed the World’s Largest Czech Egg. Also, the Wilson Heritage Museum is the perfect place to get a more detailed peek into the area's history. Meanwhile, the Midland Railroad Hotel is a must-visit as it was built from limestone and opened in 1899, after which it became the most popular destination in the area at the time.
Away from the history, adventurers to Wilson can always head to the nearby Wilson State Park on the southern shore of the 9,000-acre Wilson Lake to camp, fish, hike, and bike, or enjoy picnics.
Great Bend
Great Bend is a naturally stunning town in the Great Bend Sand Prairie region and on the Arkansas River. This town is exciting as it is home to the Great Bend-Brit Spaugh Zoo which has various animal species, including the African lion, crested porcupine, and bison. The zoo is housed in Brit Spaugh Park, which also has picnic areas, playgrounds, and the Wetlands Waterpark, where families can cool off with fun water activities. Veterans Memorial Park is another recreational hotbed in town, where visitors will adventures like fishing, boating, hiking, and biking.
For a healthy dose of history, the Barton County Historical Society Museum is a great place to visit. It features a historic village with an 1898 church, a windmill, a post office, a 1910 railroad depot, and a 1915 schoolhouse, among other things, offering a glimpse into early life in the area.
Notably, this town is near the 41,000-acre Cheyenne Bottoms, a wetland where nearly a quarter of a million waterfowls stop to refuel during migrations. If you are a bird lover visiting Great Bend from late March to early May or October to November, the short drive to this wetland is a must-experience.
Lucas
Lucas is an off-the-radar town that almost appears like a ghost town with a tiny population of no more than 400. But don’t be deceived; this town has a lot of surprises. Also known as the Grassroots Art Capital of Kansas, this town is home to many attractions dedicated to local folk arts. The Garden of Eden is a famous example as it was established by a local and contains over 150 outdoor sculptures related to Biblical creation and world history.
The Grassroot Arts Center is another great art attraction in town dedicated to the works of Kansas folk artists. Check out these galleries and then see more of the town’s interesting attractions, like the World's Largest Souvenir Travel Plate, and the World's Largest Collection of the World's Smallest Versions of the World's Largest Things. The latter is located in the downtown area and is basically a collection of miniature versions of the World's largest things.
Additionally, Lucas is just six miles from Wilson Lake, where you can enjoy adventures like boating, fishing, swimming, and camping.
Council Grove
Council Grove is a quaint town in Morris County, full of history. Located on the Neosho River, this town was founded in the late 1840s and got its name after US Commissioners met and negotiated a treaty with the area's local chiefs under a grove of oak trees near the river. Today, the town welcomes visitors to check out its historic attractions like the Kaw Mission State Historic Site, which preserves and tells the story of 30 Kaw boys who lived and attended school on the site from 1851 to 1854.
Next, enjoy historic dining at the 1857 Hay House Restaurant before embarking on the exciting drive on the Flint Hill National Scenic Byway. This byway stretches for 47 miles from Council Grove to Cassoday, offering opportunities to hike in the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve and see the Allegawaho Memorial Heritage Park, which was the site of the state's last Kaw Indian village before the tribe's forced removal.
Away from all the historic attractions, Council Grove invites tourists to its Aquatic Center to enjoy a fun time with water slides. Also, the town has a lake on the Neosho River where activities like fishing, boating, camping, and picnicking can be enjoyed.
Cottonwood Falls
Cottonwood Falls is a secluded town on the Cottonwood River and along the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway. This town is naturally beautiful and invites visitors to admire its historic 1914 Cottonwood River Bridge and proceed to Chase Lake Falls to savor the gorgeous sights of the three-tier waterfall. For history, visit the 1873 Chase County Courthouse in town, as it is the oldest-operating courthouse in Kansas.
Before leaving, go antique shopping at the Tall Grass Antiques, and then head to Chase State Fishing Lake to fish, camp, and picnic.
Lecompton
Lecompton is a pretty town on the Kansas River with so much to offer, especially for history buffs. Notable, this town was the Territorial Capital of Kansas from 1855 to 1861. Hence, it is only ideal to check out the Territorial Capital Museum inside the Lane University to see portraits of pioneers, Civil War artifacts, and other historic exhibits. The Constitution Hall is another of the town’s top spots worth visiting, as it was where the Kansas Territorial Government convened. This hall also played a crucial role in the fight between pro-slavery and anti-slavery groups.
Outdoors, Lecompton invites visitors to kayak or canoe on the Kansas River Trail to see birds and wildlife or opt for a ride along the scenic River Road, which once accommodated free state and slave advocates.
Wamego
Wamego is a small town along the Kansas River, with plenty of things to keep tourists exploring. Once here, visitors will be delighted at the Wamego City Park, as it features a windmill, a fishing pond, a swimming pool, and a playground. In addition, the park hosts the Wamego Historical Museum and Prairie Town Village, which has buildings from the 1800s and artifacts highlighting the area's early history. For boating adventures, the town has a Riverfront Park with boat ramps on the Kansas River.
Even more exciting, Wamego is home to the Oz Museum, one of the country's most beloved attractions, boasting over 2,000 artifacts from more than 100 years of Oz history and culture. Visit and explore this museum and also head to the Oz Winery to shop for wines with interesting names or catch a show at the Columbian Theatre.
Lindsborg
Lindsborg is a small town in McPherson County, famous for its Swedish heritage. After its establishment in 1869, the town saw an influx of Swedish settlers, mostly from the Varmland province of Sweden. Today, it is regarded as the Little Switzerland of America and invites visitors to the Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum to learn more about its history. This museum has a dozen buildings, including an 1898 flour mill, and a 1904 Swedish Pavilion, full of exhibits that shed light on pioneer life from the town’s early days.
Biennially, Lindsborg hosts the Svensk Hyllningsfest to celebrate its Swedish heritage, and the next event will be held in October 2025. The festival features food, crafts, arts, Swedish music and dancing, and a parade, among other activities. Also, Lindsborg has several galleries that delight art lovers. Some of the most exciting to check out include the Birger Sandzen Memorial Art Gallery, Red Barn Studio, and the Small World Gallery, all of which showcase passionate works of local artists.
Interestingly, Lindsborg is home to Coronado Heights, which is believed to have been the place where the legendary Spanish explorer Francisco Vasquez de Coronado ended his quest for the Seven Cities of Gold. The hill even has a castle known as Coronado Castle, which was built to commemorate the end of Coronado's adventurous quest. Just looking at the stone structure is absolutely inspiring.
Remarkable as America’s Heartland, Kansas mirrors the authentic American countryside charm while flaunting a touristy appeal that only those who draw near can truly cherish. From Wamego to Great Bend, these towns are the best places to soak in the flavor of the Sunflower State and the Midwest in general, including its history, culture, food, art, and nature. Regardless of what rocks your boat, a visit to these off-the-beaten-path destinations promises to be memorable.
