9 Towns in Kansas That Transport You to the Past

Kansas, also known as the center of America, is a land of vast prairies, storied trails, and Wild West legends. Beyond its rolling fields and expansive blue skies, the Sunflower State is home to historic towns that will make you feel like you have stepped back in time. From charming main streets lined with centuries-old buildings to preserved forts from days gone by, these towns tell the story of Kansas' role in westward expansion, the Civil War, and early railroad development. Whether you are a history buff or just looking to take a scenic trip through the past, these nine historic Kansas towns offer timeless charm.

Council Grove

During the 1800s, the Santa Fe Trail connected Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Missouri. Council Grove was a significant stop along the way, and the historic site was where a treaty was signed between the chiefs of the Great and Little Osage nations and US commissioners. This treaty allowed for passage along the Santa Fe Trail through Osage territory, and you can visit the exact spot of the signing with a trip to Council Oak Park. While the tree it was signed under was blown down in a storm in 1958, the stump is protected in the park by a canopy.

Visiting the town today, it is easy to imagine the covered wagons that used to move across the trail, especially when you visit the Last Chance Store. Built in 1857, this trading post gave traders on the Santa Fe Trail a chance to purchase supplies before heading into Native American territories. To continue your trip to the past in Council Grove, stop for dinner at the Hays House 1857 Restaurant and Tavern. The steak house is the oldest continuously operated restaurant west of the Mississippi River.

Paola

Less than an hour outside of Kansas City, Missouri, Paola has a rich history tied to Native American nations and early Western settlers. To learn more about the nations that originated in the town, stop by the Miami County Kansas Historical Museum. There, you will find historical artifacts and a hand-painted mural depicting the town's history.

In the heart of Paola, you will find the historic town square, which was gifted to the town by one of its founders, Baptiste Peoria. There, you will find a beautiful fountain and Victorian-style gazebo that captures the charm of yesteryear. You can also step back in time by visiting the nearby John Brown Museum State Historic Site, where you will learn about the Battle of Osawatomie. There, you can also see the Adair Cabin, which was a station on the Underground Railroad.

Fort Scott

Founded in 1842 as a military fort, Fort Scott played a major role in the Civil War. In 1861, the Union Army occupied the fort, setting up the Quartermaster Supply Depot that issued supplies to troops stationed within 40 miles of the town. Today, you can visit the Fort Scott National Historic Site, where the original buildings have been restored or reconstructed over the years.

To get a feel for what the town looked like hundreds of years ago, head to the Gunn Park Trails, which cover more than six miles. The trails run near the Marmaton River and are ideal for hiking and biking. Another must-see spot in the town is Lake Fort Scott, which spans more than 350 acres and is a serene place for fishing and boating.

Lindsborg

Visiting Lindsborg will not only make you feel like you have stepped back in time but also make you wonder if you have left the country without realizing it! Known as “Little Sweden,” Lindsborg was founded in 1869 by Swedish immigrants, and its Scandinavian roots remain strong today. Plan a trip in June to experience the annual Midsummer’s Festival, which celebrates the summer solstice. While there, you can enjoy tasty Swedish food, learn about Vikings in a re-enactment show, and watch Swedish dancers perform around the Midsummer Pole.

Another way to step back in time is by taking a trip to the Lindsborg Old Mill and Swedish Heritage Museum. The site is home to historic buildings dating back to the 1870s and gives you a unique look at the work required to operate the mills that produced flour for the US and Europe. When you want to take in the beauty of Lindsborg, stroll on the Valkommen Trail, which spans over two miles. On it, you can stop by the Erickson Brothers Workshop to learn about the history of the brothers who created the dial telephone.

Abilene

There is no city in Kansas that embodies the Old West quite like Abilene. In 1867, the Kansas Pacific Railroad was built through the town, which brought cattle to the area, and it grew from there. By the 1870s, cowboys had made Abilene their home, and you can get a taste of that life today in Old Abilene Town. During the summer, you can visit to see gunfight re-enactments, can-can dancers, and stop by the original back bar of the Alamo Saloon.

Abilene is also home to the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood Home. You can walk around the picturesque campus and visit the onsite library for free or purchase tickets to tour the museum and see the 34th President’s childhood house. History buffs will also enjoy a visit to the Dickinson County Heritage Center when in Abilene. The site is dedicated to bringing the history of the area to life and features a log cabin that showcases the life of a pioneer family, a one-room schoolhouse, and the oldest operational carousel.

Hays

If you cannot get enough of the Wild West, make sure Hays is on your list of Kansas towns to visit. Similar to Abilene, Hays was established around the time the Kansas Pacific Railroad was built, though it was originally an army post. The town was, at points, home to some popular Wild West names like Buffalo Bill Cody and Calamity Jane, but by the 1870s, most of these characters had moved out, and German settlers began moving into Hays. Take a trip to the Fort Hays State Historic Site to see original buildings from the late 1800s and a museum with more information about the time Fort Hays operated as a supply depot.

After visiting the fort, journey over to the Historic Chestnut Street District, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. As you stroll, you will find everything from coffee shops to spas, so there is something for everyone to enjoy. The Ellis County Historical Society is another great place to learn about days gone by in Hays. There are several museum buildings to visit, including a brick church built in 1921 and the Volga German Haus that shows what life was like for early German settlers who came to the town.

Atchison

Atchison is home to one of the most famous names in aviation history: Amelia Earhart. No trip to the town is complete without a visit to the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum, featuring her childhood home, which was built in 1861. You can take a self-guided tour of the home or walk with a guide to learn more about Earhart and her early life in Atchison.

The town's pride in Earhart runs deep, which you will notice when you visit the International Forest of Friendship by Lake Warnock. The beautiful park is an arboretum and memorial forest dedicated to those in aviation. In addition to the life-size statue of Earhart in the forest, each year, new honorees in the aviation and space exploration fields are inducted into the forest, receiving plaques in the walkway. To get a glimpse of the Victorian era in Atchison, stop by the Evah Cray Museum, which is a historical home built in 1882. Its design is inspired by Scottish castles and features a bedroom set that won an award at the 1893 World's Fair.

Wamego

Thanks to its proximity to the Kansas River, Wamego has a rich agricultural history, starting with the Konza and Pottawatomie nations who settled in the area. Once the Kansas Pacific Railroad brought easier transportation through the area, the town grew and served as a rail yard for the town of Louisville, which was on the Oregon Trail.

You can learn more about the town's rich history by visiting the Prairie Town Village as part of the Wamego Historical Society and Museum. The Village includes the first Pottawatomie County Jail, a general store, and artifacts from the Civil War. When you visit City Park, the first thing you will notice is the Dutch Mill, which dates back to 1879. While it was originally built north of the town, it was taken down stone by stone in 1924 and carefully rebuilt in Wamego, where it is now recognized as one of the most iconic Kansas landmarks.

If you are a film buff, leave yourself plenty of time to explore the Oz Museum in Wamego, which is dedicated to the classic novel and 1939 movie The Wizard of Oz. With over 2,000 artifacts in the museum, you will feel like you are walking along the yellow brick road as you immerse yourself in all things related to the Emerald City.

Leavenworth

The history of Kansas begins in Leavenworth, as it is recognized as the first city in the state. Officially founded in 1854, Leavenworth supported the Fort Leavenworth Army installation. Eventually, it became known as the spot that opened to the west, as many covered wagons traveled through the area on the way to the Oregon and Santa Fe Trails.

Take a trip to the Frontier Army Museum to learn about the military history in the area and see weapons, equipment, and uniforms up close. If learning about architecture is more your style, visit the Carroll Mansion Museum and Historical Society to walk through an 1880s home featuring stained glass windows, impressive woodwork, and antiques from the 19th century. Let the kids join in on the fun with a stop at the CW Parker Carousel Museum and Gift Shop, where they can ride a restored and fully operational carousel from 1913 and learn more about Parker's history creating these timeless carnival rides.

Towns That Transport You to the Past

Whether you want to get a feel for what life was like in the Wild West or military history fascinates you, Kansas has no shortage of charming towns that will transport you back in time. From visiting the Last Chance Store in Council Grove to getting a taste of Sweden in Lindsborg, these nine towns are ideal for taking a day trip from a major city when you want to travel back to a simpler time. Start planning your trip to the past today!