9 Towns in Kansas With Vibrant Downtown Areas
Kansas is often celebrated for its sprawling prairies, golden wheat fields, and ties to Old West history. But beyond the endless horizons and scenic farmland, the Sunflower State is also home to countless small towns brimming with Midwestern charm. While many of these towns were founded as places of commerce and community for early pioneers making their way westward, they have grown into thriving communities with rich histories. Their downtown areas may be small, but they offer lively, welcoming spaces that unite people through a solid sense of connection. Whether you are searching for local art, neat shops, or just a cozy café for a warm cup of coffee, these small towns prove that in America's heartland, the best experiences often come in small packages. Find nine of Kansas's most vibrant small-town downtowns, each offering its own special blend of history, culture, and community spirit.
Lindsborg
Lindsborg sits in the central part of the state and is fondly known as “Little Sweden,” inviting visitors into a world of Scandinavian heritage as soon as they step onto Main Street. The streets are adorned with colorful Dala horse statues, and storefronts overflow with Swedish-inspired crafts and goods. Stop by the Hemslöjd for authentic wooden crafts, or explore local art at the Birger Sandzén Memorial Art Gallery. The Old Mill and Swedish Heritage Museum is an excellent place to learn the history of the region. Every other year, the town’s history truly comes alive during the Svensk Hyllningsfest, a Swedish festival filled with traditional music, dancing, and food that transforms the downtown into a cultural celebration.
When you visit, eat at one of the many Scandinavian dining venues, including Crown and Rye, known for authentic Swedish cuisine, or Old Stuga, an old-time bar with a nice collection of beers. When you go to Old Stuga, you want to order the "Trust Me" sandwich. It is not on the menu, but if you like spicy, unusual sandwich concoctions, this is one of the best you will find anywhere.
Wamego
Wamego may be a small town, but its downtown is packed with personality—most notably through its playful tribute to the movie The Wizard of Oz. The Oz Museum sits at the heart of downtown, delighting visitors with memorabilia from the classic film. The town celebrates its connections to the land of Oz every October with its "OZtober" Fest. As you stroll along the main street, you will find friendly local cafés, charming bakeries, and a relaxing city park with a beautiful windmill and gardens. Keep your eyes peeled for the yellow bricks that meander through the downtown district. Grandkids will love searching and spotting the 15 small statues of Dorothy's famous dog, Toto.
One of the best places for lunch is the Friendship House, a bakery/eatery serving breakfast and lunch with homemade pastries, cookies, and bread. Brleycorn's Downtown Deli is also making a name for itself as a popular local hangout with its monster homemade sandwiches (you will want to split one unless you are starving).
Hays
Hays is a college town (Fort Hays State University) sitting on the central plains, right off I-70 in Ellis County. The town began as a military outpost on the plains, protecting settlers as they moved west across the prairie. Remnants of the old Fort are still present, and the university anchors the town with its vibrant college vibe. The downtown district, affectionately called "The Bricks" for its cobblestone streets, seems to be leading the town's resurgence as a great place for locals to gather for unique food and fellowship. Hays celebrates its Wild West Days with a large downtown festival every Fourth of July weekend, putting on a patriotic party everyone should have on their bucket list.
When you venture downtown, you will want to dine at Gella's Diner and Lb. Brewing Company, which has excellent food and beer selections. The Paisley Pear Wine Bar, Bistro, and Market is another wonderfully intimate spot for a great sandwich or salad. A favorite is the red pepper gouda soup paired with a turkey, brie, and apple sandwich. They are as good as any you will try anywhere.
Emporia
Emporia is a vibrant college town off of the Kansas Turnpike (I-35) in eastern Kansas. For the last couple of decades, this college town has made a determined commitment to revitalizing its downtown district. The university sits at the north end of downtown, and historic buildings extend some nine blocks south, home to modern boutiques, breweries, and trendy cafés. The Granada Theatre is a focal point for concerts and community events. Emporia’s revitalized downtown comes alive during the annual Unbound Gravel (formerly the Dirty Kanza gravel bike race), attracting cycling enthusiasts for races through the surrounding Flint Hills. The William Allen White home is an excellent example of Victorian architecture that can be found throughout the town.
As you explore the many shops, antique stores, and dining options, stop at Radius Brewing Company. This local hangout serves pizza and has an excellent craft beer selection brewed right in the middle of the dining room.
Atchison
Perched along the Missouri River in the northeast portion of the state, Atchison’s downtown is steeped in history, most notably as the birthplace of Amelia Earhart. The town’s annual Amelia Earhart Festival brings the streets to life with music, vendors, and tributes to the pioneering aviator. Beyond history, downtown Atchison offers scenic river views, cozy restaurants, and a strong sense of the macabre, earning it the distinction of the "most Haunted City in Kansas." Nightly trolley ghost tours will take you to the various haunts throughout the city. Keep your eyes open as you listen to the ghostly tales of the town's former residents at each stopping point.
Paolucci Restaurant and Lounge is on South 3rd St. This favorite local hangout serves excellent food and plenty of it. The Sunflower is the best place to grab a coffee with your friends if you need a morning pick-me-up.
Ottawa
This close-knit community is a haven of hospitality, where people wave as you pass by, and the coffee shops and boutiques feel like extensions of the community itself because that is precisely what they are. Ottawa’s downtown feels like stepping into another era, with its well-preserved Victorian buildings and the iconic Plaza Cinema, one of the world’s oldest operating movie theaters. The Old Depot Museum has many fine artifacts and exhibits from the town's early days as a railroad hub. Festivals like the Ol’ Marais River Run, a classic car show that draws enthusiasts and families alike, help add to the downtown aura. Ottawa has a lovely local art scene, and the Carnegie Cultural Center features many local artists' work.
Corner Market on South Main is the best place for a coffee, drink, sandwich, or salad. This restaurant uses as many locally produced ingredients as possible, which makes it one of the most loved dining venues in the area.
Colby
Known as the "Oasis on the Plains," Colby’s downtown is a testament to how small towns can foster a tight-knit, welcoming atmosphere. The historic main street is lined with local businesses, from specialty shops and locally owned businesses. The Prairie Museum of Art and History celebrates the region's heritage with exciting exhibits and historic artifacts. Community events, such as the annual Pickin' on the Plains bluegrass festival, bring locals and visitors together, filling the downtown area with music and activity every summer. Be sure to swing by the Thomas County Courthouse, built in 1907 with its iconic five-story clock tower.
If you enjoy off-the-beaten-path bars, Twisters is worth searching out. With excellent burgers and beers, this bar might not appear to be much from the outside, but once you open the door, you will be pleasantly surprised by the food, friendly staff, and atmosphere.
Council Grove
As a historic stop on the Santa Fe Trail, Council Grove strives to preserve much of its past, and you can feel it while strolling through the downtown district. The main street covers the actual Trail, and many of the downtown buildings from the 1800s have been repurposed into lively shops, restaurants, and galleries. The community celebrates its tribal heritage at Washunga Days every summer, with a weeklong gathering featuring a Kaw Nation international pow-wow, live music, a car show, and food vendors. The iconic Hays House, one of the oldest continuously operating restaurants west of the Mississippi, anchors the downtown area and draws visitors with its Old West ambiance. The Saddlerock Cafe is also a local favorite, known for delicious breakfasts and good value.
Whether you are exploring a museum or just taking in the Western aura of the community, Council Grove has a downtown district perfect for an afternoon of exploration. If you are searching for a place to stay, check out the Cottage House, a restored home that began as a three-room cottage and blacksmith shop first built in 1867.
McPherson
McPherson’s downtown buzzes with activity thanks to its lively blend of art, culture, and community events. The restored McPherson Opera House offers live performances, bringing together locals for music, theater, and more. As you wander through the town’s historic district, don't miss the Romanesque-style Court House made from perfectly placed local limestone. The downtown district has a vibrant mix of local boutiques, coffee shops, and galleries, including the Clayworks, a gallery run by Disability Works, which exhibits many beautiful sculptures by local artists of all skill levels.
The one place you must stop in McPherson is the Neighbors Cafe, serving giant-sized cinnamon rolls that need to be seen to be believed. The other breakfast items are also excellent, but don't be surprised if you have to wait for a table because this place is just that good.
Kansas may be known for its endless prairies, but the small towns reflect the state’s true beating heart. These vibrant downtowns, each with flair, offer a glimpse into the warmth, creativity, and community that defines Kansas’ small-town life. Whether you are visiting for the history of a place like Council Grove, attending a whimsical festival like OZtober Fest in Wamego, or just riding the ghost tour of the most haunted city in Kansas at Atchision, these towns will leave a lasting impression, building memories in the process.
