The 7 Least-Crowded Towns In Kansas To Catch Fall Foliage

Fall is around the corner and the leaves in every state have started to change their colors. This often calls for a scenic jaunt in nature or a relaxing visit to hidden autumnal gems that allow visitors to be surrounded by the gorgeous fall foliage. For those situated somewhere in Kansas, this pleasure can be found just around the bend! Multiple small towns in this Sunflower State will give folks a full experience of delighting in the beauty of the coming season, without the crowds of tourists and locals. Travelers will find all shades of autumn, spooky horrors, farmer's markets, October festivals, and much more in these unsung towns that make for a perfect fall getaway. 

Atchison

This historical town along the Missouri River should be on top of your list for exploration and relaxation in the Fall. Founded in 1854, Atchison artistically blends history with nature. Here visitors will find many stately buildings, notable museums, and historic homes surrounded by tree-lined brick streets. Atchison also boasts a riverside setting, which adds to this charming escape. Apart from its blend of industrial and natural beauty, the town also features fun fall activities, such as the Oktoberfest, a regular Farmer’s Market, and even pumpkin painting. 

If you are a fan of all things spooky, Atchison is also one of the best places in the state to explore haunted houses, inhabiting sites such as the Sallie House and the Gargoyle Home. This is because there are numerous haunting tales encapsulated in the history of this town, which is also why Atchison remains largely unexplored and under-populated, making for a perfect site to explore some fall bounties. The best time to see autumn foliage in Atchison is from mid to late October, which is when most trees in the city begin turning from green to orange and the ghosts are coming out to play.

Garnett

Garnett is an obscure town, located just southeast of Kansas City, that remains undisturbed by tourists and locals alike due to its quaintness and minimal infrastructure facilities. While those attributes don’t necessarily inspire an urban life in the town, they do make for an ideal fall getaway. Boasting three lakes and a thousand acres of outdoor recreation space, Garnett houses an abundance of natural foliage that you can enjoy at leisure. Make sure to stop by the Cedar Lake Reservoir for a waterfront view of the autumn bush trees. Not satisfied? Get closer to the ripening nature by taking a hike in the Prairie Spirit Trail State Park. Most trees in Garnett begin to change color starting early October, so catch the transformation on time by visiting around that time.

Belle Plaine

Situated in Sumner County, Belle Plaine has a total area of only 0.91 square miles, making it one of the smallest cities in Kansas. However, the nature preserve that it harbors, the Bartlett Arboretum, is what makes it one of the most charming towns to visit in the fall. The arboretum houses a collection of tree species, local and exotic, all of which bloom and change colors at different times, making it a mesmerizing palette of hues in the autumn season. It is free and open to the public from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. every day, so you can take a relaxing walk amid the various fruit, nut, and shade trees anytime between early October and mid-November to enjoy the unique foliage this preserve has to offer.

Manhattan

“The Little Apple'' of Kansas is situated on the junction of two rivers; the Kansas River and Big Blue River, making it another one of the natural beauties in the state. Although Manhattan is fairly populated, in comparison to the others on this list, it still has some exclusive and lesser-known spots for Fall foliage viewing that may be of interest. One of these is the river pond in Tuttle Creek State Park, which is doused in tones of red, orange, and yellow in late October. To venture further into the Fall spirit, you can head to the big pumpkin patches and corn mazes in places such as Britt’s Garden Acres to take part in more touristy activities.

Leavenworth

Known as the First City of Kansas, Leavenworth is a historical town, proven with the popular C.W. Parker Carousel, Richard Allen, Fred Harvey, and other museums that it is home to. While it has interesting attractions such as Fort Leavenworth, Chapel of the Veterans, and Art and History Walks to keep visitors entertained all year round, it also boasts a lot of natural greenery that blooms in the autumn season. Take to the Leavenworth Landing to walk along the Missouri River or on one of its prescribed trails to find scenic viewing spots for the changing season. Alternatively, for a more accessible venture, take a spectacular drive along the Glacial Hills Scenic Byway. With the abundance of trees in this city, any time between mid-October to late November would be ideal for exploring Leavenworth in the fall.

Lecompton

For folks searching for a low-profile fall getaway in Kansas, Lecompton is the ideal small town for you. With about 600 people residing there, this town in the Kansas River still boasts an exceptional site for fall foliage sights. Take their famous walking tour to learn all about the town’s history while exploring the vast green plains on which it is built. Lecompton also has a spot specifically for those who prefer sightseeing on a vehicle, called ‘Scenic River Road’, which stretches from Lake View to Topeka, and has trees bowing over from either side, allowing you to experience the variety of autumn from the comfort of your car. Be sure to go early in the season to catch the changing trees in their true form, before they shed all their magnificence.

Wamego

For an escape into the land of magic and the outdoors, head to Wamego, Kansas. Although this city would classify as a small town, it does attract a host of tourists owing to its indulgence in the theme of “The Wizard of Oz”. With an OZ museum, an OZ winery, and even a yellow brick road, Wamego is the perfect town to take part in the whimsy of the spooky season. The city’s famous 15-acre park will allow tourists to get their fill of autumn colors and the opportunity to experience the OZtoberfest or Season of Light festivals to complete the October adventure.

Kansas offers a treasure of peaceful yet enchanting getaways for those searching for a unique and unforgettable autumn experience. As the season casts its crisp and colorful spell across the state. Each of these towns offers up a special allure, from the historic charm of Atchison to the natural beauty of Garnett's many lakes and forests, not to mention the mesmerizing hues of Belle Plaine, visitors will find a tapestry of fall delights in Kansas. Whether you're a local Kansan or a traveler passing through the state, consider these unsung towns for a perfect fall escape!