The 8 Friendliest Little Towns In Kansas

Kansas may be known for its wide-open skies and golden wheat fields. However, it is the people in its small towns who truly make it special. Scattered across the state are little communities where neighbors lend a hand without being asked, where festivals bring the whole town together, and where history is still shared over pie at the local diner. Towns like Parsons, with its community-driven events, and Fort Scott, where heritage and hospitality go hand in hand, embody this spirit. These towns, all with populations under 10,000, take pride in their traditions, their local events, and above all, their sense of welcome. Whether you are passing through or planning to stay a while, these eight small towns in Kansas are some of the friendliest places you will find.

Parsons

Parsons has a rich railroading legacy with a warm and neighborly spirit found only in Kansas’s friendliest small towns. Established as a key stop along the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad, Parsons keeps its history alive through Katy Days, a Memorial Day weekend festival held in Forest Park. The celebration brings everyone in town together with live performances, food trucks, a festive parade, and a deep appreciation for its roots.

Nature lovers have various places that they can choose to visit. Just outside town, Neosho State Fishing Lake comes with opportunities to fish, hike, and enjoy a peaceful picnic. Similarly, Big Hill Lake draws visitors with its sandy swimming spot, clear water, and scenic picnic shelters, while Lake Parsons, with its 980 acres of surface area and 1,000 acres of public land, gives plenty of room for boating, camping, and day trips with family and friends. Additionally, Parsons also encourages curiosity and creativity at Curious Minds Discovery Zone, an interactive space that welcomes learners of all ages.

Coffeyville

Coffeyville sits along the Verdigris River in southeastern Kansas, where people wave from their porches, and stories of the Old West still echo through the streets. Start your visit to this quaint town with the Brown Mansion, perched elegantly on a hill. Nearby, the Dalton Defenders and Coffeyville History Museum recount the infamous 1892 Dalton Gang raid, offering an immersive look into the town's daring past alongside exhibits showcasing regional life and heritage. For a dose of greenery and fresh air, head to Hillcrest Golf Course, tucked within Pfister Park. With rolling hills and water features, it is both a local hangout and a scenic challenge for golf lovers.

The heart of the town beats strongest during Dalton Defenders Days, when the community gathers for a spirited re-enactment of the failed bank robbery that put Coffeyville on the map. Alongside food trucks, vintage cars, and local crafts, the event brings out the pride and unity that define the town.

Bonner Springs

Bonner Springs is the kind of town where even strangers are greeted with a warm smile and a cheerful good morning. The town comes alive during the Kansas City Renaissance Festival, a fall tradition that transforms the town for seven weekends starting Labor Day. The fair has 165 booths and 13 stages and entertains 180,000 patrons annually. In the last weekend of August, Tiblow Days are celebrated, bringing the whole community together.

In town, a visit to Manna Meadows Alpacas shows guests the gentle charm of these soft, curious animals. Visitors can learn about their care, walk them through the fields, and enjoy a hands-on experience. Meanwhile, the National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame pays tribute to the backbone of rural America with exhibits that highlight the evolution of farming. For visitors with kids, step into the Moon Marble Company, where old-fashioned games and handcrafted marbles will entice kids. The store’s shelves are full of vibrant collectibles, so it is hard to leave without a smile.

Fort Scott

Fort Scott is the kind of town where visitors are treated like old friends. Tucked into Bourbon County, this historic town’s one of the hidden gems is Rock Creek Waterfall, where water tumbles down to meet the Marmaton River, a peaceful spot that feels miles away from the hustle and bustle of big cities. Besides that, Gunn Park provides a wide range of outdoor recreation with wooded biking trails, shaded camping areas, disc golf, and open space to enjoy a full day. Alongside these, history lives on at the Fort Scott National Historic Site, where 20 preserved structures and tallgrass prairie stretch across the old parade ground. Open year-round, it has an immersive look into 19th-century frontier life.

The Gordon Parks Museum, on the other hand, stands as a tribute to one of Fort Scott’s most inspiring natives. Through exhibits and educational programs, the museum celebrates Parks’ legacy in photography, writing, and filmmaking.

Each summer, Fort Scott fills with laughter and music during the Good Ol’ Days Festival, now in its 44th year in 2025. Held the first weekend of June, it begins with Bourbon County’s biggest parade and carries on with food, live entertainment, and games that bring the entire town together.

Pratt

In Pratt, everyone welcomes you with a handshake and a smile. This town makes everyone feel like they belong from the moment they arrive. Visitors can begin exploring at the Pratt County Historical Museum, where carefully preserved exhibits share the stories of pioneers and local legends. Aviation enthusiasts will appreciate the B-29 Museum, housed in a restored WWII parachute building, honoring the area’s military contributions and aircraft history. On the other hand, the Vernon Filley Art Museum adds a touch of creativity to town life, showcasing regional and national artworks in a thoughtfully curated space. Just beyond the town’s edge, Pratt County Lake invites visitors to cast a line or picnic by the shore.

Every fall, the town bursts with life during Pratt Oktoberfest. With German food, music, and yard games, it is a celebration of culture and community where laughter echoes across the park and new friendships are formed with ease.

De Soto

Tucked along the Kansas River, De Soto is a quaint little town where local events bring the whole community together. One of the year’s biggest highlights is the De Soto Days Festival, a tradition held every Labor Day weekend. Spanning four days, this lively celebration features vendor booths, food stands, and entertainment across three bustling stages, drawing crowds from near and far to enjoy the end-of-summer festivities.

Outdoor spaces in De Soto are equally interesting. Lexington Lake Park is a scenic escape with a 27-acre fishing lake, boat access, a looping multi-use trail, and areas to grill or simply relax under the trees. For a shorter walk or casual picnic, Sunflower Nature Park offers a peaceful setting with a pond, paved paths, and open green space perfect for unhurried visits. Golfers find their groove at Oak Country Golf Course, a local spot with a laid-back feel and a whole day of adventure.

Eudora

Eudora is a close-knit town where conversation and community spirit all find space to flourish. Among its most anticipated happenings is EudoraFest, a spring event that brings neighbors together for a car show, local vendors, and plenty of good cheer under the Kansas sun. It is the kind of gathering where everyone comes to celebrate as a community.

Wine lovers can enjoy an afternoon at Bluejacket Crossing Vineyard & Winery, a family-run spot perfect for relaxing with a glass of their handcrafted varietals while taking in views of the surrounding vines. Nearby, Davenport Orchards & Winery offers a down-to-earth charm with 24 acres of grapes and 5 acres of apples, providing both tastings and seasonal fruit picking for guests. Additionally, treasure hunters can check out the Eudora Thrift Store, a spot filled with unique surprises and vintage gems.

Paola

Paola is a town in Miami County where people meet with each other with genuine warmth. The Miami County Kansas Historical Society & Museum serves as the town’s memory bank, preserving decades of photographs, records, and artifacts that reflect the county’s deep roots and personal stories. Outdoor enthusiasts also have amazing places to explore, like Hillsdale Lake, where 4,580 acres of water offer endless space for boating, fishing, and peaceful reflection along the shorelines. Just a few miles away, Paola Miola Lake draws thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike. With 560 acres of parkland and a 200-acre lake, visitors enjoy water skiing, kayaking, and afternoons under the sun.

Every summer, the Miami County Fair fills the calendar’s last week of July with celebration. Families gather for livestock shows, tasty food, rodeos, and youth competitions, a tradition that brings joy to the whole town year after year.

Kansas is celebrated for its pioneer spirit, and the genuine hospitality found in its smallest communities is what truly sets it apart. Travelers exploring these friendliest little towns across the Sunflower State are met with cheerful welcomes and one-of-a-kind experiences. From joining in historic re-enactments in Coffeyville to wandering through marble shops in Bonner Springs, these towns invite visitors to slow down and enjoy the heartfelt connection of everyday life. Each stop adds a personal touch that makes Kansas feel less like a destination and more like a neighborly front porch.