Top 12 Kansas Towns To Visit In 2025
You’ve seen it on screen when Dorothy clicked her heels together, chanting, “There’s no place like home,” wanting desperately to return to Kansas. Maybe you have even seen the beautiful state in Western epics such as “Dances with Wolves” and “Red River”. But have you seen the Sunflower State in person? Kansas has well-preserved its iconic history, and even its small towns have found unique ways to share the creative spirit of past and modern locals alike. Keep reading to discover the best towns to visit that prove there is no place like Kansas.
Lindsborg
Also referred to as “Little Sweden USA”, Lindsborg’s population of around 3,776 works hard to preserve the Swedish culture that makes the town unique. One of the many things that make this town so special is the herd of Wild Dala Horses. These fiberglass horse statues, which are replicas of traditional Swedish horses, are found throughout Lindsborg, spreading their gorgeous colors throughout streets lined with Scandinavian shops. Each dala horse is painted by a different artist, making each sculpture a unique experience. Coronado Heights offers another walk full of wonders, this time through stunning rolling hills. Stop at the castle-like stone shelter on the hilltop and overlook the beautiful Kansas landscape. Find more beauty splashed on canvases at Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery. The gallery showcases art from the famed Swedish-American painter.
Abilene
The romanticism of the past meets the everlasting beauty of the Kansas countryside in Abilene. Take a trip on the historic Abilene & Smokey Valley Railroad train for stunning views and dining cars full of food from local restaurants. Immerse yourself in the history of Old Abilene town, where you can journey to the past through old Western reenactments and architecture. Afterwards, wander around the Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum, which offers visitors a unique experience to explore the legacy of the 5-star General who became the 34th President of the United States.
Wamego
The Wizard of Oz has been an important part of culture since 1939 and remains relevant as it’s reimagined through many different lenses today. Tourists who want to learn more about this piece of cinema culture should visit the Oz Museum in Wamego, where they will find all things Oz. The Emerald City is the greenest on-screen, but natural Kansas green spaces may be even more impressive. See for yourself at Riverfront Park, where green grass stretches out to the Kansas River. To further blend fantasy and reality, see a show at the Columbian Theatre, a restored 1895 opera house covered in stunning murals.
Cottonwood Falls
Cottonwood Falls has preserved what so much of the country has lost: tallgrass prairies. Only 4% of the original North American prairies still exist today, and most of them are in Kansas. To see this pivotal ecosystem, visit Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, where herds of bison roam freely. Another piece of the past stands proudly in Cottonwood Falls at the Chase County Courthouse. Built in 1873, it is the oldest operating courthouse in the state. For a picnic or a relaxing walk, go to Bates Grove Park, where you can walk across a historic limestone bridge made in 1914. The bridge stretches over a dam of cascading river water, making for a majestic walk.
Lucas
Lucas is a town bursting with art, where even a restroom is transformed into an art piece. Start your local art voyage at Grassroots Art Center, where upcycled installations are made by self-taught artists, most of whom have decided to spend their retirement years designing, painting, and creating. The installations are practically an appendage to their artist, as the installations are taken down when the artist dies.
Be further enchanted by large-scale art, this time in the form of limestone sculptures, at S.P. Dinsmoor’s Garden of Eden. The titular Civil War veteran’s cabin is open to visitors who want to explore the historic structure and the art that surrounds it. The true spirit of the community is captured in the most unexpected place, Bowl Plaza, a public restroom. The restroom is decorated with colorful gems, dolls, and many other additions from local artists who have successfully proven that any structure can (and should) be beautified.
Atchison
Many say that ghosts roam in Atchison, known as the most haunted town in Kansas. Hop aboard a trolley to visit the spookiest sites and hear the scary stories that make up the spiritual fabric of this haunted town. One of these ghosts may even be the legendary pilot Amelia Earhart, who was born in this town. Her childhood home, constructed in 1861, has been preserved and is open to the public at the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum. Art, history, and culture blend at the Muchnic Art Gallery, a gallery and cultural center inside a Victorian Mansion. The stunning space also provides art classes, special exhibits, and yoga courses.
Fort Scott
With two lakes for fishing and 6.5 miles of trails suitable for hiking and biking, Gunn Park in Fort Scott is a great place to spend the day. Or, bring a tent and camp out in one of the 10 campsites and 7 shelter houses within the park. Culture fans can celebrate film and photography at The Gordon Parks Museum which houses a collection of work by artist Gordon Parks. Parks dedicated his life to cultural awareness and the role of diversity in life and in art. These same themes live on at the museum, which is open to the public on a donation basis. Fort Scott is also home to the national historic site where soldier barracks, stables, hospitals, and bakehouses from 1842 welcome any who want to learn about the history of Western Expansion.
Hays
Life in Hays is steeped in the history of its ancestors. Reminders of this small town's past are everywhere, even brushed onto the beautiful brick buildings in the downtown district. Admire these unique murals (so far there are ten in total) while shopping and appreciating even more art at Hays Arts Center Gallery. Immerse yourself in the history of Hays at the Fort Hays State Historic Site. This historic landmark is an 1860s military fort that has been reconstructed to educate visitors on one of the major battlefields in Kansas. To appreciate the history of the earth itself, go to the Sternberg Museum of Natural History. The museum's exhibits tell the story of our earth in large-scale recreations and prehistoric fossil displays.
Dodge City
Dodge City has just over 27,000 residents, plus the ghosts of its pioneer past. Ruts from wagons that once carried vital supplies for pioneers are still visible only nine miles outside of the city limits. Those ruts serve as a reminder of those who traveled the “pioneer highway” through Dodge City almost 150 years ago. To dive into the past of this city, visit Boot Hill Museum, which is so much more than an Old West town replica. The museum lives and breathes through interactive displays, including a recreated town full of functional stores and bars, offering sweet treats and beverages for guests of all ages.
If you crave an adventure and a reprieve from the heat, dive into cool waters and rush down waterslides at Long Branch Lagoon Water Park. This classic waterpark has a Western twist to honor the prairie life that makes Kansas so special. Complete your tour of the city with a stroll along the Dodge City Trail of Fame, a sidewalk that honors Western legends.
Council Grove
Back in 1825, a historic council was held under a towering oak tree. Under the watchful branches of this oak tree, chiefs of the Great and Little Osage Indians and three U.S. commissioners created a treaty that gave Americans and Hispanics free passage along the Santa Fe Trail through Osage territory for a payment of $800. Now, the trunk of the oak tree has been preserved at Council Oak in Council Grove.
The park around the oak trunk has plenty of trails to wander and explore. For water recreation, head to Council Grove Lake for boating, fishing, and stargazing. Once you’ve built up your appetite after a long day on the water, eat at the oldest operating restaurant west of the Mississippi, Hays House. This historic dining destination serves up Kansa’s steaks, pasta, and more delicious local fare.
Norton
Norton is a small but mighty town full of captivating local wildlife, whimsical art, and adventures for all. If you visit Prairie Dog State Park, you won't be there alone; approximately 300 prairie dogs reside on these plains, making this park ideal for wildlife spotting. Travelers of all ages will find something special to admire in this park, which has a trail covered in storybook illustrations, a thriving wildlife area, and an archery range.
Tourists looking to take home a unique piece of this small town should shop-hop along Main Street, which is known for its treasure trove of antiques. Witness the artistry created by locals at Norton County Community Art Center, where you can hear local voices at open mic nights and walk through painted canvases on gallery nights.
Marysville
While exploring Marysville, step back into the past when mail was delivered via horseback. The Pony Express Barn & Museum celebrates this old system, and is the only remaining station from the Pony Express route. The museum is inside of a beautifully crafted stone barn made in 1859. For another window into the past, visit the Historic Koester House Museum, a Victorian home filled with its original furnishings.
After exploring the home, head back to admire the sculpture garden behind the museum. The garden is also dappled with flowers planted by the original homeowner in the late 1800s. For even more natural beauty and flora, take a walk through Marysville City Park. Along with trails, the park also has a swimming pool, playground, and tennis court.
Between their stunning nature and gem-filled main streets, these small towns make it obvious why Dorothy was so desperate to get home. From long grass prairies in Cottonwood Falls to art installations in Lucas and historic recreations in Dodge City, Kansas has so many rare experiences to offer travelers. To understand how Kansas went from a “flyover” state to a fabulous destination to explore, be sure to pay one of these unique towns a visit in 2025.
