Well worth a longer description, the Kansas landscape is characterized by high plains, precious history, and rich agriculture; it is the essence of ‘Mid-West’ charm one better sees in small-town America. If ever you happen to take a road trip to western Kansas, do make sure you check out these 7 special small towns, with each having its own merits of settlement, history, culture, and friendliness of the local people.
Abilene: President’s childhood and the magic of Old West
The humble, distinct Old West town of Abilene connects you with history almost at every slip that you walk. The biggest reason: it is the home of President of the United States Eisenhower. You can see his childhood home, which now forms part of the Presidential Library and Museum. If you are an admirer of historical architecture, do have a look at the grandiose Seelye Mansion.
The American Indian Art Center, with its various exhibits of arts and crafts, goes on to provide an education on the ways of various tribes. The streets and buildings here still whisper a kind of Old West air.
Atchison: The birthplace of Amelia Airhart and ‘haunted’ town
Atchison is located along the banks of the Missouri River, which gives it endless allure with Victorian-style buildings. It is also the birthplace of prominent aviator Amelia Airhart. Here, the annual ‘Amelia Airhart Festival’ is the biggest blast of tradition.
For adventurous souls, Atchison is also considered the most ‘hauntedtown’ in Kansas. You can have the thrill of walking under the moonlight on spooky brick-paved streets or take a ghost tour. History, adventure, and strange tales… Atchison has it all!
Cottonwood Falls: A beautiful amalgamation of nature and history
The natural setting and busy city center are what draw people to Cottonwood Falls. Walking along the trails of Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is one way in which to appreciate all that prairie beauty, along with the bison and the birds.
In the town center, there are historic buildings fashioned out of the local quarry’s natural limestone. They encompass fun shops and diner-style restaurants serving genuine American cuisine.
Council Grove: Old World Cuisine and Hospitality
Located in Council Grove, there are many buildings adorned with nostalgia, gift shops, cooking schools, restaurants, memorials, and a goodly number of historic sites. The Hays House Restaurant has been in the running since its founding in 1857.
The Kaw Mission State Historic Site and Museum add an Old World feel. The post office of yore is practically a historic landmark itself, and its Instagrammable mural will definitely catch your attention.
Dodge City: The thrill of the ‘Wickedest Little City’
Founded in 1872, Dodge City is now nicknamed the ‘Wickedest Little City in America’ and once had rule by caveboys and gamblers. Dodge is now a very friendly town, and the community takes the nickname in a positive way.
The top-most attractions here are the Boot Hill Museum and Dodge City Trolley. Vintage saloons, Wild West-style buildings, and live performances by entertainers transport everybody back in time.
Fort Scott: Vintage charm and historic buildings
It is almost as if, upon arrival at Fort Scott, you’re transported back to the Old West, with its brick streets and shops. Antiquing is always wonderful.
Fort Scott National Historic Site is the shining star of this town – a collection of twenty buildings dating from the 19th century that throw visitors back into the past. Enjoy the experience of furnished streets, exhibits, and the walking about.
Leavenworth: Kansas’s First City
Leavenworth is a treasure trove for history lovers—for Kansas’s oldest city, Leavenworth takes on an almost fairy-tale charm. Fort Leavenworth, oldest active fort, is here.
Enjoy Leavenworth’s atmospheric restaurants and charming markets while resting on the pristine banks of the Missouri. Here, the atmosphere is the confluence of the old and new.
Lindsborg: The Magic of ‘Little Sweden’
Lindsborg is rather famous for its distinctive Swedish culture. This was owing to the mass immigration of Swedish people settling here in 1869. Most of that influence is very visible on the streets of the city even today.
The Old Mill Museum especially tells its tale. If you visit in October, you may even visit during the colorful Swedish festival called ‘Svensk Hyllningsfest’.
Lucas: The Grassroots Art Capital
Although Lucas may be small, the arts and artists are mighty. Grassroots Art Center celebrates the unique folk art of local artists.
The weirdest attraction must be S.P. Dinsmoor’s Garden of Eden, where 200 concrete sculptures are uniquely arranged around an odd hut. Stone buildings and quirky art make Lucas different from all other cities.
Wamego: Theater, Art, and Life in Colors
The major attraction found here is Columbian Theater, where theatrical performances of all genres can be found. The super-famous Oz Museum houses over 1000 objects from the film ‘The Wizard of Oz’.
City Park boasts 15 acres and includes tennis courts, horseshoe pits, and a 19th-century stone windmill. If you enjoy wine, check out some adventure wine tasting at the Oz Winery.
Conclusion
These small towns in Kansas, rich in history and culture, would offer something unique to every traveler—some with Western charm, some under blue skies and green prairies, some with unique art, and somewhere the echoes of old mansions. So the next time you plan a road trip, do not limit yourself to big cities; these small towns provide a wonderful mix of Americana, hospitality, and history.