10 Must-Visit Small Towns in Kansas

Abilene is a fun Old West-style town in Kansas that's charming and features a rich history. Famous for being the hometown of President Eisenhower, you can explore his childhood home – it's part of a larger complex that includes a presidential library and museum.

Additionally, you can see the impressive architecture of the past at the Seelye Mansion, or visit the American Indian Art Center if you're interested in native culture. The art center displays an array of different works crafted by artists from quite a few tribes.

The quaint town of Atchison is right along the Missouri River, about 55 miles northeast of Topeka. If you're interested in architecture, you can see several Victorian-style homes and buildings, such as the Santa Fe Depot, St. Benedict’s Abbey, and Benedictine College.

Atchison is the birthplace of Amelia Earhart, and that fact is celebrated every year with the Amelia Earhart Festival. The town is widely considered to be the most haunted town in all of Kansas. If you're feeling brave, you can embark on a ghost tour or get a spiritual reading. Regardless, the brick streets certainly have a unique ambiance after dark, so a stroll through town after the sun goes down is always worthwhile.

You'll find Cottonwood Falls in the Flint Hills, where you can explore impressive natural landscapes and a bustling downtown area in equal measure. The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is nearby, offering numerous hiking trails that let you explore the natural plains and spot wildlife like bison. 

The downtown area is packed with historical buildings, many of which are made from native limestone mined from the local region. Among the buildings, you'll find fun shops and restaurants offering crafts and clothes and delicious, comforting American fare, respectively.

Council Grove is a fun little town in Kansas that offers all the conveniences of a big city while still holding onto that small-town charm. The downtown area is booming with fun shops and restaurants that have been around since the 19th century. Among the most popular is the Hays House Restaurant, which dates back to 1857. 

Historic sites can be found around Council Grove as well, like the Kaw Mission State Historic Site and Museum. Even the town's post office has a long history – it has an impressive mural that's rather Instagrammable. 

Dodge City was established in 1872 and has earned a fairly endearing nickname in all that time, 'The Wickedest Little City in America.' The nickname came from the cowboys and gamblers who moved into the town in its early days.

Today, the town's modern community is welcoming and embraces the nickname as more of a joke than anything else. You can explore much of this history by checking out attractions like the Boot Hill Museum and the Dodge City Trolley.

The first thing you'll probably notice in Fort Scott is the impressive architecture – appearing as you'd expect an old western town to look, complemented by brick streets. The shops even offer relics of the past, as antiquing is particularly popular. 

Of course, the star of the town is the Fort Scott National Historic Site, where you'll find 20 buildings dating back to the 19th century. You can even see time-appropriate furnishings showcased by numerous exhibitions. Taking a stroll in the historic district is like stepping back in time.

Leavenworth is the first city ever established in Kansas, making it an excellent place to explore the state's history. Dating back to 1854, this town is packed full of fascinating history, impressive architecture, and delicious eateries that the whole family can enjoy. 

Don't forget to check out Fort Leavenworth – it's the oldest active fort west of the Mississippi. While most original settlements have since grown to be sprawling metropolises, Leavenworth managed to hold onto its small-town charm. It's on the west bank of the Missouri River, about 61.5 miles northeast of Topeka. 

Lindsborg offers an experience that's not only unique among Kansas small towns, but also across the USA. Known as 'Little Sweden', the town sports a remarkably Swedish atmosphere in its architecture, culture, food, and events. This is thanks to the massive influx of Swedish settlers back in 1869. 

The Old Mill Museum is the best place in town to explore its history, but you can see the Swedish influence while strolling the streets. When planning your trip, you might want to consider visiting in October to take part in Svensk Hyllningsfest, a local Swedish-inspired festival dating back to 1941.

Lucas may be a relatively small community, but you'll still find plenty of adventure waiting for you. Its Post Rock limestone buildings and quirky art make this town stand out among the rest of Kansas. 

Lucas is frequently considered to be the 'Grassroots Art Capital of Kansas.' The Grassroots Arts Center is especially appealing, as you'll find impressive folk art crafted by local residents. The S.P. Dinsmoor's Garden of Eden is a peculiar location, with 200 concrete sculptures surrounding a log cabin.

Ever since its inception, Wamego has been geared toward entertainment. The town's landmark is the Columbian Theatre, which frequently hosts exciting performances of different genres. The Wizard of Oz is particularly popular here – you can even see over 1,000 artifacts and film props at the Oz Museum. 

Stop by the Oz Winery to taste award-winning wines inspired by the famous musical. Outdoor lovers can visit the 15-acre Wamego City Park, which has tennis courts, horseshoe pits, and a 19th-century stone windmill.