6 Standout Main Streets In Kansas

Kansas is a unique blend of rugged cowboy history and outdoor adventure. Home to some unique places, such as the largest and most significant remaining intact prairie ecosystem in North America and Monument Rock, the state is a great road trip destination. While Kansas City is a popular spot to visit for its vibrant culture, the state's small towns also have something to offer.

Kansas' small towns show off the state's rich history, simultaneously offering the warmth of small-townr charm. Visiting the Main Street of a town is usually an exciting place, showing off the town's character and the vibrancy of small-town living. Here we explore six standout Main Streets in Kansas' small towns.

Lindsborg

Often referred to as "Little Sweden" because of the town's rich Swedish heritage, Lindsborg is a town known for charming shops and restaurants. Several downtown streets showcase the town's vibrant culture. However, Main Street is what really captures the spirit of the town. Strolling down the street, enjoy stopping in at galleries, historic sites, shops, and cafes that show off the Swedish history of the town.

For some coffee to start your day, head over to Blacksmith’s Coffee Shop & Roastery. The coffee shop is in a historic blacksmith shop. Art lovers will enjoy stopping in at Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery, which has thousands of works, including those from Swedish American artist Birger Sandzén. For some unique souvenirs, stop in at Hemslöjd. The store sells Scandinavian items, and visitors can even see the making of the beautiful Dala horses.

Learn more about the town' Swedish heritage at the Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum. The museum has two buildings on the list of the National Registry of Historical Places and specifically focuses on the history of the town between 1870 and 1910.

Dodge City

Dodge City is a place with a rich history, which is reflected in the historic buildings throughout the downtown. The town's Main Street, Wyatt Earp Boulevard, captures the essence of the town with unique shopping and sightseeing. Wyatt Earp Boulevard was named after a famous figure from the town's Wild West history. Learn about this history at the Boot Hill Museum on Main Street. The museum has interactive exhibits, with one of its most popular being the Wild West displays showing gunfights. Looking for some afternoon entertainment?

Head over to the Long Branch Saloon, just a short walk from the museum. This saloon brings the past alive with its variety of shows. Strolling down Main Street, stop in at some of the unique shops, such as The Vintage Belle Boutique. After a day of exploring, grab a bite at the Cowboy Capital Saloon & Grill. Housed in a historic 1900s mercantile building, the restaurant has everything from steak to burgers and nachos.

Florence

Florence, Kansas, is a rural town with rolling hills and the nearby Cottonwood River. The downtown is peaceful, and its Main Street is lined with historic landmarks. Some of the historic sites to visit include the Harvey House Museum. This museum was once a rest stop for railway passengers and is now a place where visitors can explore the town's past.

The Florence Water Tower is another historic landmark spotted from Florence's Main Street. Built in 1887, the water tower is 110 feet tall and holds 85,000 gallons of water. Beyond the historic sites, Florence has some cute shops and restaurants on Main Street. Check out Flint Hills Market & Bakery for some delicious baked goods. For some unique finds, head over to Doyle Creek Mercantile. They carry home décor, treats, and gift items.

Abilene

Abilene is more than just another small town in Kansas. In Abilene, the past comes to life, and Main Street feels like a movie set with its charming brick buildings in various hues of reds, yellows, and browns. Immerse yourself in the town's historic charm by enjoying the historic sites on Main Street. Explore the nearby boyhood home of Dwight D. Eisenhower at the Presidential Library & Museum. The museum shows the president's early life, his life during World War II, and presidency.

After exploring this museum, head over to the historic home, the Seelye Mansion. Built in 1905, the mansion offers a glimpse into early 20th-century life. Yet another interesting historic site to explore off Main Street is the Dickinson County Heritage Center. Learn about local history and see exhibits on the area's agricultural development. Abilene is also home to some unique attractions, such as the World's Largest Belt Buckle. Located at Eisenhower Park, get your photo beside this 19 feet 10.5 inches wide wonder.

Wamego

Wamego is another charming Kansas town, best known for its Oz Museum, conveniently located on its Main Street of Lincoln Avenue. The Oz Museum is a must for Wizard of Oz fans. It has everything from memorabilia and movie props to original illustrations. Nearby the museum, grab some food from Toto's TacOz.

The restaurant serves Cal-Mex cuisine, with a variety of options for vegetarians. Afterwards, stroll down your very own Yellow Brick Road, a whimsical path in town leading to the Emerald City Playground. This is a great spot for families to spend an afternoon enjoying a sunny day. Walking down the Yellow Brick Road, look around and see the colorful murals and sculptures inspired by The Wizard of Oz around the town.

Goodland

Originally, Goodland's Main Street was a dirt road. In 1921, it was transformed into a beautiful brick path, making Main Street a charming street to explore. Today, Main Street is home to some of Goodland's most unusual attractions, including the World’s Largest Easel Painting. Located near the visitors center, the painting is an 80-foot reproduction of Van Gogh's iconic Three Sunflowers in a Vase painting. Get your photo by the painting to remember this unusual attraction.

To see more art, walk over to the Goodland Carnegie Arts Center. The Arts Center shows off work from local artists and even offers workshops. Another interesting place for sightseeing is the High Plains Museum. Home to 8,000 artifacts, the museum shows off the area's history. During the summer months, Goodland's Main Street also has a Farmer's Market. This is a great place to grab some local produce, homemade goods, and unique local products.

Here we explored six standout Main Streets in Kansas. All of them have something unique to offer. From quirky attractions such as the World's Largest Easel Painting in Goodland to the Old Wild West ambience in Dodge City, there is something for everyone in these small towns. What makes their Main Streets stand out is that they capture the unique character of each town.

Whether this is through vibrant art galleries showing local art or historic sites explaining the town's history, each Main Street has a story to tell. A town's Main Street can make or break the downtown atmosphere. These Main Streets are certainly making a big impact on their small towns in a positive way. Next time you are visiting Kansas, consider visiting one. Their vibrant ambience will leave you with good memories.