7 Most Breathtaking Towns In Kansas
When you think of Kansas, you most likely think of farmland and wheatfields. However, the Sunflower State is full of surprises! From the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, the tallgrass fields of Flint Hills, and the gentle rollers of the Smoky Valley, these small communities are simply breathtaking. Whether you want to hike alongside rivers and pools in Cottonwood Falls or stand atop a castle in the middle of the Smoky Valley in Lindsborg, these little-known gems are sure to fill up the camera storage on your phone.
Cottonwood Falls
In the heart of Flint Hills, a landscape of gentle rolling hills and tallgrass prairies, is Cottonwood Falls. With its old-world brick street downtown and cozy boutiques, it feels like walking inside a postcard. In the center of the historic district is the Chase County Courthouse - the oldest courthouse in Kansas, built in 1873 - accented by a carefully manicured lawn and picnic tables. While you can roam Cottonwood Falls and stop in at local shops like Tallgrass Antiques, the real excitement lies just outside the city limits.
One of the best places to go in Cottonwood Falls is Chase State Fishing Lake. It’s a serene spot to cast a line for bass and other species from the rocky shoreline, shallow mudflats, or one of eight fishing piers. There are designated camping spots in the wilderness area that surrounds the lake, as well as opportunities for hunting, depending on the season, and hiking trails that lead to a series of waterfalls. Driving along the Flint Hills Scenic Byway in the summer, with its blooming wildflowers and stellar sunsets, makes for an unforgettable experience.
Wamego
Nestled along the banks of the Kansas River is Wamego, also known as the “Town of Oz”. When exploring downtown, you can’t miss the Oz Museum, with its painted green brick exterior and golden trim! As a love letter to the Wizard of Oz, it has over 20,000 artifacts from the movie, like original costumes and props from the original set. There’s even a mini Yellow Brick Road in Wamego, tucked in an alleyway between buildings downtown, which is a perfect place to snap a few photos.
Outside the Land of Oz in central Wamego is some of the most beautiful scenery in Kansas. Wamego City Park is often considered one of Kansas’ best city parks. It has a Dutch Mill circa 1879, a rustic Prairie Town Village with cabins and buildings to explore, and a stunning pond lined with benches to take in the views. For more adventure in and around Wamego, Riverfront Park grants visitors prime access to boating and recreation opportunities on the beautiful Kansas River.
Lindsborg
In the heart of the Smoky Valley is the picturesque community of Lindsborg, also known as Little Sweden, USA. From the colorful buildings lining the quaint brick streets to historical Swedish grounds, Lindsborg is a slice of Scandinavia hidden away in the Midwest! The Old Mill and Swedish Heritage Museum tells the tale of Lindsborg with old cabins, a roller mill built in 1898, and a museum with artifacts from the early days of Lindsborg. It even has a 1904 Swedish Pavilion that was reassembled from the St. Louis World’s Fair.
Traveling the Välkommen Trail is a great way to take in the beauty of central Lindsborg. The paved path traces through town, over bridges, and through open prairies. However, the views from the trail pale in comparison to the views atop the Coronado Heights Castle. The castle was built in 1936 to pay homage to Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, who is believed to have used the high vantage point as a lookout. Today, you can scale to the top of the castle for one of the best panoramic views of the Smoky Valley below.
Baxter Springs
Did you know that Route 66 runs through Kansas? While it’s only about a 13-mile stretch, the historic route traces through Baxter Spring in the very southeastern corner of the state. You can stop at the Baxter Springs Independent Oil and Gas Service Station to feel what it was like for those road-weary travelers of the 1950s. While it’s no longer a working gas station, it now serves as a Route 66 Visitors Center and the welcome center for Baxter Springs. If you want to learn even more about the town, be sure to swing by the Baxter Springs Heritage Center and Museum.
Located on the Ozark Plateau at the very edge of the Ozark Mountains, there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure in Baxter Springs. It's where you’ll find charming Schermerhorn Park and Cave, a great spot to swim, fish, relax along the water, or explore Schermerhorn Cave. After a day spent exploring, Monarch Pharmacy has an old-fashioned soda fountain with classic shakes, malts, sodas, and vintage specials that are sure to hit the spot.
Fort Scott
On the Kansas and Missouri border is the small community of Fort Scott, an area with a history almost as stunning as the natural views of the Osage Plains. It’s home to Fort Scott National Historic Site, a time capsule from 1942-1973 that has been meticulously preserved and maintained. Originally, the fort served as a headquarters for America’s expansion out west and was later used as a base during the Civil War. Amid the fields are relics from the Civil War era, like officers’ quarters and barracks, which you can freely explore.
The site is close to the Marmaton Riverfront Park Belltown Trail, which is a lovely paved loop with river views and accented with local art. South of central Fort Scott is Gunn Park, a favorite among locals. The park spans almost 155 acres with forested hiking paths, stone shelters, playgrounds, and benches scattered along the banks of the Marmaton River.
Atchison
In the northeast corner of Kansas near the Missouri border is the lovely town of Atchison. On the banks of the Missouri River and surrounded by rolling hills and lush forests, it's a charming community that has a distinct appeal no matter the season. The tree-lined streets, which are exceptionally gorgeous in the fall, are where you can find unique gifts and souvenirs at places like Gateway Treasures, and then grab a bite at Mueller's Lockeroom for classic pub food and weekly specials.
These local stops are also a short walk away from the Atchison Riverwalk, which is one of the best ways to take in the views of the area, including the Amelia Earhart Memorial Bridge. Amelia Earhart was born in Atchison, and you can learn more about her life and ill-fated expedition by visiting her childhood home at the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum.
Colby
In western Kansas, not too far from the Colorado border, is the hidden hamlet of Colby. It captures the heart of the High Plains region with starry skies and flat lands that stretch out as far as the eye can see. It’s where you’ll find the Prairie Museum of Art and History, which allows visitors not only to see artifacts from the early days of Colby but also to experience them. You can tour historical buildings on the 24-acre grounds that include a schoolhouse, church, and the Cooper Barn, which is the largest barn in the state!
In the midst of the wheat fields and farmland, there are small public parks, like Fike Park. It’s an idyllic community park with a playground for the kids, wood carvings and bronze statues, and covered pavilions and benches to set up a picnic. Colby is also where you’ll find an “Oasis on the Plains” at Villa High Park. In the midst of wide open plains, Villa High Park truly is a vision and a welcome retreat. With manicured walking paths, a fishing lake, and pavilions, it is a wonderful place to spend the afternoon.
These Beautiful Kansas Retreats are Worth the Detour
Sometimes, the most memorable adventures are hiding in the most unexpected places. Kansas may have a reputation for being flat, but it hides hidden treasures scattered across the wheatfields. From Swedish parks where you can picnic under a windmill in Lindsborg to walking a real-life yellow brick road in Wamego, there are plenty of surprises waiting just off the highway. You may have to do a little more than just click your heels to get there, but traveling under the wide open skies of Kansas is half the fun!
