7 Most Charming Town Squares In Kansas

Kansas draws you in with its wide skies, golden prairies, and towns that breathe with a sense of community spirit. In many places, the town square beats at the heart of it all. These aren’t just blocks of shops—they invite you to gather, share stories, uncover history, and stumble upon treasures waiting in plain sight. You can wander brick sidewalks, sip coffee at a cozy café, or admire a courthouse that has stood guard for generations. Kansas town squares showcase the state’s small-town soul in its best form. So, gas up the car, lace up your walking shoes, and start exploring these seven charming town squares in the Sunflower State.

Cottonwood Falls

Cottonwood Falls boasts one of the most photographed courthouses in Kansas—the Chase County Courthouse, built in 1873 with native limestone. Its towering clock tower anchors the square, and stepping inside feels like stepping back in time.

Across the street, Prairie PastTimes Art Gallery showcases handcrafted items from local artisans, giving you a true sense of Kansas creativity. Shops like Tallgrass Antiques (open on weekends) offer a variety of vintage items, furniture, and collectibles. If you want to explore a bit more, the Tallgrass Praiaire National Preserve is a short drive away, featuring over 11,000 acres of rolling prairie, well-maintained walking trails, and even a bison herd.

The square comes alive during summer with music on the courthouse lawn, where fiddles and guitars carry through the evening air. What makes Cottonwood Falls’ square so special is its intimacy—you don’t feel like a visitor here; you feel like a neighbor, even if it’s your first time.

Iola

Iola boasts one of the largest town squares in the state, and it’s a showstopper. The Allen County Courthouse rises proudly at its center, surrounded by wide streets and classic storefronts that stretch two blocks on each side. While the courthouse building dates back to the late 1950s, the community has preserved the old courthouse clock from the 1904 building. Today, the clock sits proudly on the south lawn of the square.

History enthusiasts will appreciate the Allen County Historical Society, a great place to discover the local heritage. Coffee lovers can grab a latte, incredible avocado toast, or a freshly made sandwich at Wild Bloom Coffee. In the summer, the square hosts the Farmers Market, filling the air with the smell of fresh produce, baked goods, and flowers. The space feels open, airy, and welcoming—perfect for festivals, casual strolls, or simply sitting on a bench and watching life unfold. Iola’s square has a kind of grandeur that still feels approachable, making it one of Kansas’ most rewarding stops.

Hiawatha

Hiawatha’s town square sits like a well-kept secret in the northeast corner of Kansas, framed by historic buildings that tell the story of a town proud of its heritage. At its center rises the Brown County Courthouse, an 1880s Romanesque-style landmark built of red brick and stone, complete with turrets and arched windows that make it one of the most striking courthouses in the state.

Strolling the square, you’ll find a mix of small-town staples and delightful surprises. Antique shops and boutiques line the streets, offering a diverse range of items, from vintage finds to locally crafted gifts. Shops like Just For You Jewelry and Gifts, and Sarah Kathryn's provide a unique blend of items for treasure hunters.

Hiawatha is also known for its legendary Halloween Frolic, which first began in 1914 and claims the title of the oldest continuously running Halloween parade in the United States. Each October, the square transforms into a festive stage, complete with floats, costumes, and marching bands, drawing thousands of visitors to town. Beyond Halloween, summer farmers' markets and holiday events keep the square lively and welcoming throughout the year.

Ottawa

Ottawa’s town square is one of those places that instantly makes you slow down and look around. At its center stands the Franklin County Courthouse, a 1893 Romanesque Revival masterpiece built of local limestone, complete with turrets and a soaring clock tower. It’s a building that doesn’t just anchor the square—it defines the skyline and gives the whole downtown a sense of permanence.

Surrounding the courthouse are blocks of historic storefronts that house a variety of shops, restaurants, and community spaces. A must-stop is the Plaza Cinema 1907, the oldest purpose-built movie theater in the world still in operation. Catching a film here feels like stepping into a living piece of history. Around the corner, Ottawa Bike and Trail offers rentals and supplies for anyone eager to explore the nearby Prairie Spirit Trail, a scenic rail-to-trail path that starts right in downtown. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, Legacy Square Coffee + Gifts serves up lattes alongside locally made treasures, making it the perfect place to pause during your walk.

The square often buzzes with activity—from farmers' markets to holiday parades—turning the courthouse lawn into a natural gathering place. During the summer, music drifts across downtown as concerts and festivals bring neighbors and visitors together under the open Kansas sky.

Beloit

Beloit may be a small town in north-central Kansas, but its town square is the kind of place that reminds you why these spaces matter so much to small towns. At the heart of it all is the Mitchell County Courthouse, an elegant limestone building completed in 1901 that still commands attention with its clock tower and intricate stonework.

Just steps away, you’ll find Plum Creek Restaurant, perched on West Court Street. This cafe is the go-to spot for “upscale, down-home” cooking, known for its house-cut steaks, intimate setting, and welcoming vibe. Not far from the square, Bubba Q’s on Main Street dishes out mouthwatering barbecue with flavorful sides—a satisfying stop that’s casual and fun.

The square also thrives with seasonal gatherings. While the farmers market draws visitors downtown in the warmer months, the courthouse grounds themselves often host holiday parades, winter lights, and community events that bring neighbors together in celebration.

Paola

Paola’s town square stands apart from most others in Kansas, because at its center you won’t find a courthouse—you’ll find a fountain and a graceful gazebo, surrounded by manicured lawns and shaded by old trees. This green heart of downtown has served as a gathering place since the town’s earliest days, and it still hosts concerts, farmers' markets, and casual meet-ups that keep the square buzzing with life.

Just off the square, Legacy Homestead shines as a favorite dining spot. With its farm-to-table spirit and made-from-scratch meals, it offers a range of options, from fresh-baked goods to hearty entrées, all served in a welcoming, relaxed setting. Park Square Emporium is a treasure trove of nostalgia, featuring two floors of antiques and curios. The square is home to festivals, such as the Roots Festival, a two-day, family-friendly event featuring music, arts and crafts, and fantastic food vendors.

What makes Paola’s square so enjoyable is that it feels so intimate and neighborly—a park framed by the heartbeat of local businesses. Families gather under the gazebo for summer concerts, while kids dash across the grass and parents chat on the benches, and the fountain provides a soothing backdrop.

Lyons

At the center of Lyons’ town square is the Rice County Courthouse, built in 1911, a stately limestone structure with a hip roof and central clock tower. The courthouse lends the square an unmistakable presence, its architecture reflecting both the town’s heritage and civic pride.

Encircling the courthouse are blocks filled with small businesses that keep the square lively. Scrambled Sam’s Café serves hearty breakfasts and comfort food lunches that locals swear by. A short stroll away, Brew 56 offers burgers and beers in a laid-back, friendly atmosphere where conversations spill across tables.

Community events breathe extra life into the square. The courthouse lawn often hosts parades and holiday celebrations, while the annual Fair in the Square brings extra energy to downtown with food, music, and family-friendly activities. In winter, Christmas lights illuminate the square, creating a warm glow that transforms the square into a postcard-worthy scene.

Exploring Kansas through its town squares is like leafing through a living scrapbook—each stop offers its own mix of history, flavor, and community spirit. Some squares feel stately, anchored by limestone courthouses that have watched generations come and go. Others lean into friendliness, with gazebos, fountains, and green lawns that invite you to sit a while. Around every corner, you’ll find cafés, shops, and local traditions that make each town unique, yet unmistakably Kansan.

So, let’s gas up the car, lace up your walking shoes, and start exploring these seven charming town squares in Kansas—you may arrive as a visitor, but you’ll leave feeling like part of the story.