7 Most Overlooked Kansas Towns For 2025
Think Kansas has nothing new to show you? From the Missouri River in the northeast to the flat prairie lands out west, Kansas is more expansive than most people realize. As the flashpoint for America’s national conflict before the Civil War, Kansas has seen its share of national attention. These days, cities like Wichita and Lawrence get most of the spotlight, while smaller towns gather dust in the background. But the “Where were you?” stories live in those smaller places. These include the early settlement stories, the pride, and the long-standing traditions. If your map doesn’t include them, you’re missing the full picture. So grab your keys, drive the back roads, and see what Kansas has to offer.
Wamego
A small town with a clear path: follow Oz, sip wine, and walk through the park to the Netherlands. The whimsical character of Wamego starts with the Oz Museum, where you can tour an extensive collection of The Wizard of Oz memorabilia. Then head to the Columbian Theatre, a beautifully restored 19th-century opera house that hosts concerts, plays, and art exhibits. History lovers can explore the Wamego Historical Museum and Prairie Village, a collection of 1800s buildings offering a glimpse into pioneer life. Nature seekers can unwind at Wamego City Park, home to the town’s historic Dutch Mill, which was relocated from the Smoky Hills.
Emporia
Not many notice Emporia, but maybe they should. Begin your day at the Lyon County History Center, which features exhibits on the Civil War and the town’s development. After the museum, stop by the David Traylor Zoo. It’s small but well done and free, which is why locals love it. Finish with a visit to Radius Brewing Company for a tour and tasting. Their wood-fired pizza pairs well with the beer. If you’re in town in October, don’t miss the Halfway to Everywhere Music and Arts Festival, a standout celebration of regional music and local flavor.
Abilene
Seven years running, Abilene has earned a finalist spot in USA TODAY’s Best Historic Small Town rankings, yet somehow, it remains off most travel lists. Start at the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, the town’s most popular site. It covers the life and legacy of the five-star general and U.S. president.
Next, make your way to Seelye Mansion, where the original Gilded Age furnishings and 1900s décor are still on display. Walk the wooden sidewalks of Old Abilene Town, where gunfight reenactments and preserved storefronts bring the Old West to life. End your visit at the Greyhound Hall of Fame, which is dedicated to the town’s racing history and its most legendary dogs.
Concordia
Long bypassed, Concordia holds more than you’d expect. Start at the National Orphan Train Complex, which tells the story of thousands of children sent west. Then explore the WWII German POW Camp Concordia Museum, complete with restored barracks and wartime artifacts. This town was once a major rail center for the Union Pacific Railroad, and traces of that era remain in the town’s layout and landmarks. Before you leave, catch a show or take a backstage tour at the Brown Grand Theatre, a 1907 opera house still in use today.
Parsons
You won’t hear much about Parsons, but there’s more here than you’d guess. Begin at the Parsons Arboretum, which includes native trees, a wildflower bed, and one of Labette County’s five 18-hole disc golf courses. Next, head to the Parsons Historical Museum, where railroad memorabilia and military uniforms tell the town’s story. Parsons once served as a major railroad hub, and its historic district still reflects that role. Take a break at Forest Park, an ample green space with trails, picnic spots, and playgrounds. If you’re visiting on a weekend, stop by the Parsons Farmers Market for local produce and crafts.
Atchison
Everything in Atchison carries an Amelia Earhart theme. The city proudly honors its most famous resident with the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum, a restored Victorian home where Earhart spent her formative years. Every summer, Atchison hosts the Amelia Earhart Festival, which features aerial displays, fireworks over the Missouri River, historical reenactments, and a full lineup of community events.
If you enjoy the spooky side of things and consider yourself a ghost hunter, you won’t want to miss the Sallie House, a property long associated with eerie stories and reported paranormal activity. Or, if you prefer something quieter, take a stroll along the Riverfront Park walking trails, where you can take in views of the Missouri River and unwind in peace.
Ottawa
Aren’t the best towns the ones that fly under the radar? Begin with the Flint Hills Nature Trail, a 118-mile multi-use path that starts in Ottawa and winds through scenic towns like Overbrook and Council Grove. Then explore the Old Depot Museum, located in a restored 1888 train station with exhibits on pioneer life and rail history. Afterward, grab a seat at Not Lost Brewing Co., a local brewery with relaxed vibes and rotating beers. End your day at the Ottawa Municipal Auditorium, where concerts, theater, and community events still light up the stage.
The Quietest Towns Echo the Loudest
Forget the crowds and polished attractions. It’s often the towns that don’t advertise themselves that leave the deepest mark. It might be a quiet trail connecting counties, a museum packed with stories, or a community festival known only to the locals. Each place on this list offers something real. These towns aren’t selling hype. They’re living history, hometown pride, and small wins. They keep showing up for their residents, and maybe now they’ll show up for you, too. If you want to understand Kansas beyond its headlines and highways, it starts here. These places may not shout, but if you listen closely, they say more than enough.
