7 Small Towns In Kansas With Big Charm

Imagine walking through downtown streets lined with historic brick buildings, quaint shops, and local eateries. Stopping in at a cafe for a coffee and browsing through bookstores. Then, enjoy some time at a beautiful park with lush trees and a perfect little paved path. This might sound like it is off the pages of a fiction story, but these places exist in Kansas's most charming small towns. Kansas is a state full of towns with rich history, unique local attractions, and friendly communities, making them uniquely charming places to visit. Here we explore seven small towns in Kansas with big charm. After reading about them, you will want to pack your bags and plan for a charming weekend away.

Marysville

Marysville is a town with beautiful parks, historic buildings, and a welcoming community atmosphere. Explore the area's rich history by visiting the Marshall County Courthouse Museum. Located in a historic courthouse built in the 1890s, the museum has exhibits about the town's past. The Koester House Museum is another historic site in town that shows the life of one of the area's most prominent families. Take a walk on the Blue River Rail Trail to see some of the town's most scenic views. Marysville is also uniquely known as the "Black Squirrel City" because of a unique population of black squirrels that live in the area. These squirrels are protected by local authorities and even have immunity from traffic regulations. The town celebrates this part of its culture with the Black Squirrels on Parade. This is a fun scavenger hunt to find 34 themed black squirrel statues throughout the town.

Lindsborg

Nicknamed Little Sweden USA, Lindsborg's big charm comes from its Swedish heritage. There are festivals, food, local shops, and Dala Horses throughout the downtown paying homage to the town's heritage. Learn about the town's Swedish Heritage at the Lindsborg Old Mill and Swedish Heritage Museum. Walking through downtown, count how many Wild Dala Horses you see. These colorful wooden horses symbolize good luck in Swedish culture. There is also a lot of beautiful art to see in town. Visit the Birger Sandzén Memorial Art Gallery to see landscape paintings and works by the Swedish-American artist Birger Sandzén. After your day in the town, stop into Hemslojd Swedish Gifts for fun and beautiful Swedish souvenirs to remember your trip by.

Wamego

Wamego has a beautiful downtown, and its charm comes from some of the town's quirky attractions. Wamego is home to the Oz Museum, a must-visit for fans of The Wizard of Oz. The museum features one of the largest collections of Wizard of Oz memorabilia in the world. Around town, visitors might notice a collection of whimsical statues called "Totos Around Town." These are a series of uniquely painted Toto statues, which add to the town's charm. Every year, the town celebrates its connection to the Wizard of Oz with OZtoberfest. Beyond its Wizard of Oz charm, Wamego is also home to some beautiful places, such as the town's City Park. Enjoy a walk through the 15 acres. There is even a working Dutch windmill, playgrounds, and a children's train to see. Don't forget to check out the town's very own Yellow Brick Road, which leads to the Oz City Playground! After visiting Wamego, you will understand why Dorothy clicked her heels, hoping to come home to Kansas.

Lucas

The charm in Lucas comes from the town's unique artistic community. The town is known as the "Grassroots Art Capital of Kansas." Grassroots Art is art made by self-taught artists. Take a stroll around town and admire the art installations and exhibits by local artists. Visit the Grassroots Art Center to see work from local artists. The center educates, exhibits, documents, and preserves grassroots, outsider art environments, and is a unique art center to explore. An iconic spot to see in Lucas is the Garden of Eden, a quirky outdoor sculpture garden that features over 150 statues. Another quirky spot in town that shows the town's playful spirit is the World's Largest Souvenir Travel Plate. Painted by local artist Erika Nelson, the giant painted satellite dish has scenes that celebrate the town's history and folk art.

Goodland

Goodland has a rich community with unique attractions that add to the town's charm. The World's Largest Van Gogh Painting sits on the outskirts of town. Located at Pioneer Park, this painting is an 80-foot-tall easel featuring a 24x32-foot reproduction of Van Gogh's "Three Sunflowers in a Vase." This is a great spot for a photo op for art lovers. Visit the town's High Plains Museum to see the first helicopter to receive a patent and browse through over 8,000 artifacts of the area's history. While in town, catch a show at the Sherman Theatre. The community venue is dedicated to the arts and offers the opportunity to witness the town's talent and creativity. While in Goodland, do not miss out on the opportunity to try a local favorite sweet treat at Terra Bona. The cozy spot serves Hawaiian shave ice in a variety of flavors.

Clay Center

Clay Center is a town full of charm and unique character. Walking around town, enjoying the murals covering the sides of buildings. There are over 25 throughout the town, showcasing local life, including dogs at Clay County Animal Rescue & Education Center, a peacock at the local park’s zoo. Learn more about the town at the Clay County Museum, a great spot for history enthusiasts. Walking around town, there are many local shops to browse and local eateries where you can grab a meal. Stop into Happy Hippie Studios for a smoothie or breakfast. They also offer yoga classes. Java Junkies is a great spot to meet for coffee with friends. The cozy environment invites you to sip your coffee and enjoy the inviting atmosphere.

Atchison

Located on the beautiful Missouri River, Atchison is a charming, quiet town, home to a collection of historic attractions. Atchison is the Amelia Earhart Birthplace, and there is a museum that honors her memory and work. Visit the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum to see the childhood home of the famous aviator and learn about her life. History buffs will enjoy the Atchison Rail Museum, a museum dedicated to the history of railroads in the area. The town is even home to a third museum, the Atchison County Historical Society Museum. Here visitors can learn about local history through artifacts and displays. Beyond Atchison's rich history, the town also has opportunities for Scenic Walks Along the Missouri River.

Unique Attractions Make For a Charming Town

Overall, the towns discussed here are some of Kansas's most charming. They all have a friendly community, with cute local shops and interesting historic sites. However, part of the charm in these towns is their unique landmarks. From a Wizard of Oz museum to a giant painting and a Christmas town, these towns have something for everyone! If you are looking for a travel destination in Kansas, consider visiting one of these towns. Their small town charm and unique character make them great travel destinations. Make sure to bring a camera to capture special moments while visiting the unique attractions.