9 Best Small Towns In Kansas For A Crowd-Free Summer
Known for its golden prairies, endless skies, and a heartland spirit, Kansas offers more than just wide-open spaces. With its beautiful scenery, rich history, and friendly people, it’s no wonder travelers have been flocking to the Sunflower State for centuries. Visitors and residents alike enjoy the warm summers that offer ample time to explore the outdoors. From Abilene to Little Sweden and beyond, Kansas boasts a variety of small towns that offer unique and fun experiences without the crowds of the big city.
Abilene
The town of Abilene offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and walkability that, in 2017, earned it a spot on Smithsonian Magazine's list of the top 20 "best small towns to visit!" History lovers can tour former President Dwight D. Eisenhower's boyhood home and Presidential Library. As you walk through these hallowed halls, you can almost picture what early life was like for one of the most significant figures in history. If you feel like taking a ride, the historic Abilene and Smoky Valley Railway is waiting for you to come aboard. The railway is home to the only operational steam locomotive in the state of Kansas. As you ride along and listen to the soundtrack of nature pass by, you can imagine what it was like to arrive in town in 1901.
When you get hungry, Abilene’s eclectic cuisine includes famous Kansas BBQ at The Hickok Spirits & Eats. During the summer, Abilene is home to the Central Kansas Free Fair, a delightful celebration featuring games, rides, and fun! So get ready to take a trip to the past in this delightful town, no time machine needed.
Atchison
Sitting along the edge of the Missouri River, the town of Atchison has everything you could want in a small town. History lovers, you can visit the Evah C. Cray Historical Home. Built in 1882, this 25-room mansion provides a living snapshot of the past. The town's high walkability is ideal for its self-guided walking tours, allowing you to breathe fresh air while learning about Atchison's remarkable history. No visit to Atchison is complete without a visit to the town's crown jewel of tourism: the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum. Step back in time as you view the home that shaped the early years of America's famed aviation innovator.
Every summer, Atchison puts on the Amelia Earhart Festival to celebrate her birthday. During this event, you can even sign a commemorative birthday card for Amelia, enjoy a piece of cake, and maybe "meet" Amelia Earhart (as portrayed by a talented performer). During the evening, you can attend a free concert with the Missouri River as a magical backdrop, as the majesty of the setting sun blends with the oncoming blanket of night. For those who love the great outdoors, you're going to love spending time on one of the town's walking paths, having a picnic in Bromley Park, or taking in the breathtaking views of rolling hills at Glacial Hills Scenic Byway. So put on your flight goggles and prepare to take off, because the 10,000 residents of Atchison are waiting to welcome you!
Cottonwood Falls
This little gem of a town, Cottonwood Falls, offers you a rare and moving experience thanks to its "Symphony in Flint Hills". Enjoy a night under the star-filled prairie sky while relaxing on a blanket as you listen to incredible music. Just don't forget your sunscreen! For another unique experience, enjoy a round of disc golf at the Swope City Park and Compound, or pay a visit to the Bar U Ranch and get the chance to live out any cowboy fantasies. You can attend a "cowboy camp", learn how to rope, and perhaps best of all, you can go on a trail ride. Imagine yourself riding the dusty trails guided only by the stars above.
When you've worked up an appetite, you visit the local favorite Grand Central Hotel & Grill for a great meal and a spectacular view of the Flint Hills tall grass prairie. While you're in town, you can also learn more about Cottonwood Falls at the Chase County Historical Society Museum and Library, conveniently found along the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway. Clearly, this town of 900 isn’t small on adventures!
Council Grove
The small town of Council Grove is nestled among the rolling Flint Hills that provide breathtaking views in every direction. While in town, enjoy a walk through the historic district and maybe pick up something to read at Flint Hills Books, just a short walk away. The beloved Trail Days Cafe & Museum offers you good food and a chance to learn about the local history. This 1850s-style house offers historic tours, while their cafe serves hearty traditional dishes that early settlers to the area enjoyed, such as regional favorites, Berkshire Pork Pot Roast, and Frick's Baked Ham.
After you've enjoyed classic culinary delights, you can pay a visit to the Council Grove Lake & Campground to lounge in the sun, go for a swim in Council Grove Lake, or take a kayak trip along the waterfront. Depending on when you visit Council Grove, you may even have the chance to experience their annual Washunga Days & Washunga Nights event, which celebrates Council Grove's past and culture.
Lindsborg
All you need to do is take a stroll in the town of Lindsborg and marvel at its distinctive Swedish architecture to get an idea of why it's known as "Little Sweden!" The charming town offers a bit of Europe in rural Kansas. To learn about the town's history, consider visiting the Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum. Art lovers may enjoy the Birger Sandzén Art Gallery, which features a large collection of artists' work, as well as those of artists such as Marsden Hartley, Doel Reed, and Swedish Sculptor Carl Milles.
Meanwhile, you can stop in for a fusion of Swedish and American food at the local favorite Crown & Rye. Since Lindsborg, also known as "Little Sweden," is only about a 3-hour drive from Kansas City, it makes for the perfect day trip. Lindsborg's local farmers' market offers you the perfect chance to purchase produce from local farmers. For those looking to enjoy a weekend in this town of 4,000, you can stay at the Dröm Sött Inn, a boutique hotel that offers a traditional Swedish breakfast! When you visit "Little Sweden," you may want to bring a hearty appetite! Who knew you could embark on a European getaway without leaving Kansas?
Iola
About a 2-hour drive from Wichita, Kansas, sits one of the state's true hidden gems. In 1859, the town's founder, Josiah Colborn, named it after his beloved wife, Iola. Since then, Iola has grown to a population of approximately 5,300 people while retaining its classic, old-world architecture. Since it sits on the eastern bank of the Neosho River, you can easily take a dip in the water to cool off after enjoying one of the state's hot summers at Riverside Park. While you're drying off, you can walk around the largest downtown square in the United States. For a more up-close and personal view of history, you can pay a visit to the Allen County Historical Museum. Before you leave town with a heart full of memories, do your best to witness one of the concerts at Iola's historic bandstand. Performances have been held there since 1871, just a year after the town was incorporated. What do you say, does a road trip to this unique town sound like music to your ears?
Humboldt
With a population of just 1,800, you'll never feel overcrowded in the cozy Southeastern town of Humboldt. Fans of baseball history can visit the Walter Johnson Birthplace Memorial, commemorating legendary pitcher "Big Train" Walter Johnson, who was one of the first five men inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. If you're seeking a bit of adventure in the sun, you could always head to Basecamp Humboldt to experience some good new fashion "glamping". No need to pack a tent, this sprawling 21-acre campground features trailers and cabins for rent so you can sleep under the stars in style. While you're there, you can take full advantage of Humboldt's hot summers by renting a kayak or paddleboard on the Neosho River or walking along the 60+ miles of connected trails.
For a real test of skill and bravery, bring your bike and head to the bike challenge course. Just don't forget your helmet! Once you've worked up an appetite, you can either cook a meal at one of the camp's fire pits or enjoy a delicious lunch at the Honeybee Bruncherie, where they serve great food with a side of southern hospitality. Bon appétit! If you're brave enough, every August, Humboldt holds one of their most beloved annual events, Water Wars, a town-wide family event that includes a water fight parade, bubbles, and live music. So pack your towel, your water balloons, and prepare for fun!
Wamego
If you're looking for a magical day or weekend getaway, the beautiful town of Wamego may just fit you as perfectly as a pair of ruby slippers. While you're in town, there's no need for a cowardly lion as you walk the yellow brick road into The Official Oz Museum. Inside this incredible emporium of imagination, you can view over 20,000 Oz artifacts, including artwork and props from the landmark 1939 cinema classic.
When you've worked up an appetite on the way to see the wizard, you can just walk up the street to enjoy a meal at Toto's TacOz. For those seeking a glimpse into the town's history, take a walk back in time to the 1860s at the Wamego Historical Society & Museum. If you feel like catching a show, the historic Columbian Theatre located in downtown Wamego has been putting on breathtaking performances since 1893. Among their rotating lineup of shows, The Wizard of Oz remains a local favorite.
Greensburg
About two hours outside of Wichita, Kansas, you'll find the tiny town of Greensburg. For a place that is home to just 900 residents, this town is proof that big things sometimes come in small packages. Since its 1885 founding by stagecoach company operator D.R. "Cannonball" Green, the friendly community has made quite a bit of history. While you're in town, you can see some of that very history with your own eyes by visiting the Big Well Museum. Since its completion in 1888, the well has been a vital part of the town's history. For a time, it was Greensburg's only water supply. Today, it is both a physical link to the town's past and the home of the World's Largest Pallasite Meteorite. A block away from the Big Well, you'll find the Kiowa County Historical Museum & Soda Fountain. This unique museum allows you to step into the 1950s and learn about the local history while sipping on a refreshing old-fashioned soda. It's the perfect way to escape the summer heat.
For something a bit more modern, the esteemed 5.4.7 Arts Center is a five-minute walk away. The modern art center features collected artworks housed within a work of art, as the art center's building is the first of its kind, a LEED-Certified building in the state of Kansas. While you're there, you can even unlock your inner artist by taking a painting class. If you build up an appetite with all that exploring, you can enjoy a meal at the nearby Crazy Mule Restaurant and Catering. With all the great adventures and food awaiting you, Greensburg is worth the trip.
Final Thoughts
The State of Kansas offers a wide variety of small towns that offer their own unique experiences, from aquatic adventures to trips to the land of Oz, Little Sweden, and beyond. Summer is a great time of year to explore. For anyone looking for destinations that offer the chance to make great memories, minus the large crowds, these towns make for a perfect getaway from the ordinary. So pack your bags and prepare for adventure!
