Have you ever wanted to see new places, meet new people, and have an experience you won’t get anywhere else? Have you tried visiting some of Kansas’ most delightful small towns? Well, you should. If this interests you, take your pick from the following 11 rural towns in Kansas and have yourself an unforgettable adventure.

1. Abilene
Abilene, KS 67410, USA
Kansas Tourism/Flickr
With a population of 6,665, Abilene has the potential of being one of your new favorite escapes. Take a train ride, visit mansions and museums, or check out Old Abilene Town to watch a gunfight and do some can-can dancing. Abilene is also one of the best small towns in Kansas.
2. Anthony
Anthony, KS 67003, USA
GoogleMaps
Coming in at 2,254 people, the population of Anthony seems dwarfed by Abilene. However, the area is rich with food, wildlife, and main street shopping.
3. Assaria
Assaria, KS 67416, USA
GoogleMaps
A whopping 414 people make their home in Assaria, Kansas. They have the delicious Renaissance Cafe, as well as musical events such as the Salina Symphony.
4. Belleville
Belleville, KS 66935, USA
GoogleMaps
The town of Belleville has around 1,924 residents and offers lots to do for a day trip. There are local eateries, nature walks, and the Museum of Animated Carvings. It's an interesting find.
5. Cottonwood Falls
Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845, USA
Adam Perkins/Flickr
With a population under 1,000, this town falls on the smaller side of the list. Here you can check out what the town has to offer, or you can go off-site to the waterfall nearby.

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6. Fort Scott
Fort Scott, KS, USA
GoogleMaps
Almost 8,000 people live here in the town of Fort Scott, Kansas, and there's also plenty to do. Take a trip on one of Kansas' few operating trolleys and enjoy the town, stay at a bed and breakfast, or just play tourist and check out the fort, the waterfall at rock creek lake, or the Lowell Milken Center. There's certainly plenty to do here.
7. Galena
Galena, KS, USA
Shane Burkhardt/Flickr
With a population of around 3,000, this small town has something big to say for its recent history. As a stop on route 66, it was chosen as the inspiration for Radiator Springs, where most of Pixar's Cars movie was set. The town is now filled with movie-themed decorations, and the locals have embraced the tourism it's brought them.
8. Lecompton
Lecompton, KS 66050, USA
Kansas Tourism/Flickr
Only 631 people were recorded in the 2013 census here in Lecompton, Kansas. It's the town that's claim to fame is that it's where slavery began to die. Take the history walk, watch a reenactment, and try out Aunt Netter's Cafe.
9. Lindsborg
Lindsborg, KS 67456, USA
millr/Flickr
Out of the 3,481 people who live here, how many do you believe have a Swedish heritage? At least as many families as there are delightful painted horse statues around town. Consider visiting this town one weekend and grabbing some Swedish cuisine while you're at it.
10. Ozawkie
Ozawkie, KS, USA
GoogleMaps
A smaller population of 634 doesn't hurt the town of Ozawkie one bit. There's a Hamburger Paradise, as well as The Barn Bed & Breakfast if you're looking to stay awhile.
11. Spearville
Spearville, KS 67876, USA
flickr/Joseph Novak
Another town with a population just under 1,000 is Spearville. This town has a sizeable windmill field, which makes for great sunset photos. If you're here for food, there's the Spearville Truck Stop, which reportedly makes the best burgers around. Why don't you try them sometime?

There’s no denying that these are some of the best rural towns in Kansas. If you can think of any other rural towns to add to this list, please share them with us in the comments below. You can also check out more Kansas small town life.

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rural towns in kansas

Jennifer Young | June 29, 2022

What are two of the best rural places to live in Kansas?

There are several rural towns in Kansas that are perfect for residing in. We've included two of our favorite rural towns below that are great for putting down roots: Cottonwood Falls and Council Grove.

1. Cottonwood Falls

Cottonwood Falls is the county seat of Chase County, Kansas and is home to less than 1,000 residents. It's a great size town to raise a family, and it's also filled with lots of history and unbeatable charm. There's no denying that Cottonwood Falls is a wonderful place to consider if you're planning to relocate.

2. Council Grove

Council Grove is the county seat of Morris County, Kansas and isn't too far from Topeka. If you're wanting to experience small town life in Kansas, a move to Council Grove is a great choice. The community is beautiful and welcoming, and the town's historic district is remarkable. You'll definitely be amazed when you see the Post Office Oak, which was once used as the community's mail box.

What's one of the best small towns in Kansas for a day trip?

If you're wanting to take a day trip, you're in luck because there are several towns in Kansas that are perfect. One in particular is Abilene, which happens to be the county seat of Dickinson County, Kansas. Abilene is an Old West-style town with lots of history and charm. It's also the hometown of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. In fact, you can even visit his childhood home. A few other places to visit in Abilene include the Seelye Mansion, the American Indian Art Center, and the Heritage Center of Dickinson County. Abilene is a great town to visit no matter the time of year.

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