Here Are 10 Of Kansas’s Tiniest Towns That Are Always Worth A Visit
Towns of all shapes and types make their home here in Kansas, but sometimes the tiniest towns need a little extra love, lest they be forgotten. We took a look at some of the smallest towns in Kansas, even though we know there are plenty of ghost towns and tiny communities still out there that are much smaller. We love all of Kansas, big or small! We think the perfect number of residents to be considered tiny is about 200, so here are 10 different towns in Kansas with around 250 residents each, but bursting with character.
Smolan, located about an hour and 45 minutes west of Topeka, the state capitol, this tiny town of just under 200 people was named after a place in Sweden named Småland since most of its original settlers were Swedish.
Tyro, located about 2 hours southeast of Wichita is a quaint little town that was named after the English word meaning "beginner" or "novice" but it was placed here when a railroad ended at this point. At only 181 people, it is one of the 10 smallest towns in Kansas.
Munjor, located an hour and a half west of Salina, is a historically Volga-German created town with a long confusing name that was often misspelled. Translation errors changed the town's name from Obermonjou to Obermonchu, Over Mancha, Obermonjour, Over Muncha, Offermoncha and Monjor. Thankfully, we stuck with one and stopped misspelling it.
Lebanon, located about an hour and 45 minutes north and west of Salina, is a great place to hang out, and you always feel like you're in the middle of everything. Well, you almost are! In addition to being one of the 10 smallest towns in Kansass, Lebanon is considered to be the halfway point of the contiguous 48 states.
Volga-Germans also founded the town of Schenchen, previously named San Antonio. It is located about two hours and 45 minutes north and west of Wichita.
Tipton was originally called Pittsburg, but its name was eventually changed to Tipton after a town in Iowa, where a resident was originally from. To get there from Kansas City take Interstate 70 west about three hours until you reach the town of Lincoln, then its only about another 40 minute drive north.
It's a trend with these tiny towns, but Hanston was originally called Marena, but was later changed to Hanston after a local family named Hann. Hanston was a spot for shipping on the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway. It is only about 40 minutes from famous Dodge City, Kansas.
Belvue hasn't gone through any crazy name changes or big history moments, but it's full of people who love their town and the people who help keep it alive. It is located about and hour and a half drive away from Kansas City, KS, and with 24 residents it is among the 10 smallest towns in Kansas.
Grenola isn't a misspelling of granola, but in fact a town merged from two separate towns. named Green Field and Canola. They came together at the railroad and became one, merging their names together. It is located about an hour and 15 minutes east of Wichita.
What is now Louisville used to be Rock Post, a little town that hasn't grown very large through history. After an earthquake in 1882, the town was destined to remain tiny. It is about an hour and 45 minute drive west of Kansas City, Kansas.
Louisville, KS 66547, USA
While you’re out touring the countryside for tiny towns, why not stop at some of these amazing places that prove once and for all just how flat Kansas isnt.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Smallest towns in Kansas
June 05, 2022
Lysa Allman-Baldwin
Which Kansas town is the absolute smallest town in Kansas?
According to the 2020 census, Smolen is the smallest town in Kansas with only 190 denizens. Like most cities and towns across the country, its population has fluctuated over the years, but it currently holds the honor as the smallest in The Sunflower State.
Where can I go for great hiking in Kansas?
Kansas has many wonderful hiking trails. One of the most popular is the Turkey Creek Streamway Trail in Merriam, Kansas, just a stone’s throw from downtown (downtown Kansas City, KS and downtown Kansas City, MO!). This trail is a 7.2 mile loop and features a beautiful, albeit little, waterfall.
Are there any Swedish towns in Kansas?
Yes. Lindsborg, located about an hour north of Wichita is a traditionally Swedish town. In fact, it is nicknamed “Little Sweden U.S.A.” Visitors here can find a wealth of historic attractions and an annual Swedish festival held every October featuring Swedish music, traditional dances, a parade, a wide variety of food and arts and crafts booths, and much more.
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Born and raised Kansan, Clarisa has lived in both tiny towns and cities during their time here in the Sunflower State. As a busy mother of one crazy kid, two cats, and two geckos, they write whenever there is spare time.
