Posted in Kansas Small Towns, State Pride March 06, 2023 by

Here Are The 10 Most Beautiful, Charming Small Towns In Kansas

There’s no denying it (no matter how hard you try): Kansas is a gorgeous state with some of the kindest, most welcoming people you’ll ever meet. Aside from the lovely scenery and residents, we are also home to these 10 charming small towns (with populations of less than 30,000 people) that you will want to visit! Here are our picks for the most charming small towns in Kansas:

1.) Wamego (Population: 4,860)
Nendoshisu/Wikimedia
With its quaint downtown area and quirky tourist attractions (including both the Oz Museum and Winery), Wamego is about as fun and kitschy as it gets!
Wamego, KS 66547, USA
2.) Lindsborg (Population: 3,496)
mom and dad/Wikimedia
Also known as Little Sweden U.S.A., Lindsborg is highly regarded for its heritage festivals, historic landmarks, and friendly community.

Curious about stuff to do once you get to Lindsborg? This short-n-sweet video might give you some ideas!
Lindsborg, KS 67456, USA
3.) Abilene (Population: 6,468)
HornColumbia/Wikimedia
Do you enjoy history? Abilene has it. Do you like Ike? Abilene is home to the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum. Is fried chicken your jam? Abilene has that too! Abilene is basically the best.
Abilene, KS 67410, USA
4.) Hays (Population: 20,795)
CityOfHays/Wikimedia
Home to the arts, microbreweries, and a variety of unique festivals, Hays will have you coming back again and again!

Everything about Hayes is beautiful, including the weather - even the scary stuff! Check out this stunningly beautiful tornado near Hays captured by storm chaser Max Claypool:
Hays, KS 67601, USA
5.) Mulvane (Population: 6,587)
Chris Pesotski/Flickr
Located just south of Wichita, Mulvane is a quaint town with offerings for rush-seekers, history buffs, and nature lovers.
Mulvane, KS 67110, USA
6.) Galena (Population: 2,743)
Abe Ezekowitz/Wikimedia
Any Disney fans in the family? The character of Mater ("Cars") was inspired by an International Harvester L-170 truck that resides in the downtown area of Galena, Kansas!

Council Grove is more interesting than anyone gives it credit for:
Galena, KS, USA
7.) Newton (Population: 18,433)
Erinmcd/Wikimedia
The town of Newton may be small in size, but the charm factor is huge with its area art attractions, darling downtown, and welcoming residents.
Newton, KS, USA
8.) Council Grove (Population: 2,111)
Cbaer/Wikimedia
Named for the agreement between European Americans and the Osage Nation that allowed settlers' wagon trains to pass through the area and proceed to the West, Council Grove is a beacon of history with its annual Washunga Days, Kaw Mission State Historic Site, and delicious 1857 Hays House.
Council Grove, KS 66846, USA
9.) Russell (Population: 4,388)
CGP Grey/Wikimedia
If you've ever traveled along I-70, you have probably passed Russell, but if you didn't stop, you missed out on unique boutiques and antique shops, restaurants, and museums!
Russell, KS 67665, USA
10.) Bird City (Population: 437)
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
Once the home of Charles Lindbergh, Bird City is now home to lush fields, holiday traditions, and the famous Tri-State Antique Engine and Thresher Show.
Bird City, KS 67731, USA

Do you live in one of these towns? What do you think are the best small towns in Kansas? After all, it’s subjective! Tell us your picks in the comments – we love hearing from you!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Small Towns In Kansas

July 05, 2021
Tori Jane

What are some of the most beautiful small towns in Kansas? 

Kansas is a state often dismissed as a “flyover” state, but we disagree. There are lots of beautiful places in Kansas, from breathtaking natural beauty to some of the cutest darned little towns you’ll ever see. Some of our favorite beautiful small towns in Kansas include Hays, which is well known for its quaint beauty and quiet nature. We’re also particularly fond of Pratt, which feels like the definition of an adorable small town where everyone knows your name. Abilene and Dodge City are two more favorites of ours; both towns are rich in history, and their downtown areas are as beautiful as they are historic.  

What are some fun things to do in Kansas?  

Well, just about anything, really! If you can dream it, you can probably do it. Go camping at any one of our 28 awe-inspiring state parks or take a swim at any of our amazing watering holes. Kansas is also a cultural place of interest, with Kansas City (both the Kansas and Missouri sides) barbecue being known for its amazingness around the world. You can also simply choose a back road and start driving – there are so many places around the state that are simply beautiful, consisting of rolling green hills and endless blue skies. Need more ideas? Let this article give you some inspiration!  

What are some epic day trips in Kansas I can take? 

Oh, boy, where do we begin? Kansas is filled with interesting and epic things to do, and that includes road trips! Take a waterfall-themed road trip across the state, or maybe a small-town road trip is more your style. What about a trip to many of Kansas’s spookiest places, or you could take a small gamble and see how many places you can visit on one gas tank. No matter what you crave, we’ve got you covered – check out this list of amazing day trips in Kansas everyone should do at least once!