Small towns are notorious for being both kind and charming… so how do you choose one to be the friendliest of them all? When it comes to this tiny Kansas borough, it isn’t just the welcoming residents that drew us in, but also the unique culture that makes this small town the memorable place it is.

Nicknamed the "Grassroots Art Capital of Kansas," the Russell County town of Lucas is home to just under 400 of the friendliest folks in the state.
Flickr/Kansas Tourism
Originally established as the town of Blue Stem in 1877, the community was renamed Lucas 10 years later.
Flickr/Lynae Zebest
Though the town may be small in terms of population, it houses a surprising number of big attractions. Named "One of the 8 Wonders of Kansas Art," Lucas is home to notable galleries such as:
Flickr/Lynae Zebest
The Garden of Eden...
Flickr/frank thompson photos
Built by Civil War veteran S.P. Dinsmoor in 1907, the Garden of Eden is comprised of an old log cabin and 150 incredible three-story-tall concrete structures.

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...Deeble Sculpture Garden (and Grassroots Art Center)...
Flickr/Kelly Ludwig
The impressive Deeble Sculpture Garden features the work of Florence Deeble (who -- as a child -- watched Dinsmoor create his iconic masterpiece), while the neighboring Grassroots Art Center showcases the work of unknown and untrained local artists.
...and the always fun and quirky World's Largest Collection of the World's Smallest Versions of the World's Largest Things Museum.
Flickr/Lynae Zebest
The name says it all!
(Did we mention that this friendly town also has a pretty rad bathroom?)
Flickr/Ken Ratcliff
The bathroom at the Bowl Plaza is so rad, in fact, that is was named the 2nd best restroom in the country!
After the friendly folks in Lucas send you on your way, be sure to hit the beautiful Post Rock Scenic Byway, which connects I-70 with K-18 via a series of rolling hills, historic stone fence posts, and colorful prairie.
Flickr/Kansas Tourism

For more of our favorite places, check out our 10 Most Beautiful, Charming Small Towns In Kansas!

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