This Little-Known Waterfront Town Is One of the Most Charming in Kansas

Milford may not be the first place you consider for a getaway to a little-known waterfront town in Kansas, but I’m here to change your mind. This tiny town of approximately 400 residents may not seem to have much to offer, aside from its location along the shore of Milford Lake. However, it’s an excellent place to escape reality for a few days, especially if you want to visit a quiet, friendly, and absolutely breathtaking small town.

Why This Little-Known Waterfront Town in Kansas Is So Charming

Located approximately 80 miles west of Topeka, Milford is the type of place that captures your heart from your very first visit. It dates back to the mid-1800s when it was known as Bachelder. It was settled near the Republican River, and lumber was the area's primary focus. Several years later, the town was renamed to Milford because of the lumber mill. The town eventually grew, and by 1912, Milford was home to a bank, grain elevator, flour mills, and even a post office.

However, in the 1960s, due to the construction of the Milford Lake Dam, the entire community had to relocate to higher ground. In fact, the original town buildings were submerged in the lake, where many building foundations remain today.

But it’s not just the long history that makes Milford so unique and inspiring. It is the natural beauty you’ll find here. Milford sits right next to Milford Lake, the largest lake in Kansas. This large body of water provides many outdoor activities for you to enjoy, but its natural beauty is one of the things we love most. In fact, Milford, Kansas, is known as the "City of Beautiful Sunsets," and the fiery evening skies above the lake are inspiring.

What To See and Do in Milford

Milford is a small town where everyone seems to know your name. You can easily spend a few hours browsing the local shops and dining at its restaurants. But many people come to Milford to spend time on or near the water. Milford Lake is the largest lake in Kansas, with approximately 15,700 acres of water and 163 miles of shoreline. This is a popular summer destination as you’ll find sandy beaches for swimming and several boat ramps where you can put in your boat, kayak, canoe, etc., for some time out on the water.

Milford Lake is also known as the “Fishing Capital of Kansas” and a popular place for anglers to try their luck catching record-breaking fish. Within this man-made reservoir, you can catch everything from walleye to catfish. National fishing tournaments are even held here, bringing in anglers from around the country.

Of course, I recommend you plan some time chasing the sunsets above the lake and town. Due to the large size of the lake, spend time right in town and enjoy the fiery skies, or even head to nearby Milford Lake State Park for gorgeous Kansas views. And, of course, the sunsets aren't the only magical landscapes you will find here. For even more, plan a visit to the Milford Nature Center in Junction City, just south of town.

What to Know Before You Go

Due to its location along this large Kansas lake, you will find several options for overnight accommodations, even if you aren’t exactly within the Milford town boundaries. There are multiple campgrounds around the lake, some much larger than others, and many offering RV, tent, and trailer campsites. However, if you wish to stay right in the small town of Milford, you can book a stay at the Acorns Resort, a lakeside resort in Milford, Kansas, with cabins, yurts, and RV sites, along with an on-site restaurant and many amenities to ensure a cozy stay.

There truly is no bad time to visit this little-known waterfront town in Kansas, but late spring to early fall is best if you wish to spend a lot of your getaway on the water. I particularly love to visit in late summer when the sunflowers are in bloom. However, if fishing is on your itinerary, spring and early summer are best before the hot and humid summer arrives.

The town of Milford often gets overlooked by the lake and nearby state park, but the town is an excellent place to set up your base camp and enjoy a quiet escape. It may not be on your radar as one of the best small towns in Kansas to visit, but it should be—it’s a little slice of heaven in the Sunflower State.