Summer in Kansas is a very hot, yet wonderful time.
Outdoor enthusiasts such as hikers, bikers and horseback riders are out exploring trails---and tourists are making their way from a historic marker to a natural attraction every day. However, that also means that towns around these areas come alive with activity in the summertime. In addition, you'll also see summer festivals and cultural gatherings in small towns across Kansas during these warmer months. From popular towns near lakes to special celebrations, these 9 tiny towns in Kansas have something to share this summer.
1. Clyde
When the watermelon fest is in full swing, this little town in North Kansas comes alive from the inside out. Watermelon lovers from all around come to celebrate this festival in August. Water-you waiting for?
2. Paola
There's an August festival in little Paola that can't be beat. It's like a county fair, yet it celebrates the history of this town and how it was an important part of Kansas' history. However you like to spend your days, why not spend a couple of them playing games and watching the State Championship BBQ Cook-off?
3. Norton
In the little town of Norton, visitors to local eateries and museums kick up. That means that you'll find a great amount of history at this museum depicting those who lost presidential races across history. Because it's a collection of stories not often told, you'll find it a lot more interesting than another presidential biography, I bet. It's definitely an interesting take!
4. Lindsborg
Hikers and families from all over come to visit Coronado Heights and the town of Lindsborg nearby. This little castle made in the 30's is a testament to a conquistador's failed expedition to find a city of gold.
5. Goodland
Goodland has a number of great qualities to show for tourism, like a giant Van Gogh painting on the world's largest easel. However, Kansas' highest point is also a great reason to visit this town, as it's located just southwest of Goodland. 4,039 feet above sea level isn't crazy high, when you realize it's not a mountain at all. But it is fun to visit!
6. Cawker city
A great festival in Cawker City that brings everyone together is the Twine-A-Thon. It's an annual celebration that adds more twine to the legendary ball that lives in the town. The town also comes together for a parade, games, and a cook-off to celebrate the history of this ball of string.
7. Mullinville
M.T. Liggett's sculptures bring in a lot of lively tourism to Mullinville in the summer, when road trips are common and people are always looking for the next oddest thing to see. They're waiting on the west edge of town for you to visit, too. Come add your eyes to the many coming through this summer!
8. Gove City
Gove city gets more traffic as cars of people make their way out to Monument Rocks and the other nearby formations of Niobrara chalk. Who's to say you shouldn't, too? It's a really tiny town, though, so don't expect anything too crazy, but the County Seat Cafe is mighty tasty.
9. Elk City
This little town gets a lot of passersby as people make their way to the lake for their recreational activities. In addition to the lake, the State Park here is another great reason many flock to this tiny town in Kansas, making it come alive in the summertime.
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