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Kansas is known for its sweeping prairies, breathtaking sunsets, and mesmerizing sunflower fields. However, the state is also home to several charming small towns scattered throughout the Plains. These communities are located across 105 counties, and each embodies a deep connection to the land, rooted in a rich historical heritage. The same self-sufficient spirit that drove numerous pioneers across the often-hostile territory still runs through the veins of every lifelong resident.聽

While visitors can expect a warm and hospitable reception from Kansans, they will also find them highly pragmatic and practical. Whether exploring an Old West cow town, fishing for bass in one of the many freshwater lakes, or attending a local small-town festival, these communities will offer unique and fulfilling experiences. Be prepared, though; this simple way of life grows on you. When it does, travelers can be confident that it will not take long before being reminded of why Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz was convinced that there really is no place like home.

Wamego

Speaking of The Wizard of Oz, the little town of Wamego, in Pottawatomie County, in the northeast part of the state, celebrates its "Oz-ness" every fall. The annual OZtoberFest occurs the first weekend of October and includes crafts and art booths, a parade, a classic car show, and a host of other "OZsome" activities. The town celebrates this event due to the Wizard of Oz聽Museum that resides there. The museum is downtown in a restored building with over 2,000 Oz artifacts from the movie and the author, L. Frank Baum's life. The kids will love the displays or browsing the gift shop where they can purchase ruby red slippers or a stuffed Toto.聽

Once you've finished with the museum, don't miss the unique specialty shops and boutiques downtown. Antique stores like Wagon Wheel Antiques, Vintage Tulip, or the Audity Ally Emporium exist. The Friendship House is an intimate bakery/cafe with delicious made-from-scratch food and cookies, and you can find it by following the Yellow Brick Road across from the Oz Museum. There are 18 Toto statutes scattered around town, so a great way to explore is to try and find them all.

Abilene

Abilene sits in the center part of the state right off of I-70. The town enjoys its distinction as the home of the Presidential Library and the boyhood home of Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States. Abilene got its start as a fierce cow and railroad town as nearly 700,000 head of cattle were driven up from Texas to Abilene for transport. As it grew, the town became a haven for the lawless outlaws, gamblers, and ruffians of the Old West. Today, many historic sites exist, including Old Abilene Town and the downtown district.聽

Abilene has several festivals in 2024, but two of the best are the "Old Fashioned Fourth of July," known for its patriotic displays of fireworks and music. The celebration includes a fun run of three miles, a beautiful baby contest, a pedal tractor pull, and even frog and turtle races (not to mention the band concert and fireworks). The other event that seems very popular is the town's annual Oktoberfest, Sept. 20/21, in the downtown district. Immerse yourself in the lively music, Bavarian foods, and German culture.聽

If visiting Abilene at any other time of the year, the downtown district has many eclectic shops and boutiques to get lost in. Joe Snuffy's Old Fashioned Grill is the best place for a country breakfast. This iconic institution has been serving up delicious meals for over 21 years.聽

Hays

For those who love the Old West, fantastic country, lip-smacking Barbeque, and beer, then the Wild West Festival in Hays is the place to be this July. The combination Wild West/Fourth of July celebration will have some great concerts, including Sawyer Brown and Savannah Chestnut. The main parade is a highlight for families as local businesses rumble down Main Street, throwing out candy and toys. Of course, there is a fantastic fireworks display for all to enjoy.聽

Hays started as a settlement near a military outpost in the mid-1800s, and today, there are still four buildings left from the historic fort. Today, the town is home to Ft. Hays State University and has a vibrant college-town feel.

Families will enjoy the Sternberg Museum of Natural History's incredible dinosaur exhibits and the Bison herd at Frontier Park. The downtown district is affectionately labeled as "The Bricks," it has many turn-of-the-century buildings filled with shops, galleries, and restaurants. When visiting, Gella's Restaurant and Lb Brewing is a slick brewpub for craft beer and burgers. Their Oatmeal Stout won a silver medal in the 2021 Great American Beer Festival.聽

Independence

This small town in southeast Kansas hosts the largest celebration in the state every October. Neewollah (Halloween spelled backward) has been a festival since 1919. It was first initiated as an alternative to the typical Halloween pranks that kept happening. Today, there are lots of events, including BBQ and dessert cookoffs, carnivals, arts and crafts shows, concerts, and food vendors, to name a few. Be prepared because this small town of 11,000 grows to over 80,000 during the festival.聽

Independence began as a European settlement on land purchased from the Osage Indians in 1869. The town grew as a center of commerce and community until it was designated as the county seat a year later. Today, the town enjoys being the homestead of Laura Ingalls Wilder, who penned the Little House On The Prairie聽books. The farm is a bit outside of town, but the house, barn, and other structures are typical of many older settler homes. If you enjoy the books, this simple rural homestead is a must-visit. Uncle Jack's Bar and Grill is the place for a great burger and beer.聽

Council Grove

This small Kansas town pulses with a Native American heritage as the place where American settlers and the leaders of the Osage Nation signed a pact. Today, the town celebrates the historic moment during the Washunga Festival on the weekend of June 20th. When you attend, many activities are perfect for building family-friendly memories, including a Multi-Tribal POWWOW, car show, parade, and food vendors.聽

Council Grove is full of historic places on the Santa Fe Trail, including the old Hays House, an 1857 Tavern that still operates. The Kaw Mission and Last Chance Store are excellent museums with many artifacts and displays. If you are looking for a bite to eat, the Trail Days Cafe, Saddlerock Cafe, or the Hays House are all excellent.

Outdoor enthusiasts will love the Council Grove Reservoir, a mile north of town. The lake is a 3,235-acre paradise with more bass, crappie, and catfish than one can imagine.聽

Hutchinson

Not only is Hutchinson the home of the award-winning Smithsonian affiliate Cosmosphere, but it is also the site of the Kansas State Fair every September. The ten-day event is the largest single event in the state, with over 600 events, and boasts an annual attendance of over 350,000 people. This family-friendly celebration begins the Friday after Labor Day and is the perfect spot to create a memory, whether eating a funnel cake or playing on the Midway.聽

When visiting Hutchinson, do not miss Strataca, a rock salt mine museum that allows visitors to head 650 feet underground. The museum has plenty of exciting and informative displays about salt mining and its role in developing the local community. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the Dillon Nature Center, with its vast array of wildlife, turtles, and fish.聽

The downtown district has several historic buildings filled with shops, galleries, and more antique stores than you could ever want. Roys BBQ has brisket for a great meal that will melt in your mouth.聽聽

Lindsborg

This town just south of Salina has been called the "Little Sweden" for its Swedish and Nordic influences. The community has a huge festival, the Svensk Hyllningsfest, every other year, but even though it is not taking place in 2024, there are plenty of festivals and events to experience. The Midsummer Festival celebrates the town's Swedish heritage on the third Saturday in June. Walk along the downtown, filled with artisan shops, Scandanvian-themed shops, butchers, cheese shops, and a chocolatier. The Chocolate Lovers Festival is held every February, where chocolate artisans and sculptors compete for best in the show and give away free samples. Indulge in chocolate while you admire the incredible works of art!

The downtown area is a step back, with lots of interesting architecture. The Birger Sandzen Memorial Art Gallery is a must-visit; families will enjoy the Lindsborg Old Mill and Swedish Historical Museum. Several excellent restaurants, like the Crown and Rye, have authentic Swedish dishes for a delicious bite to eat.聽

The small towns in Kansas offer a refreshing change of pace from the usual attractions and amusement parks that many tourists frequent. With a wide variety of festivals, fairs, and events, there is plenty to keep visitors engaged and entertained. Whether strolling down the Yellow Brick Road in Wamego or sampling chocolate pieces in Lindsborg, these small towns will keep you coming back for more. And as everyone knows, to get to these beautiful towns, you have to click your ruby slippers three times, just like Dorothy did.聽