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Want a summer vacation life hack? Be a smart traveler and avoid the big crowds and the often-visited concrete jungles by visiting some of the overlooked hidden gems in the country instead. Many of those gems are in , officially called The Sunflower State of the United States. Its small towns have the perfect blend of historical sites, natural wonders, and indoor and outdoor activities that can help you cool off the summer heat. To find the best spots, here are the eight loveliest small towns to visit in Kansas this summer.

Bonner Springs

Bonner Springs is a great summer destination in Kansas for outdoorsy travelers thanks to its zip line adventure, family-friendly obstacle course challenges, and aquatic park. Gather the family and finish the KC Timber Challenge—you will get muddy trying to finish the obstacle courses. For the ultra thrill seekers, the Bonner Springs zip line Zip KC, with over a mile’s worth of zip lines and a fantastic forest view, might be more your type of challenge.

If you are not into extreme sports but still want to be outdoors, tee off at the Sunflower Hills Golf Course or splash around with friends at Bonner Springs Aquatic Park. The city is also known for its open-air amphitheater, the Azura Amphitheater, where you can watch concerts under the summer night sky.

Merriam

If you are ever in Johnson County, Kansas, Merriam is worth a visit for a relaxing outing in its 44-acre Antioch Park alone. It is one of the oldest and most popular parks in the county, and it often sees up to 700,000 visitors a year. The park's highlights include its two fishing lakes, walking paths lined with flowers and trees, a rose garden, and a child-size mini-town play area.

But there is more to Merriam than just its amazing park. Drop by its visitor center to learn more about its ‘12 Months of Merriam Challenge’ challenge. Similarly, summer in town is all about visiting their farmer’s market and taking a dip at the Merriam Community Center outdoor pool. You can also do your own Merriam history walking tour with a mobile app or visit its long-running Slavic bakeshop, Strawberry Hill Povitica.

Wamego

With its Wizard of Oz-themed museum and outdoor exhibit, park windmill, and historic music hall, Wamego is a magical and whimsical summer destination in Kansas. Follow the yellow brick road and explore a hundred years of Oz history in Wamego’s Oz Museum. The museum boasts tons of unique facts and items from The Wizard of Oz that are a blast for fans of the novel. Afterward, stroll around town to see Toto statues made by local artists for an enchanting outdoor exhibit.

For Wamego’s history, the Wamego Historical Museum transports you back to the 1800s. Here, you will find artifacts detailing the lives of the native inhabitants and the area's evolution into Wamego. The 1879 stone windmill at the city’s park and the 1893 historic music hall—The Columbian Theatre—will make your summer a trip to remember.

Dodge City

Spend your summer learning about the American Frontier era with Dodge City’s Old West historical sites and tours. Start with the trolley tour that takes you all over Dodge City’s important locations during the 1800s, including the town’s saloon, old church, and the Santa Fe Trail. You can even visit a reconstruction of what downtown looked like back then on Front Street. End the day with a visit to Boot Hill Museum, where history enthusiasts rejoice at the many artifacts from the Wild West and even a live gunfight demonstration during the summer.

Need to cool off after a day of history lessons? Slide, dive, or float around in Dodge City’s waterpark, Long Branch Lagoon. It has themed pools, slides, and a rock wall perfect for cooling off under the hot summer sun.

Fort Scott

Due to its rich American history—evident in its well-kept historical sites and easily accessible location in the Midwest, Fort Scott is a great destination for a quick summer trip. History buffs will enjoy the Fort Scott National Historic Site, a garrison dating back to the 19th century with preserved barracks, stables, and even a bake shop. Visitors can enjoy parades, museum displays, and even a live demonstration of firing a howitzer during the 4th of July.

Travelers can also camp at the city’s Gunn Park, a 155-acre park with multiple camping sites, two fishing lakes, and even an 18-hole disc golf course. Its beautifully wooded terrain and excellent view of the Marmaton River make it a perfect trail for hiking and biking enthusiasts.

Abilene

Similar to Fort Scott, Abilene is another ideal destination for those fascinated by the past. Visitors can take a trip down historical memory lane with Abilene’s old-timey railway, Dwight D. Eisenhower’s museum, and European-style mansions. Start a summer trip with the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad and ride its 80-year-old steam engine. You will learn about Kansas’s railroad history, experience its vintage passenger cars, and even dine with the best Kansas home cooking while enjoying a view of Abilene’s summer fields and 18th-century buildings.

If you are ready for more history lessons, visit the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood Home to learn more about the 34th president’s quaint life in his hometown. Want to see what a 25-room mansion looks like? How about a Victorian-villa-style mansion-turned-museum? Take a peek at this lavish lifestyle at the Seelye Mansion and Lebold Mansion. End the day off with a dip at the Abilene Swimming Pool for an ideal summer vacation in Kansas.

Paola

Located in Miami County, Paola is one of the loveliest small towns to visit in Kansas due to its active and thriving downtown. The Paola Farmer’s Market, The Roots Festival concert, and the Music and the Market event are just some of the summer happenings at the town’s Park Square.

The city also houses the county’s most notable museum, the Miami County Kansas Historical Society & Museum. It is chock-full of little trivia, like how oil was dug west of the Mississippi River. Love camping? Hillsdale State Park can easily accommodate campers through online reservations and boasts the best view of Hillsdale Lake.

Louisburg

A refreshing sip of cider, a wonderful view of the stars at the observatory, lake fishing, and a waterpark outing are just some of the must-do summer spots and activities in the town of Louisburg.

Soak in the peaceful and picturesque views of the Louisburg City Lake and Middle Creek Lake, both offering a refreshing waterside ambiance under the gleaming sun. Afterward, tourists can go apple-picking and cider-sipping at the Louisburg Cider Mill & Country Store. Need to burn some calories after that snack? Go for a swim at the Louisburg Aquatic Center. Lastly, end your summer night with a stargazing session at the Powell Observatory, where one can witness the clear night sky.

Kansas Summer Wrap-Up

Most people often picture summer trips as hectic and in crowded places. Contrary to that belief, you can always unwind and take it slow in small towns in the US instead. States like Kansas are sometimes overlooked by travelers for the more popular and bigger states in the country. Each of these eight lovely small towns in Kansas offers a unique charm, ideal for a summer vacation. Whether this is cooling off along the lakes in Louisburg or learning about local history in Fort Scott, there is something for everyone in the state of Kansas.