Despite its reputation for wide plains and undulating grasslands, Kansas is home to a surprisingly diverse collection of quaint tiny towns that are teeming with unusual sights and undiscovered jewels.
Throughout the state, these villages provide a fascinating diversion from the usual, beckoning you to enter a realm of peculiar people, peculiar stores, and surprising adventures.
Come along on an adventure as we uncover these fascinating Kansas mysteries and revel in the enchantment that lies ahead.
Hays
The small town of Hays, located about midway between Kansas City, Missouri, and Denver, Colorado, has a lot to offer inquisitive visitors looking for a little quirk.
One of the best things to do in Hays is to explore the 1865 remnant of Fort Hays Historic State Site, which was involved in the Indian Wars. 177 acres to explore, now a museum with original surviving buildings and artifacts (tours available for a modest fee). Take your time.
Every July 4th weekend, the town hosts a four-day Wild West Festival that showcases its rich history through rodeos, parades, and fireworks that capture the essence of the Old West.
Lindsborg
Known as “Little Sweden” due to its Swedish heritage, Lindsborg is easily accessible one hour north of Wichita and is well-liked as a day trip destination because of its European-inspired architectural details.
The Wild Dala horse project is one of Lindsborg’s most wacky characteristics. Scattered over the town are these brightly painted Dala horse sculptures, which stand for the typical Swedish traits of steadfastness and strength.
Additional examples of Lindsborg’s whimsical ties to its Scandinavian heritage may be found at the Swedish Pavilion, which dates back 120 years. Originally constructed for the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904, this elaborate barn-like building is now home to a museum honoring Swedish-American culture.
Svensk Hyllningsfest, a yearly celebration of everything Swedish, is also held in Lindsborg.
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Garden City
The Lee Richardson Zoo, one of Kansas’s biggest zoos and a favorite family-friendly destination in the state, is located in Garden City.
Drive through this 50-acre zoo park to witness animals from all over the world, making it a unique experience for visitors. A walk-through section with interactive exhibitions is another element.
The Finney County Historical Museum, which provides a window into the town’s past with displays on pioneer life, Native American history, and the historic buffalo massacre of 1887, is another amusing thing to do in Garden City.
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Lucas
Renowned as the “Grassroots Art Capital of Kansas,” Lucas is a quaint town with a population of about 400 and is highly recommended.
Lucas is genuinely quirky because of its commitment to folk art, which is best exemplified by the Garden of Eden, a strange but intriguing sculpture garden designed by S.P. Dinsmoor, a Civil War veteran.
The town’s distinctive Bowl Plaza, an ornately adorned public lavatory that has become a must-see roadside attraction, adds even more unusual appeal to the area.
Want to go sometime in September? If so, take part in the Grassroots Art Extravaganza, an artistic gathering including live music, workshops, and an abundance of artwork on exhibit.
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Wamego
Wamego, which is conveniently located 40 minutes east of Topeka on I-70, will always be associated with its close ties to The Wizard of Oz. In keeping with the Kansas backdrop of the novel, the town has gone to great lengths to establish itself as the hub for anything Oz.
Local businesses are also included in the town’s humorous allusions to Oz. Among the greatest is the aptly called Toto’s TacOz, a neighborhood restaurant that transforms traditional Mexican food with dishes named after Wizard of Oz characters.
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To Conclude
Despite being known mostly for its wide plains and undulating prairies, Kansas has a surprisingly diverse selection of quaint tiny towns full of interesting landmarks and undiscovered treasures.
The artistic charm of Lucas, the historical relevance of Hays and Lindsborg, the family-friendly attractions of Garden City and Wamego, and the cultural appeal of Lucas all offer a lovely diversion from the everyday.
So go out to explore Kansas’s hidden gems and uncover the enchantment that lies in these lesser-known locations.
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