Kansas has 105 counties and more than 600 incorporated towns and cities. There’s more than a few small towns to choose from when you’re looking for somewhere great to visit or even live. We looked for exceptional towns with plenty of history, great food, friendly people and scenery. That’s still a lot of towns, but we’ve narrowed down that long list to these 13. In no particular order, let’s check out today’s lineup.
- Assaria
Assaria Fall Festival - Assaria Pride Committee Assaria is home to the great Renaissance Cafe, as well as plenty of space to just relax and watch the day go by. Sometimes towns you can relax in are better than ones with lots to do.
- Gardner
Bob Duran/Flickr Gardner is a great town for anyone that likes food without living in population dense cities such as KC. Enjoy Todd’s, Blazers or Fronteras for an amazing meal; or just stick around and explore the area to take a break from busy places for a while.
- Russell
CGP Grey/Flickr Russell is probably the happiest small town in Kansas. It’s always getting praised, but what we love about it are the people. Russell is just a small town that will always feel like home.
- Beloit
City of Beloit Facebook Fantastic meals are had all the time in Beloit at restaurants such as Bubba Q’s, Kettle and Plum Creek. On top of that, the buildings show off that Kansas architecture we love. Plus, sunsets behind these classic buildings are stunning.
- Hesston
City of Hesston, Kansas Facebook Hesston is also a town full of great people and great food. Eat at Water’s Edge before heading out to explore Dyck Arboretum of the Plains and King Park.
- Eudora
David DeHetre/Flickr Eudora is a charming little town with a great restaurant named Jasmin where you can have Mexican and Chinese food in the same place. Plus, you can enjoy nature all over the place, like at Bluejacket Crossing Vineyard.
- Chanute
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr Everyone in Chanute, from the locals waving at you on the road to the person serving you at Grain Bin, is small-town friendly. Spend your day here exploring the Historical Society Museum or the Safari Museum, where you can learn about the area or even what safaris were like before you could just send a video of what you saw to your social media.
- Fort Scott
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr Fort Scott is one of those towns you’ll fall in love with before you even meet the people. Just look at how colorful it is! Aunt Toadie’s and Krew’s are both amazing places for dinner while you’re in town, too.
- Sabetha
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr Sabetha is a calm spot on the smaller side of things, with some absolutely amazing food. Southside Bar and Grill and Downtown Coffee Co. are some of the best spots here for a meal you’ll never forget.
- Garnett
Kansas Tourism/Flickr Garnett is a town often overlooked by many, but it’s full of charm. There’s a ton of places to visit here, such as the Prairie Spirit Rail Trail, the Anderson County Courthouse and Valley View Elk Farm. I guess you’ll have to keep coming back for more!
- Ozawkie
Perry Lake, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Facebook Ozawkie has the convenience of being right next to Lake Perry, which not only has amazing sunset reflections (pictured) but is also great for camping and fishing. Make sure you visit Hog Holler or Bobcats Saloon for a great meal while you’re there.
- Hays
Roland Tanglao/Flickr I know this town seems a little big to be included, but for anyone who lives around Wichita or Kansas City, Hays definitely has that small town feel without making it seem like you’re in a ghost town. Restaurants know their regulars, yet they can still meet new people. It’s the perfect balance! Also, the Sternberg Museum and Vineyard Park are both great reasons to visit for a while.
- Cottonwood Falls
Sid Sowder/Flickr Cottonwood Falls has one of Kansas’ most scenic Main Streets. Their courthouse sits regally at the head of the street, with plenty of places to go lined up down the road. Plus, Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is an amazing place to check out nearby.
Though these towns might be tailor-made for Kansans, have you ever thought of all the foods that we love too?
Assaria Fall Festival - Assaria Pride Committee
Assaria is home to the great Renaissance Cafe, as well as plenty of space to just relax and watch the day go by. Sometimes towns you can relax in are better than ones with lots to do.
Bob Duran/Flickr
Gardner is a great town for anyone that likes food without living in population dense cities such as KC. Enjoy Todd’s, Blazers or Fronteras for an amazing meal; or just stick around and explore the area to take a break from busy places for a while.
CGP Grey/Flickr
Russell is probably the happiest small town in Kansas. It’s always getting praised, but what we love about it are the people. Russell is just a small town that will always feel like home.
City of Beloit Facebook
Fantastic meals are had all the time in Beloit at restaurants such as Bubba Q’s, Kettle and Plum Creek. On top of that, the buildings show off that Kansas architecture we love. Plus, sunsets behind these classic buildings are stunning.
City of Hesston, Kansas Facebook
Hesston is also a town full of great people and great food. Eat at Water’s Edge before heading out to explore Dyck Arboretum of the Plains and King Park.
David DeHetre/Flickr
Eudora is a charming little town with a great restaurant named Jasmin where you can have Mexican and Chinese food in the same place. Plus, you can enjoy nature all over the place, like at Bluejacket Crossing Vineyard.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Everyone in Chanute, from the locals waving at you on the road to the person serving you at Grain Bin, is small-town friendly. Spend your day here exploring the Historical Society Museum or the Safari Museum, where you can learn about the area or even what safaris were like before you could just send a video of what you saw to your social media.
Fort Scott is one of those towns you’ll fall in love with before you even meet the people. Just look at how colorful it is! Aunt Toadie’s and Krew’s are both amazing places for dinner while you’re in town, too.
Sabetha is a calm spot on the smaller side of things, with some absolutely amazing food. Southside Bar and Grill and Downtown Coffee Co. are some of the best spots here for a meal you’ll never forget.
Kansas Tourism/Flickr
Garnett is a town often overlooked by many, but it’s full of charm. There’s a ton of places to visit here, such as the Prairie Spirit Rail Trail, the Anderson County Courthouse and Valley View Elk Farm. I guess you’ll have to keep coming back for more!
Perry Lake, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Facebook
Ozawkie has the convenience of being right next to Lake Perry, which not only has amazing sunset reflections (pictured) but is also great for camping and fishing. Make sure you visit Hog Holler or Bobcats Saloon for a great meal while you’re there.
Roland Tanglao/Flickr
I know this town seems a little big to be included, but for anyone who lives around Wichita or Kansas City, Hays definitely has that small town feel without making it seem like you’re in a ghost town. Restaurants know their regulars, yet they can still meet new people. It’s the perfect balance! Also, the Sternberg Museum and Vineyard Park are both great reasons to visit for a while.
Sid Sowder/Flickr
Cottonwood Falls has one of Kansas’ most scenic Main Streets. Their courthouse sits regally at the head of the street, with plenty of places to go lined up down the road. Plus, Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is an amazing place to check out nearby.
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