Craving the simplicity of yesteryear but worry it no longer exists? Fear not, as Kansas is home to several wonderful historic places that are sure to take you back in time, including these 10 charming old town districts that are perfect for a leisurely weekend stroll:
- Historic Chestnut Street District (Hays)
Chestnut Street District Facebook What do we love most about Hays’s charming downtown area? Maybe it’s the brick-lined streets? The breweries and restaurants? The darling boutiques? The… well, you get the idea.
- Historic Downtown Fort Scott
Wikimedia Commons Not only is Fort Scott home to the Fort Scott National Cemetery and Historic Site, it is also home to its original downtown area, which is soon to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Old Town Wichita
Downtown Wichita Facebook The motto for Downtown Wichita is “Life Happens Here,” which is something that has remained true since the city first began developing their downtown area in the late 1800s. (Psst… many of the original buildings are still there!)
- Historic Downtown Hutchinson
Downtown Hutchinson Facebook To get a better taste of Hutchinson’s rich history, the City of Hutchinson recommends taking their already mapped out walking tour, which passes such buildings as the original Mill, First National Bank, and Fox Theatre (pictured).
- Historic Main Street (Spring Hill)
City of Spring Hill, KS Government Facebook It’s no wonder that Spring Hill’s historic district is such a popular gathering spot for the town of 5,500; it’s brick and mortar buildings and downtown businesses are nothing short of delightful!
- Downtown Historic District (Lawrence)
Wikimedia Commons The next time you celebrate a Jayhawk win on Mass Street, keep in mind that the beautiful late Victorian-style architecture is not only original, but listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Historic Downtown Dodge City
Flickr/Chris Murphy After returning from your Old West experience at the Boot Hill Museum, you will want to ease your way back into the present by taking a shopping trip through Dodge City’s turn-of-the-century downtown area.
- Downtown Topeka
Flickr/Paul Sableman There is never a shortage of things to see or do in Downtown Topeka, which features a number of buildings with a distinct neoclassical architectural style that was made popular in the mid-1800s.
- Aggieville (Manhattan)
Flickr/are you my rik? The oldest shopping district in the state is also one of the most popular, featuring over 100 unique businesses including bars and restaurants, boutiques, salons, and more.
- Downtown Council Grove
Flickr/Douglas Kulp Since 1857, this National Register of Historic Places recipient has served a variety of patrons, ranging from emigrants along the Santa Fe Trail all the way to present day travelers venturing off the beaten path.
For even more historic Kansas locations, check out these 11 Historic Towns In Kansas That Will Transport You To The Past.
Chestnut Street District Facebook
What do we love most about Hays’s charming downtown area? Maybe it’s the brick-lined streets? The breweries and restaurants? The darling boutiques? The… well, you get the idea.
Wikimedia Commons
Not only is Fort Scott home to the Fort Scott National Cemetery and Historic Site, it is also home to its original downtown area, which is soon to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Downtown Wichita Facebook
The motto for Downtown Wichita is “Life Happens Here,” which is something that has remained true since the city first began developing their downtown area in the late 1800s. (Psst… many of the original buildings are still there!)
Downtown Hutchinson Facebook
To get a better taste of Hutchinson’s rich history, the City of Hutchinson recommends taking their already mapped out walking tour, which passes such buildings as the original Mill, First National Bank, and Fox Theatre (pictured).
City of Spring Hill, KS Government Facebook
It’s no wonder that Spring Hill’s historic district is such a popular gathering spot for the town of 5,500; it’s brick and mortar buildings and downtown businesses are nothing short of delightful!
The next time you celebrate a Jayhawk win on Mass Street, keep in mind that the beautiful late Victorian-style architecture is not only original, but listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Flickr/Chris Murphy
After returning from your Old West experience at the Boot Hill Museum, you will want to ease your way back into the present by taking a shopping trip through Dodge City’s turn-of-the-century downtown area.
Flickr/Paul Sableman
There is never a shortage of things to see or do in Downtown Topeka, which features a number of buildings with a distinct neoclassical architectural style that was made popular in the mid-1800s.
Flickr/are you my rik?
The oldest shopping district in the state is also one of the most popular, featuring over 100 unique businesses including bars and restaurants, boutiques, salons, and more.
Flickr/Douglas Kulp
Since 1857, this National Register of Historic Places recipient has served a variety of patrons, ranging from emigrants along the Santa Fe Trail all the way to present day travelers venturing off the beaten path.
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