I know the saying says to not judge a book by it’s cover, but I would be lying if I said I didn’t do this from time to time. No, I don’t mean judging people; I mean judging towns based on their Main Street. If you are like me and appreciate a town that takes pride in its downtown area, you will love these 11 small(er) Kansas towns whose Main Streets you just have to visit!
- Cottonwood Falls
Flickr/Konchok Namkha Wangmo
Flickr/Kansas Tourism What the town lacks in size (<1,000), it makes up for BIG time with its gorgeous downtown, nationally recognized restaurants, and historic Chase County Courthouse (pictured). Tip: Do yourself a favor and drive the nearby Flint Hills National Scenic Byway… and while you’re on this amazing stretch of road, be sure to check out…
- Council Grove
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn
Council Grove/Morris County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Facebook Since “All Roads Lead to the Flint Hills Life,” it’s no wonder Council Grove, which was named after an agreement between the Osage Nation and European Americans over allowing settlers wagons to pass through while heading west, makes the list! Visit historical sites, dine at the famous Hays House, and take a step back in time in Downtown Council Grove.
- Fort Scott
Flickr/Franklin B Thompson
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn What was once a U.S Army district Headquarters, quartermaster supply depot, training center, and recruitment station during the Civil War is now a historic district that houses unique shops, parks, and so much more! Tip: After you explore downtown, be sure to hop the trolley for a 50-minute tour of the city!
- Wamego
Flickr/John G. Walter
Wikimedia Commons You’ll have a feeling you aren’t in Kansas anymore when you visit the colorful town of Wamego, which is the proud home of both the Oz Museum & Winery, Toto’s Tacoz, Poppyfield Gallery, and several other Wizard of Oz themed establishments.
- Abilene
Old Abilene Town Facebook
Old Abilene Town Facebook There’s a lot to love about Abilene, but do you want to know what we love the most? The answer is Old Abilene Town, which features a Main Street reminiscent of the Old West. Shop at the old General Store, watch the can-can girls, and sneak past the gun-slinging outlaws when you visit this nostalgic gem.
- Emporia
Emporia Main Street Facebook
Emporia Main Street Facebook No matter the time of year, you’re sure to find something new and exciting to do on Emporia Main Street! From boutiques to highly anticipated events to concerts at the Granada, there is always something happening in Downtown Emporia.
- Atchison
Downtown Atchison Facebook
Wikimedia Commons Amelia Earhart was a diamond in the rough, so it makes perfect sense that her hometown of Atchison be the same! In addition to numerous museums and historic sites, Atchison is home to nearly two-dozen annual events, including Santa House, Summer Ladies Night Out, and the Amelia Earhart Festival.
- Hiawatha
City of Hiawatha, KS Facebook
City of Hiawatha, KS Facebook After you dine at one of the fabulous Downtown Hiawatha restaurants, be sure to check out the Frances Sewell Plamann History Center (pictured), which was recently renovated for $1M and houses several historic exhibits.
- Hays
Chestnut Street District Facebook
Chestnut Street District Facebook If you were to envision the perfect Main Street, there’s a pretty good chance it would look something like the Chestnut Street District in Hays. Stroll down the brick-lined streets to find a variety of unique shopping, dining, bars, and events unlike any other.
- Pittsburg
Wikimedia Commons
Wikimedia Commons Are you still searching for the perfect gift to give your loved one this Christmas? If you answered yes, there’s still time to visit Downtown Pittsburg, which boasts a whopping 80 stores!
- Lindsborg
Flickr/Chris Murphy
Flickr/designatednaphour I know that I probably sound like a broken record when it comes to Lindsborg, but… this darling town has stolen my heart and I know it’ll steal yours when you shop for authentic Swedish goods and dine on their incredible food!
Which Kansas town has your favorite Main Street? Let me know in the comments!
Flickr/Konchok Namkha Wangmo
Flickr/Kansas Tourism
What the town lacks in size (<1,000), it makes up for BIG time with its gorgeous downtown, nationally recognized restaurants, and historic Chase County Courthouse (pictured). Tip: Do yourself a favor and drive the nearby Flint Hills National Scenic Byway… and while you’re on this amazing stretch of road, be sure to check out…
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn
Council Grove/Morris County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Facebook
Since “All Roads Lead to the Flint Hills Life,” it’s no wonder Council Grove, which was named after an agreement between the Osage Nation and European Americans over allowing settlers wagons to pass through while heading west, makes the list! Visit historical sites, dine at the famous Hays House, and take a step back in time in Downtown Council Grove.
Flickr/Franklin B Thompson
What was once a U.S Army district Headquarters, quartermaster supply depot, training center, and recruitment station during the Civil War is now a historic district that houses unique shops, parks, and so much more! Tip: After you explore downtown, be sure to hop the trolley for a 50-minute tour of the city!
Flickr/John G. Walter
Wikimedia Commons
You’ll have a feeling you aren’t in Kansas anymore when you visit the colorful town of Wamego, which is the proud home of both the Oz Museum & Winery, Toto’s Tacoz, Poppyfield Gallery, and several other Wizard of Oz themed establishments.
Old Abilene Town Facebook
There’s a lot to love about Abilene, but do you want to know what we love the most? The answer is Old Abilene Town, which features a Main Street reminiscent of the Old West. Shop at the old General Store, watch the can-can girls, and sneak past the gun-slinging outlaws when you visit this nostalgic gem.
Emporia Main Street Facebook
No matter the time of year, you’re sure to find something new and exciting to do on Emporia Main Street! From boutiques to highly anticipated events to concerts at the Granada, there is always something happening in Downtown Emporia.
Downtown Atchison Facebook
Amelia Earhart was a diamond in the rough, so it makes perfect sense that her hometown of Atchison be the same! In addition to numerous museums and historic sites, Atchison is home to nearly two-dozen annual events, including Santa House, Summer Ladies Night Out, and the Amelia Earhart Festival.
City of Hiawatha, KS Facebook
After you dine at one of the fabulous Downtown Hiawatha restaurants, be sure to check out the Frances Sewell Plamann History Center (pictured), which was recently renovated for $1M and houses several historic exhibits.
Chestnut Street District Facebook
If you were to envision the perfect Main Street, there’s a pretty good chance it would look something like the Chestnut Street District in Hays. Stroll down the brick-lined streets to find a variety of unique shopping, dining, bars, and events unlike any other.
Are you still searching for the perfect gift to give your loved one this Christmas? If you answered yes, there’s still time to visit Downtown Pittsburg, which boasts a whopping 80 stores!
Flickr/Chris Murphy
Flickr/designatednaphour
I know that I probably sound like a broken record when it comes to Lindsborg, but… this darling town has stolen my heart and I know it’ll steal yours when you shop for authentic Swedish goods and dine on their incredible food!
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