Last Updated on May 7, 2026 by Fadra Nally
Small towns are my jam and I was lucky enough to find that north central Kansas is full of them.
Why you might care about north central Kansas: you might be one of many people that consider Kansas a “drive-through state.”
If you’re on your way somewhere on I-70, you’ll be pleased to know that most of these towns in north central Kansas are a quick detour off the highway. So if you’re looking to rest your head, fill your belly, and take a break, these small towns are worth checking out.
While Kansans would consider many of these places to be “small cities,” they all have the small town vibe that I’ve come to love: locals that are proud of where they live, unexpected attractions, and the nicest people you’ll ever meet.
My Favorite Small Towns in North Central Kansas
Manhattan, KS – The Little Apple
You won’t confuse Manhattan, Kansas with Manhattan, New York… and that’s a good thing. This town is full of world class museums and surprisingly smart city planning.
Plan a day to visit the Museum of Art + Light and the Flint Hills Discovery Center, They’re right next to each other and within walking distance of both the local mall (surprise! it’s alive and thriving!) and the quaint downtown.
The Museum of Art + Light opened to the public in November 2024 with the goal of showcasing immersive art. If you’ve ever been to teamLab Borderless in Tokyo (or one of the many TeamLab installations around the world), you’ll notice they’ve taken a page from the same book. The museum includes immersive rooms of art, light, and sound as well as a forward look at digital art. And bring the kids – it’s family friendly with a great gift shop and cafe.
The Flint Hills Discovery Center, at first glance, feels like a stop for a typical school field trip. But I only wish I had field trips like this! Start with the innovative Immersive Experience Theater to set the backdrop for the foundation of the Flint Hills. Then wander through the multi-level museum to learn exactly how those prairie grasses grow, learn about cattle ranching (and try your hand as an auctioneer), and – when the weather’s nice – explore the outdoor Prairie Trail.
Where to Eat in Manhattan, KS
- Try The Chef for breakfast. The locals love it and it’s featured in the Kansas-based HBO show, Somebody, Somewhere.
- For lunch or dinner, don’t miss Bourbon & Baker. It might sound like an exaggeration but it was one of the tastiest meals I’ve ever had.
Abilene, KS – Very Presidential
Abilene, Kansas, not to be confused with Abilene, Texas, is known for many things. But let me start with the one that excited me the most.
It’s the home of the World’s Largest Belt Buckle. A fixture only since 2022, this belt buckle was recently named one of the best roadside attractions in the U.S. And don’t worry – there’s more to do than just look at it. Climb to the top, get your photos, and then notice the detail in the front and back as you make your way down.
If big things are your thing, you’ll also love the World’s Largest ‘I Like Ike’ button in downtown Abilene, complete with the safety pin clasp on the back. Even more important, though, is why Abilene has this attraction.
Abilene, Kansas is the boyhood home of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Not only can you visit his actual home, but you can also explore the Eisenhower Presidential Library. Unfortunately for me, I visited during the government shutdown but I’m looking forward to a return trip!
Nearby, you’ll find the Seelye Mansion, the home of Eisenhower’s own classmates. Built in 1905 for Dr. A.B. Seelye and his wife, Jennette, it was considered luxurious for the times. The mansion became the exclusive home of their daughters (Eisenhower’s classmates), Helen and Marion Seelye. What makes this home so remarkable is that the current owner worked with the sisters to ensure that it stayed preserved in time. While there, you can enjoy life like the Seelyes did by playing their Steinway piano or heading to the basement for a game of box-ball bowling.
If history is more your thing, especially local history, check out the unassuming Dickinson County Heritage Center for a deceptively large collection of fun artifacts. From an toy tractor collection to an antique indoor carousel you can ride to a nostalgic display of telephones from yesteryear, you’ll enjoy this stopover. I even learned that one of my distant relatives was allegedly involved in the death of Wild Bill Hickok!
Where to Eat in Abilene, KS
- Amanda’s Bakery & Bistro is perfect for a home-cooked breakfast before heading to your next stop.
- Stop by the new self-serve Rackets Tap House in a historic building in downtown Abilene. Enjoy some small plates or grab pizza and wings from nearby staple, Tossed n Sauced.
Salina, KS – Anything But Salty
What I love most about Salina, Kansas, is the way they pronounce the city name: sa-LY-nah. Why? Because the city resides in Saline County near the Saline River but they didn’t want potential residents to be turned off by the idea of all that salt. Marketing at its finest!
Salina has a great street art scene. So if you enjoy walking through cute downtowns, be sure to take time to view the world class murals and sculptures scattered throughout.
If you’re a car buff like me, you’ll definitely want to check out The Garage Automotive Museum. It’s unlike any car museum I’ve visited because the displays are always changing. The inventory is supplied by local car owners so you’ll see a curated collection of atypical cars – and each one comes with a story!
Where to Eat in Salina, KS
- Start with a farm-to-table breakfast at Seraphim Bread in downtown Salina. This modern bakery serves some of the freshest breakfast and brunch items I had while in Kansas.
- For a later meal, check out Blue Skye Brewery & Eats (also in downtown) for local brews and wood-fired pizza.
Wamego, KS – Small Town Magic
When I set out to explore north central Kansas, it was Wamego, Kansas that I was most excited about – for one reason and one reason only. It’s the home to the one and only Oz Museum, celebrating all things Wizard of Oz. The town has artistic Toto statues throughout and even has its own yellow brick road!
A little further outside of town, you can “hike” to the top of Mount Mitchell. The mountains are small in Kansas – more like a big hill (considering it’s situated on the prairie) – but they hold ecological and historical significance. At the top, you’ll find a burial ground for local Native American tribes.
Close to Mount Mitchell is the unusually named Beecher Bible & Rifle Church. The name does not convey its significance. Named for abolitionist Henry Beecher, the story goes that Beecher often shipped rifles in crates marked “Bibles” to help with local protection. If you’re lucky, they’ll let you go inside and even ring the bell!
Lucas, KS – Where Creativity Lives
Lucas, Kansas is a one stop shop for unusual art and even more unusual creators of said art. It’s basically a series of attractions for people (like me) who like things a little on the weird side. Here are all of the attractions that absolutely fit the bill.
Garden of Eden is the homestead of S.P. Dinsmoor. His Cabin Home was specifically designed to be a spectacle. Dinsmoor wasn’t just looking for a unique residence, but a place that people would pay money to visit. Considered an artist and social commentator, his house and yard (garden) is packed with interesting details and elaborate concrete sculptures. You’ll even find Dinsmoor’s mausoleum on site where visitors can view his preserved body.
Miller’s Park is a relocated sculpture garden just next door. The brainchild of Roy and Clara Miller, Miller’s Park was intended to be a small attraction of stone sculptures for weary travelers. The park relocated several times before finally making its way back home to Lucas.
Bowl Plaza is one of the most unusual attractions I’ve ever seen. Located in downtown Lucas, it’s home to an eclectic public restroom. But before you check out the bathrooms themselves (with floor to ceiling artistry), be sure to enjoy the outside: a giant pavilion featuring the world’s largest toilet sculpture, complete with a roll of toilet paper.
World’s Largest Collection of the World’s Smallest
Version of the World’s Largest Things is another attraction in downtown Lucas. Admission is free (donations accepted) for patrons that want to see a collection of miniatures modeled after large objects like Carhenge, or the world’s largest ball of twine (also in Kansas).
The Grassroots Art Center is just across from the collection, and it’s a great place to see artists and artwork that embody the Lucas spirit. Walk through the exhibits or courtyard and end with a visit to the gift shop.
Where to Eat in Lucas, KS
- If you’re looking for Michelin star dining, Lucas is… not the place. But if you like home cooking served up with some real characters, you’ll find it at the K18 Cafe located just off the highway on the outskirts of Lucas.
Wilson, KS – Czech Capital of Kansas
Wilson, Kansas is a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it town but the population of just less than 900 would appreciate you stopping by. And even if you’re not Czech, you’ll appreciate the small-town pride and quirky attractions.
In the late 1800s, Czech railroad workers settled in what is now Wilson and the town embraced its roots. The biggest reminder is the World’s Largest Czech Egg. Standing at 20 feet tall, this handpainted egg sits right in the middle of town. You’ll also find smaller eggs scattered throughout Wilson.
If you’re planning a stopover, you can also stay right across the street at the Midland Railroad Hotel. Built in 1899, this historic hotel offers 28 guest rooms with a restaurant in the basement. And you’ll have a front row to the freight trains that pass by during the day and night!
Book your overnight stay in Wilson at the Midland Hotel here!
On your way into or out of Wilson, definitely take some time to hike (or bike) across the rolling hills of Wilson State Park. The reward at the end of this trek across the prairies is a view of Wilson Lake, plus some incredible rock formations.
Honorable Mentions
There’s no shortage of small towns in north central Kansas, or anywhere in Kansas, honestly. We visited plenty of other small towns and cities like Junction City, Kanopolis, Mushroom Rock, Minneapolis, Rock City, and more. Whether it’s a destination or stopover for you, Kansas is full of small town charm!
Staying in North Central Kansas
We stayed in a variety of small hotels, both national chains and locally managed. Here’s a quick and easy way to find a place to stay wherever you are on your trip through Kansas!
