When most people think of Kansas weekend trips, they think of big cities like Wichita, Kansas City, or Topeka. What about the small towns, though? After all, nothing beats a weekend away from home but still in your home state, and small towns are where the ultimate relaxation is at. Lecompton, Kansas, was established in 1854 and was originally known as "Bald Eagle". First, go to Constitution Hall, where the highly contested and contentious Lecompton Constitutional Convention drafted a pro-slavery constitution. Needless to say, things did not go as planned, and the conflict that led to the Civil War was born. Of course, that's putting it in a nutshell; for the full story, you'll have to visit.

Next, visit the Territorial Capital Museum to learn more about the region's history. This is where Kansas' state capitol building was supposed to be built until, well, history happened. It's almost lunchtime! But first, take a scenic drive from Lecompton to nearby Lawrence on the River Road. This road is breathtakingly beautiful and has appeared in numerous photographs. Bring your own camera so you don't miss anything, such as spotting bald eagles and blooming wildflowers. Then, take the scenic River Road back to Lecompton and stop for dessert at Aunt Netter's Cafe. The café serves more than just desserts, so this could be a great idea for dinner as well!

If you want to get away and visit an incredible location, you don't have to travel far. In fact, one of the best small towns to visit in the entire country is right here in the Sunflower State! The Smithsonian Magazine named Council Grove one of the best small towns in the country to visit in 2021. This small Kansas town has so much to do and see that it should be on everyone's bucket list. Council Grove is a town in the beautiful Flint Hills. It is a small town of about 2,000 people with a rich and incredible history and a charming way of life.

Council Grove was given its name in 1825. The United States Commissioners and the Chiefs of the Great and Little Osage Indian Tribes signed a treaty under the Council Oak, a large tree. This treaty allowed the Santa Fe Trail pioneers to safely cross the area. All that remains of the tree today is its stump and historical significance. When visiting this charming Kansas town, don't miss out on the Hays House Restaurant. Make a reservation at Saddlerock Café for a home-cooked meal. You can easily spend a day exploring many of the historic sites in Council Grove during your getaway.

Because the state is so large, it can be difficult to reach some people in a timely manner. Marysville is a great day trip in the Sunflower State that is not too far away. It is the county seat of Marshall County and has a population of slightly more than 3,000 people. There's a lot to see and do in this town. Marysville has a population of less than 3,500 people, but there is a surprising amount to do in this small town! It has a fascinating history that predates its incorporation in 1861.

Let's start with Marysville's most famous attraction: the city is known as Black Squirrel City due to its unusually large population of black squirrels. The squirrels belong to the same family as the more common gray or brownish eastern gray squirrel. Due to a genetic anomaly, the squirrel population in Marysville is approximately 20% black. The Marysville black squirrel population is said to be descended from a pair of squirrels who escaped from a circus in 1912. The squirrels are well-liked in town and serve as the city's official mascot. There are 34 statues of "Black Squirrels on Parade" in front of various businesses throughout the city, as well as several other unique attractions worth seeing.

Marshall County was once home to eight historic trails, including the famed Oregon and Mormon Trails. Signs in this park explain the historical significance of the various trails. It's a wonderful way to enjoy nature while learning about the history of this small Kansas town. Kansas is one of several states that have begun work on converting unused railroad lines into bike and walking trails. The Blue River Trail connects Marysville to Nebraska.

Norton is a small town with just under 3,000 residents and plenty of charm to go around. It was named after Captain Orloff Norton when it was founded in 1872. They've been photographing tornadoes in Kansas since 1909, and their first tornado photos were taken in 1909. Perhaps they still have a large number of storm chasers! What began as a small town with a single log cabin hotel has grown into this charming corner of Kansas where you'll enjoy every sunrise, sunset, and meal in between. The skies here appear to paint extra beautiful pictures for local photographers, but that could be because they've been smelling the food all day and want to spread the love. After all, when you've worked up an appetite exploring, the comfort food served at Town and Country Kitchen and Pfonz's is nothing short of magical.

Prairie Dog State Park, a lesser-known piece of Kansas teeming with wildlife and the potential for a weekend of fun outdoors trying to spot prairie dogs, is one of the main draws. Keith Sebelius Lake is also a great place to spend a warm day fishing and feeling the wind in your hair. They Also Ran, a museum gallery full of portraits and brief descriptions of each presidential candidate who did not make it, is a must-see for history buffs. When you always focus on who became president rather than who lost and why, it's an interesting way to look at history.

Council Grove, Abilene, and Hays are just a few of the quaint, charming, and downright delightful small towns in Kanas. However, there is another unique Kansas town that is well worth a visit and is ideal for a day trip in Kansas. Lindsborg, Kansas, is affectionately known as "Little Sweden" for good reason. When you visit, you may feel as if you've left the American continent. You'll fall in love with this charming small town the moment you drive into it. Lindsborg was founded by immigrants from Sweden. It is still well-known for its Swedish heritage today. You will not be bored if you visit this small town for a weekend getaway or a day trip in Kansas. There are numerous attractions to keep you busy and entertained.

You can begin your visit by looking for the herd of Wild Dala Horses that roam the town. These structures are masterpieces that have been individually decorated. Make a point of visiting the Höglund Dugout. This historical site was once a small home built in a pit by a Swedish couple in 1868. They even erected a roof out of their wagon. What remains of this structure can be seen today. Stop by Heritage Square as you explore this charming town. Many historic buildings can be found here, including the 1904 World's Fair Swedish Pavilion, the 1879 Kansas Pacific/Union Pacific Railroad Depot, and the first McPherson County Courthouse.

The Russell County town of Lucas, nicknamed the "Grassroots Art Capital of Kansas", is home to just under 400 of the friendliest people in the state. Founded in 1877 as the town of Blue Stem, the community was renamed Lucas ten years later. Despite its small population, the town has a surprising number of major attractions. Lucas is home to notable galleries such as The Garden of Eden, Deeble Sculpture Garden, and the always fun and quirky World's Largest Collection of the World's Smallest Versions of the World's Largest Things Museum. The impressive Deeble Sculpture Garden showcases the work of Florence Deeble (who watched Dinsmoor create his iconic masterpiece as a child), while the nearby Grassroots Art Center features the work of unknown and untrained local artists.

Despite having a small population, the residents of Lucas have earned the title of Kansas' Grassroots Art Capital, with unique grassroots art on nearly every corner. S.P. Dinsmoor's Garden of Eden is the most notable feature. S.P. Dinsmoor was a retired Civil War veteran who created amazing concrete sculptures of people going about their daily lives all around his house. Visitors can now go on guided tours and see the artwork for themselves.

Welcome to Wilson, Kansas, where there's more than a hint of Czech heritage to be found. There's something special about a historic town with few people because you get to meet a good portion of the community during your visit. This small town has about 750 residents, but the charm does not diminish with population. Wilson is known as Kansas' Czech capital, and you can visit during one of their heritage events or simply to explore a town that feels like it's in another country.

Wilson, despite its Czech heritage and design, is very much a part of Kansas, from the friendly people to the beautiful skies and farmland. That, and magnificent monuments such as the World's Largest Hand Painted Czech Egg, which stands 22 feet tall. Another interesting place to visit in town is the Midland Railroad Hotel, a historic landmark hidden away in such a small town that is a great place to stay or eat during your visit. It was once one of the most popular hotels in the Midwest, but since its reopening in 2003, it has been a fantastic place to tour and learn about the history of this town and the people who helped make it so.

Abilene's history begins in 1858, when the Hersey family settled in the area and built a log cabin. The cabin was named Abilene, which means "City of Plains." Abilene's growth did not happen overnight, but when the Kansas Pacific Railroad was built in 1867, the small town began to thrive. Abilene played an important role in transporting cattle from Texas to various markets throughout the United States. The cattle would be loaded onto the train in Abilene before being transported across the country. Today, Abilene is a charming small town with a population of over 6,000 people. This small Kansas town is best known as the childhood home of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States.

Make a point of stopping by the Seelye Mansion during your visit. This mansion was named one of the "8 Wonders of Kansas — Architecture," and it's easy to see why during your visit. Many of the furnishings in this incredible 11,000 square foot home were purchased at the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis. Of course, a trip to this small town would be incomplete without a ride on the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad. There are journeys for the entire family, from dinner trains to daily excursions. Spend some time in Old Abilene Town if you want to see what life was like in Abilene so long ago.

A downtown unlike any other can be found in the middle of nowhere, Kansas. It is not only beautiful and charming, but it also contains important state history. Come see what this fantastic little downtown area in Kansas all is about or save it for future road trips. Cottonwood Falls, Kansas, is a small town in the state's eastern half. You may have heard of it, but do you realize how cool the downtown area here is? A town with a lovely downtown area is something to treasure and preserve. So many towns in Kansas have been destroyed by fire, natural disaster, or disrepair.

This downtown also has something that is unique to this town. Cottonwood Falls is home to Kansas's oldest still-operating courthouse. Cottonwood Falls has a rich history, which you can learn about here. Everything from the 1873 limestone courthouse to the streets you walk on is steeped in history. You'll enjoy a small town with a quiet life if you enjoy shopping in small town stores and dining in small town cafes. There's something magical about remote locations like this. While you're in the area, why not visit the falls itself? Chase Lake Falls, located west of town, is an excellent addition to your visit.