Get ready for an expedition into the heartland by dusting off your boots! Kansas is going through an exciting transition. The state is frequently thought of as having large expanses of golden plains and a great agricultural background.
Beyond the famous cornfields, tiny communities are reviving with creative local enterprises thanks to a new generation of entrepreneurship.
This article explores the tales of five such Kansas towns, where devoted citizens are revitalizing their local economies by establishing distinctive stores, eateries, and services.
Come along with us as we uncover these little-known treasures and get a taste of the lively local business scene thriving in Kansas.
Hesston
Hesston may turn off outsiders and non-Mennonites due to its small college town status in rural Kansas, but that is, until they discover Dyck.
Tucked away not far from the Hesston College campus, a 300-student private Mennonite school, lies the 13-acre Dyck Arboretum of the Plains, which boasts more than 1,000 native and adaptive plant kinds spread across 18 acres of surrounding prairie habitat.
In addition, it has a store where people can purchase cards and presents manufactured locally as well as a variety of activities. Lincoln Perk, El Cerrito, and Hesston Bakery & Cafe all offer excellent food and drink to compliment a beautiful garden exploration, making them great options for a temporary Hesstonian (Hesstonite?).
Abilene
With barely 6,500 residents, Abilene is home to some of the best locations in the state. Eisenhower’s grave and statue are also included within this enormous complex.
Once visitors have had their fill of the deceased president, they may stroll (yes, stroll) to the Seelye Mansion, a historic 11,000-square-foot home that is open for visits, Old Abilene Town, a throwback to the Wild West, and the Greyhound Hall of Fame.
Next, take a ride on the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad’s sole steam locomotive in Kansas, or else remain around and stuff your face with delectable food from Tossed N Sauced Pizza, Joe Snuffy’s Old Fashion Grill, or the Dizzy Donkey Saloon.
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Lucas
Lucas is known as the “Grassroots Art Capital of Kansas” and has the companies to prove it. It’s also arguably the most quirky municipality in the state.
Approximately 150 statues created by the Civil War-era eccentric are housed in SP Dinsmoor’s Garden of Eden. He is buried amidst his cement creations.
A touring exhibit of tiny replicas of enormous roadside attractions, The World’s Largest Collection of the World’s Smallest Versions of the World’s Largest Things is also a permanent museum.
In addition, Lucas offers more conventional attractions including Brant’s Market, one of the Eight Wonders of Kansas Commerce and the home of handcrafted meats since 1922. The K18 Café serves a wide variety of homemade food and drinks.
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Wamego
You may feel as though you’ve left Kansas behind once you enter Wamego. The OZ Museum, housed in this about 4,800-person village, is a treasure trove of Wizard of Oz artifacts spanning more than 120 years, from early copies of L. Frank Baum’s 1900 novel to props from more contemporary productions.
Oz-some souvenirs can also be purchased at the museum. With a bottle of Drunken Munchkin from Oz Winery and a bottle of Smokin’ Scarecrow Chipotle Hot Sauce from Toto’s TacOz, you can continue down the Yellow Brick Road with a Toto plush toy in hand.
Other non-Kansas landmarks in Wamego include the Tulip Festival and the Dutch Mill, both located in Wamego City Park.
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Strong City
Despite not really being a city, Strong City boasts a good selection of stores and restaurants. This about 380-person “city” acts as a gateway to the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, which safeguards 11,000 acres of the last remaining tallgrass prairie habitat in North America.
It also serves as a point of entry and departure for tourists visiting the preserve.
The aforementioned haunts, along with local favorites like Tallgrass Wine & Spirits, Clark Farm & Home Store True Value, and the yearly Flint Hills Rodeo, are how Strong City provides for its few hundred residents. The 86th iteration is slated to take place in 2024, from May 30 to June 1.
To Conclude
These five towns in Kansas, which range from Wamego’s fascinating Oz Museum to Hesston’s flowering arboretum, highlight the state’s heartland’s dramatic transition. These cities are being revitalized by an entrepreneurial culture and a commitment to supporting local companies.
So consider more than just cornfields the next time you see Kansas. Think about the interesting stores, delectable eateries, and historical treasures that are just waiting to be found in these secret paradises.
Kansas’s growing local business culture may surprise you; it shows that little towns can foster big aspirations and even bigger charm.
