There is more to Kansas than sprawling fields of sunflowers and wheat, according to WorldAtlas.
That website described the Sunflower State as a “natural gem that should be explored,” steeped in beauty while displaying stunning scenery that includes parks, forests, waterfalls, bison and black squirrels.
WorldAtlas last week posted the following list of the 11 most scenic towns in Kansas.
Alma known as the ‘City of Native Stone’
A community of about 800 in Wabaunsee County in northeast Kansas, Alma has the nickname “City of Native Stone,” WorldAtlas said.
Alma is surrounded by vast open fields and agricultural lands that invite “no-frills adventures,” including the more-than-400-acre Plumlee Ranch, which is home to a large herd of bison, the site said.
Those seeking less-remote alternatives may play at Wabaunsee Pines Golf Course, which features “18 tricky holes” accompanied by stunning views of the Flint Hills, or use the tables, picnic shelters or campsites at Alma-McKnight Park, it said.
Atchison is revered for its natural surroundings
A community of slightly less than 11,000 people in Atchison County in northeast Kansas, Atchison is regionally recognized as the home of aviator Amelia Earhart, WorldAtlas said.
Atchison is also known for its natural surroundings, including the tranquil International Forest of Friendship arboretum, the calm waters of Lake Warnock and the community’s “river walk” along the banks of the meandering Missouri River, the site said.
Visitors may also enjoy the view from atop the Amelia Earhart Bridge, which crosses into Missouri, it said.
Colby recognized as ‘Oasis on the Plains’
A community of slightly less than 5,600 people in Thomas County in northwest Kansas, Colby is known as “the Oasis on the Plains,” WorldAtlas said.
Colby features an abundance of green space amid arid landscapes, including Fike Park, which offers playgrounds, walking trails and picnic areas, the site said.
The city’s Villa High Park features a fishing pond, picnic spaces, walking paths and great opportunities to watch birds, it said. Colby also offers the nine-hole Meadow Lake Golf Course.
Cottonwood Falls has ‘cascade with a 40-foot drop’
A community of slightly less than 900 people in Chase County in east-central Kansas, Cottonwood Falls is the site of Chase Lake Falls, “a spectacular cascade with a 40-foot drop,” WorldAtlas said.
“A relatively manageable 0.9-mile trail loops near the falls, allowing you to explore and admire from a safe distance,” the site added.
It said Cottonwood Falls is surrounded by the undulating landscape of the Flint Hills and stands on the southern side of the Cottonwood River, which offers fishing, campsites and picnic tables.
Leavenworth was ‘first city of Kansas’
A community of slightly more than 3,700 people in Leavenworth County in northeast Kansas, Leavenworth is known as the “first city of Kansas,” WorldAtlas said.
The community lies along the west bank of the Missouri River, providing visitors with majestic views of that waterway as well as a chance to hike or jog along the 0.7-mile Leavenworth Landing Riverfront Trail, the site said.
“Also, Wollman Park has a relaxed setting that makes it a go-to for group outings and picnics with family or friends,” it said.
Marquette’s rugged hiking trails a draw
A community of about 600 people in McPherson County in central Kansas, Marquette often hosts visitors who have come to tackle the rugged hiking trails at nearby Kanopolis State Park, WorldAtlas said.
The park features more than 30 scenic trails “crisscrossing a dry wilderness area punctuated by undulating hills and craggy bluffs,” shadowed by the scenic Smoky Hills, the website said.
The Kanopolis Lake Campgrounds offers both developed campsites and primitive ones, while hikers and bikers may explore the scenic landscape and view native wildlife using the 2.3-mile Loder Point Nature Trail, it said.
Marysville has large black squirrel population
A community of slightly less than 3,500 people in Marshall County in northeast Kansas, Marysville is known for its thriving black squirrel population, which is found primarily in Black Squirrel Bark Park, WorldAtlas said.
The Big Blue River runs through Marysville, where people can often be found walking or jogging on the nearby Blue River Rail Trail, the site said.
Marysville Park sits in the heart of the community, offering amenities that include camping, picnic shelters, benches and a large playground, it said.
Norton renowned for its prairie dogs
A community of slightly more than 2,700 people in Norton County in northwest Kansas, Norton is one of the state’s “most scenic towns,” WorldAtlas said.
Prairie Dog State Park near Norton is known for its prairie dog town, which has an estimated 300 prairie dogs, according to the travelks.com website maintained by the Kansas Department of Commerce.
The Norton area is also the site of the Keith Sebelius Reservoir, Norton Wildlife Area, Prairie Dog Creek and the nine-hole Prairie Dog Golf Course, WorldAtlas said.
Tonganoxie site of parks, trails and gardens
A community of just under 5,600 people in Leavenworth County in northeast Kansas, Tonganoxie is the site of the 15-acre VFW Memorial Park, which offers wooded sections, flower gardens and exercise trails, WorldAtlas said..
That park links to Chieftain Park, “another lovely escape with a half-mile walking trail and amenities like ball fields, playgrounds and a horseshoe pit,” the site said.
It added that Tonganoxie is located near Leavenworth State Fishing Lake, a scenic, 160-acre reservoir stocked with fish that include largemouth bass and black crappie.
Wamego’s features colorful tulip gardens and more
A community of slightly more than 4,800 people in Pottawatomie County in northeast Kansas, Wamego stands on the banks of the Kansas River, WorldAtlas said.
The city’s 12-acre Wamego City Park features colorful tulip gardens, a calm pond and a “postcard-worthy Dutch windmill,” the site said.
It told of Mount Mitchell Heritage Prairie Park, four miles south of Wamego, features tallgrass prairie and walking trails, with visitors also being able to enjoy quiet outdoor space surrounding the Beecher Bible and Rifle Church in that area.
Wilson hailed for its ‘backcountry beauty’
A community of slightly more than 850 people in Russell County in north-central Kansas, Wilson is the site of the annual Wilson After Harvest Czech Festival, which takes place July 25 and 26.
Visitors may swim, boat and water ski at nearby Wilson Reservoir, a part of Wilson State Park, which provides “rugged dry land with rocky outcrops perfect for hikers and nature photographers,” WorldAtlas said.
The Post Rock Scenic Byway, extending 18 miles north from Wilson through the Smoky Hills offers “backcountry beauty” that includes “spectacular views of valleys, hills, creeks and other landscapes,” it said.
As reported in the Topeka Capital Journal
