Small town in Kansas ranks as one of the best in Midwest. What makes it special
Ten Midwestern small towns were recently named among the best in the region — and one of those towns is in Kansas.
“Friendly faces and down-to-earth folks are just some of the reasons people love the Midwest,” USA Today said when publishing the annual 10 Best list. “The area also happens to be home to some of the most charming, scenic, and historic small towns in the United States.”
To compile the list, a panel of travel writers nominated small towns with populations fewer than 25,000, then the towns were voted on by readers.
“Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, a cultural adventure, or a family-friendly destination, you’ll find it in one of these 10 small towns,” USA Today editors said.
Council Grove made the list for the third year in a row. The town is about 110 miles northeast of Wichita.
What makes Council Grove special?
“The small Kansas town of Council Grove is loaded with historic sites, with 25 spots found around town,” USA Today said in its reasoning. “Attractions range from the pioneer-themed ‘Madonna of the Trail’ statue to Greenwood Cemetery, while nearby Council Grove Lake is a popular site for boating, fishing, and camping. Don’t miss the charming downtown historic district for locally owned restaurants and unique shopping options.”
The town of Council Grove describes itself as the “Main Street of the Flint Hills,” nestled among tall grass pastures and two lakes.
Rich in history, the town is also named one of the Kansas Sampler Foundation’s 8 Wonders of Kansas History. Council Grove is a Santa Fe Trail National Historic Landmark town, and it’s where the 1825 treaty that allowed American and Hispanic travelers to safely pass through Osage territory was signed.
The town provides access to Flint Hills Trail State Park, which generally follows the Santa Fe National Historic Trail.
Council Grove has a population of about 2,100 people.
Top 10 Midwest Small Towns
Here’s the full list of best small towns in the Midwest, as determined by USA Today:
- Vevay, Indiana
- Madison, Indiana
- Sister Bay, Wisconsin
- Winona, Minnesota
- Mackinac Island, Michigan
- Middlebury, Indiana
- Council Grove, Kansas
- Worthington, Ohio
- Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
- La Porte, Indiana