4 Weird Towns in Kansas: Kick Up Your Boots

For a state known mainly for plain old farms and flat terrain, there are an awful lot of weird towns in Kansas. Personally, though, I consider that to be a good thing. Weird and off-beat is exactly my specialty, and as far as I’m concerned, makes for more interesting travel. And on this list, that includes everything from ghost towns to alternative art spaces.

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Are you planning a trip to Kansas soon?

Below are some of the best tours, hotels, and more!

Top places to stay in Goodland, Kansas:

Luxury: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Goodland I 70, and IHG Hotel
Mid-Range: Comfort Inn & Suites
Budget: Super 8 by Wyndham Goodland

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The Best Weird Towns in Kansas for Offbeat Travelers

From giant sunflower murals to ghost tours in Atchison County, these Kansas towns prove the Sunflower State has a knack for the unusual. Each stop on this list offers its own slice of history, quirky landmarks, and small-town charm you will not find anywhere else in the United States.

Goodland in the Badlands: Weird Towns in Kansas Abound

It doesn’t get much weirder than a giant easel with an equally giant copy of one of Van Gogh’s famous sunflowers paintings. The easel itself is 80 feet tall—so, roundabout the same height as a 6-story building. If you’re looking for it on Google Maps, it’s called the World’s Largest Easel.

It’s actually part of a larger project by Canadian artist Cameron Cross called the Van Gogh Project, where he set up a giant version of all seven of the sunflower paintings in different locations. Goodland was actually the third site, but if you ask me, all of them should have been in Kansas since it is the Sunflower State, after all!

In any case, as random as it might seem at first, it’s an impressive sight, and a fitting addition to the Sunflower State. And as a side note, Goodland is also a good home base when visiting landmarks like the Castle Rock Badlands and the Arikaree Breaks – one of the plethora of things to see along the Land and Sky Scenic Byway or state highway 27.

A wide stretch of golden prairie grass spreads across the Kansas plains under a clear blue sky, with a lone tree and rocky hill casting shadows on the landscape. A barbed wire fence runs through the scene, emphasizing the open, untouched nature of the land.

Castle Rock Badlands. A rugged rock formation rises from the flat Kansas plains as the sun sets behind it, casting a warm golden glow across the landscape. The sky transitions from deep purple to soft orange, highlighting the striking contrast between the rock's texture and the smooth horizon.

A towering easel holds an oversized outdoor reproduction of Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers,” with bold brushstrokes and vibrant colors set against a flawless deep blue sky. The artwork, mounted high on sturdy metal beams, creates a dramatic and whimsical celebration of art in public space.

Where To Stay in Goodland

I’ve recommended this hotel already, but when you’re surrounded by Badlands, you have to indulge in a little comfort. And the best place for that is Holiday Inn Express & Suites Goodland. Reviewers praise this place up and down for its friendly staff and amazing breakfast.

A modern Holiday Inn Express & Suites hotel with a clean, geometric design features red, tan, and stone-accented exterior walls. The building is lit softly at dusk, with ample parking space and a covered entrance welcoming guests.

The interior of a Holiday Inn Express breakfast and lounge area features modern decor with a mix of booth seating, round tables, and vibrant turquoise chairs. Warm wood accents on the ceiling and light-colored floors create a clean, inviting space for dining and relaxing.

A bright and modern hotel room features two queen beds with crisp white linens, a wood-accented headboard, and a sleek workspace with a mounted flat-screen TV. A green accent wall and large window with blackout shade bring in natural light, while a cozy blue sofa adds extra comfort.

An indoor hotel pool with crystal-clear blue water is surrounded by clean tile flooring, lounge chairs, and large windows letting in soft evening light. The well-lit space has a calm, modern feel, ideal for relaxation or a quick swim.

PHOTO CREDITS: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Goodland VIA HOTELS.COM

Lucas Has Everything (Including the Kitchen Sink Toilet)

Lucas is America’s grassroots art capital, which in this case means anything and everything is art. As someone who loves scrying a city for street murals and other alternative art, you better believe it caught my interest. But some of the art definitely pushes Lucas up on the weird towns in Kansas-o-meter.

I’d recommend starting off with a visit to the Garden of Eden—a masterpiece in bizarre but hypnotizing outdoor art sculptures. After that, be sure to stop at the Bowl Plaza (a giant, mosaic toilet), the Grassroots Art Center, and the Garden of Isis.

That last one, by the way, is notable for being made up entirely of recycled materials, like toys, kitchen utensils, and doll bodies. (And yes, it is a tiny bit disturbing. If Chucky gave you nightmares as a kid, you might want to skip this one.)

For more mainstream touristy spots, head to the World’s Largest Travel Plate and the World’s Largest Collection of the World’s Smallest Versions of the World’s Largest Things Roadside Attraction and Museum. It’s a mouthful, for sure, but also when in Rome, right?

World’s Largest Travel Plate. A large, colorful painted bowl-shaped sculpture proudly displays “Lucas Kansas, Grassroots Art Capital” in its center, surrounded by hand-painted scenes celebrating local heritage, including immigrant ancestors, wheat harvests, and area landmarks. The artwork sits on a wooden stand in a grassy field, blending folk art with small-town pride.

Garden of Eden, a towering concrete sculpture with whimsical, human-like figures holding tools and objects stands in front of a wooden house, surrounded by trees and a wire fence. The structure features tiered planters at its base and outstretched arms reaching into the sky, creating a surreal, folk-art atmosphere against a vivid blue sky.

World’s Largest Collection of the World’s Smallest Versions of the World’s Largest Things. A quirky museum exhibit features a giant cartoon face with exaggerated ears, nose, and lips, with its open mouth acting as a display case. Inside the mouth are photos and miniature replicas, framed by yellow teeth and surrounded by informational signage about the artist.

An outdoor display of miniature stone and rock buildings, including cone-shaped towers and tiny houses, sits on a grassy lawn surrounded by fencing. In the foreground, jagged rust-colored stones and spherical objects form an abstract, weathered sculpture that contrasts with the more structured models behind it.

Where To Stay near Lucas

I stayed overnight in the Midland Railroad Hotel in Wilson just a 20-minute drive away from Lucas. It’s a beautiful rough brick building right next to a World War I Monument and 10 minutes from Wilson Lake. It even has a genuine tavern serving up drinks and American classics.

A historic stone building with a striking copper mansard roof is warmly lit against a deep blue night sky, with the full moon visible in the background. Large arched windows reveal a cozy, welcoming interior, while several cars are parked along the quiet street in front.

An overhead view of a warmly lit wooden staircase features ornate patterned carpet runners and a classic wooden banister. The polished wood floors below are accented with richly colored rugs, a vintage lamp, and a wooden rocking chair, creating a cozy, historic atmosphere.

A warm and inviting hotel room features a wooden slatted king-size bed with crisp white linens and four plush pillows. The space is accented with rich wood trim, yellow walls, a cozy armchair with matching ottoman, and a small vanity sink area in the corner, blending vintage charm with comfort.

A cozy, traditional bar with rich wood accents and cushioned wooden barstools is warmly lit by hanging pendant lights. Shelves behind the bar are stocked with various bottles of liquor and glassware, creating a classic, inviting atmosphere for guests.

PHOTO CREDITS: Midland Railroad Hotel VIA HOTELS.COM

Cawker City: Twine for Miles

Honestly, the weirdness should be expected from a town in Kansas that plays host to the World’s Largest Ball of Twine. And boy, does it live up to that. Every year, this town holds a festival to add even more twine to the ball. Gotta make sure no one beats that Guinness World Record, I guess.

Don’t be fooled by the “city” in the name “Cawker City.” With fewer than 500 people making up the total population, Cawker City is more a village or tiny town. Because of its, this might be the one quirky thing worth seeing, but it’s close to Waconda Lake, which is a great place to stop for a picnic in between destinations.

A massive ball of twine sits sheltered under a red-roofed pavilion in Cawker City, Kansas, with signs declaring it the “World’s Largest Ball of Twine.” The ball measures 43 feet in circumference and weighs over 20,000 pounds, started by Frank Stoeber in 1953 and now a quirky roadside attraction.

A surreal painting of an eye is mounted on a textured green wall, with the iris replaced by a blue sky filled with white clouds and a large ball of twine as the pupil. The warm yellow and orange tones around the eye contrast with the cool, dreamy sky inside, blending natural imagery with imaginative symbolism.

A serene landscape of rolling grassy fields leads to a shimmering Waconda Lake bordered by trees and distant homes under a clear blue sky. The sunlight glints off the water’s surface, creating a peaceful rural scene with a sense of open space and calm.

PHOTO CREDIT: jimmywayne, FLICKR, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0; ccarlstead, FLICKR, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0; Ken Lund, CC BY-SA 2.0

Where To Stay Near Cawker City

There’s not much to choose from in terms of accommodations in Cawker City, but the Fins and Feather Lodge in Downs is a 9-minute drive away. Which, let’s be real, is a quicker drive than you’d be taking in most city centers. It’s not huge or fancy, but it’s clean, pet-friendly, and comes with free wifi. And trust me when I say that is an enormous advantage compared to other hotels in the area.

A simple, single-story roadside motel with a metal roof and dark-painted exterior features five white doors, each leading to a separate guest room. The sign in the center reads "Roadside Lodge," and the small patio with chairs adds a welcoming touch beneath tall trees and a clear sky.

A cozy motel room features two beds with taupe bedding, simple wood furniture, and a mix of wood-paneled and neutral-colored walls. Warm lighting and a small dining table with chairs give the space a welcoming, lived-in feel.

PHOTO CREDITS: Fins and Feather Lodge VIA HOTELS.COM

Visit Atchison for a Legit Ghost Town Experience

Atchison is the birthplace of Amelia Earhart, and every summer, it hosts a festival dedicated to the legendary pilot. Aviation and history enthusiasts will be pleased to learn that the home she grew up in is now a museum with guided, self-guided, and virtual tours.

Atchison happens to have so many haunted houses, it advertises Haunted Atchison tours from September till November. Does that count? For the spooking season, I’m guessing. (Cynicism or just smart advertising? You decide!)

To be honest, the juxtaposition of this town honoring such a famous, historic figure and then, bam, Ghosts Ahoy—is kinda hilarious. But it fits, in a strange sort of way, considering all the mystery shrouding Earhart’s disappearance.

The birthplace of Amelia Earhart in Atchison, Kansas is a classic white Gothic Revival-style house features arched windows, a decorative balcony, and a wraparound porch supported by ornate columns. The well-kept lawn, red brick walkway, and cozy rocking chairs give the historic home a charming, welcoming presence.

A grand red-brick Victorian mansion with ornate architectural details, including a tall turret, bay windows, and multiple chimneys, sits atop a grassy hill. A white-columned wraparound porch adds charm and elegance to the historic home, which stands out against the vibrant blue sky.

The haunted 1889 McInteer Villa. A striking Victorian-style brick mansion features ornate white trim, arched windows, and a prominent round turret with a conical roof. Stone steps lead up through lush greenery to a side entrance, enhancing the grand, historic feel of the home under a vivid blue sky.

Two red dragon sculptures perch dramatically on the rooftop of a building, with one in full view showing its wings, horns, and open mouth as it leans forward. The vivid blue sky in the background intensifies the fantasy-like appearance of the scene, making the dragons stand out as bold architectural accents.

PHOTO CREDIT: Ammodramus, CC0 1.0; jimmywayne, FLICKR, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0; redaryl, FLICKR, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Where To Stay in Atchison

Yes, I know I just recommended a Holiday Inn Express & Suites, but they’re really good in these small towns. It’s within a ten-minute walk of both Amelia Earhart’s home and memorial bridge. It’s clean, comfy, and far enough from any hauntings so you don’t have to worry about a midnight visit from Casper.

A modern four-story hotel with a sleek mix of brick, stone, and beige siding features a large covered entrance supported by stone pillars. Blue accent lighting highlights the building’s clean lines, while the surrounding lot offers ample parking under a clear evening sky.

A bright and colorful hotel dining area features a mix of red and blue chairs, modern wood-accented lighting, and a high-top communal table with charging stations. Blue structural columns and vibrant geometric artwork add a playful, contemporary feel to the clean, well-lit space.

A vibrant indoor hotel pool features clear blue water, light tile walls, and bold lime green and blue accent colors on the upper walls and ceiling. The space includes safety equipment, towel storage, and a pool lift for accessibility, with natural light streaming through large windows.

A clean and modern hotel room features two plush queen beds with crisp white linens, a dark wood headboard with built-in lighting, and a large floor lamp. The room includes a contemporary workspace, carpeted flooring, and a sleek, minimal design for a comfortable stay.

PHOTO CREDITS: Holiday Inn Express & Suites VIA HOTELS.COM

If Kansas Surprised You With Its Quirky Small Towns…

Just wait until you see what else the state has to offer. Kansas definitely proves that “flyover country” is full of hidden gems.

Whether you are road-tripping across the state hunting for the next oddball attraction or want to see some seriously awesome rock formations in the Badlands, there is always something unexpected around the corner.

Don’t miss out on the best restaurants in Wichita while you’re making your way through my guide on the best things to do in Wichita.