Kansas
7 Cozy Towns to Visit in Kansas
Admitted to the Union in 1861, Kansas is a historically fascinating and agriculturally rich land that forms an important part of the American Midwest. Also known as the “Sunflower State,” Kansas has a relatively small population of just under three million inhabitants. Still, it is filled with a cultural, historical, and natural allure ideal for any potential road trip. While major cities like Topeka and Wichita will still attract the most attention, Kansas also has several smaller, cozy, and charming towns that showcase the beautiful character of the “Sunflower State.” So come see this Midwestern treasure and spend time in these fabulous cozy towns, where some of the very best of “America’s Heartland” can be appreciated by all ages of travelers.
Abilene
Founded in the 1850s, the town of Abilene is now the seat of Dickinson County, home to a modest population of just under 6,500 inhabitants. This charming historic community located along the Smoky Hill River was once a stop on the famed cattle driver’s route, the Chisholm Trail, and today, a feeling of the Old West is still palpable. Explore the Old Town District and its assortment of 19th and early 20th-century landmarks, including the Seelye Mansion (1905), amongst others listed on the National Register of Historic Places. From there, make sure not to miss a ride on the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad, which truly transports its guests back to the fascinating 1800s. Meanwhile, anyone interested in the nation’s political history should visit the Eisenhower Presidential Library in town. Having grown up in Abilene, this museum celebrates the life and career of Second World War General and 34th President Dwight Eisenhower in a most fascinating and interactive fashion.
Dodge City
Dodge City was once a bustling Wild West hotspot for gamblers, cowboys, outlaws, and many other colorful characters. While its “glory days” may be behind it, the town remains a most charming and fun place for anyone in southwest Kansas to discover. Founded in the 1870s and now home to nearly 28,000 residents, this seat of Ford County is a great destination to experience what the 19th century West was all about in a modern setting. Visit the Boot Hill Museum, which offers fascinating insights into the Old West and Dodge City’s importance in the region following the Civil War.
Meanwhile, even just a stroll through the historic downtown is a treat, where an eclectic range of 19th-century storefronts (including saloons) and other preserved buildings create an atmosphere of time travel. Those visiting this year should plan their trip for the Dodge City Days celebration in late July or early August. The event makes for an awesome outing that the entire family can relish, with rodeos, live music, parades, classic car shows, barbecue cookoffs, and more.
Atwood
With a modern history dating to the 1870s, the town of Atwood is a charming small community ideal for anyone looking for a genuine taste of Midwestern America. It is the seat of Rawlins County in the northwestern corner of the State, home to just over 1,000 residents. Known for its hot summers and mild winter temperatures, spending time outdoors is always popular here. A popular option is the nearby Lake Atwood, where visitors can enjoy fun opportunities for swimming, sailing, fishing, camping, hiking, biking, and even golf. Similarly, family fun awaits at the July Rawlins County Fair, where live music, food vendors, and other entertainment delight all ages. Those looking to stay in town can opt to visit sites like the Rawlins County Courthouse instead.
Fort Scott
Named for a general in the War of 1812, the picturesque town of Fort Scott is a great place of natural and historic allure for anyone in southeastern Kansas. The seat of Bourbon County, home to a population of just over 7,500 residents, Fort Scott can trace its modern history to the 1850s. Indeed, guests can continue to marvel at several historic structures and architectural styles at the Fort Scott Historic Site, where many properties are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. From there, visit the Fort Scott National Cemetery, where the tombs of more than 8,000 service men and women rest.
Along with historic tales for history enthusiasts, Fort Scott boasts plenty of outdoor charm for nature lovers. Scenically situated along the Marmaton River and within the Osage Plains, the town experiences hot summers and mild winters, and spending time in nature is always a popular activity. Stop by the 155-acre Gunn Park, where one can enjoy boating, fishing, biking, hiking, and golfing opportunities in a most serene and welcoming ambiance.
Ottawa
The seat of Franklin County, the town of Ottawa (no relation to the Canadian capital), is beautifully situated along the banks of the Marais des Cygnes River. Home to the Ottawa University (1865), this historic town is a great place to enjoy authentic Americana in a warm climate known for its hot summers and cool winters. Spend an afternoon in the downtown historic district and explore several 19th and early 20th-century buildings, including the Plaza 1907 movie theatre, which calls itself the “oldest purpose-built cinema in operation in the world.” Amongst other spots of interest include the Old Depot Museum, where spending time along the river is always a popular outing. Add in a fine assortment of local restaurants, shops, galleries, and other businesses, and the charm of this cozy Kansas town surely cannot be beaten.
Wamego
Wamego is home to a modest population of just under 5,000 inhabitants, and its scenic beauty and small-town charm make it a cozy place to visit for anyone in the northeast corner of Kansas. Named for a Native American chief and formally established in the 1860s, the historic allure of Wamego is hard to deny. Visitors can explore several landmarks here that have been included on the National Register of Historic Places. Including the Old Dutch Mill (1879) and the Columbian Theatre (1893), there is indeed a fascinating story waiting to be discovered by guests of all ages.
Outside of local history, one can spend some time at the inviting Wamego City Park; quiet and reflective afternoons can be enjoyed in the public space covering some 12 acres. Finally, amongst Wamego’s most unique attractions is the Oz Museum, where an impressive collection of over 25,000 items lovingly celebrates the books and beloved movie “The Wizard of Oz.” It is an immersive and fun experience for solo travelers and families alike, and it will have guests wondering if they are in Kansas anymore!
Leavenworth
Located along the Missouri River, the historic and scenic town of Leavenworth is also known as the “The First City of Kansas.” The town was founded in the 1850s, and today, it is the country seat of Leavenworth County with a bustline population of over 37,000 inhabitants. Guests can enjoy plenty of opportunities to learn about America’s past while taking in wonderful natural scenery. History enthusiasts especially rejoice in town, as it was an important center during the Civil War with a number of fascinating historic landmarks. These include the Frontier Army Museum, the Buffalo Soldier Memorial Monument, and the famed Fort Leavenworth, constructed in 1827. Meanwhile, spending time near the Missouri River is always a popular outing, and residents and guests alike can enjoy scenic walks and bike rides in a warm summer and cool winter climate.
Conclusion
Affectionately known as the “Sunflower State,” the Midwestern hub of Kansas is a great place of discovery, where fascinating history, geographic beauty, and plenty of small-town charm can be found. Although the state’s major cities continue to be worthy destinations of discovery, Kansas’ smaller and cozy towns should not be overlooked by any traveler looking for a fun holiday stopover. From the Wild West throwback of Dodge City to the scenic surroundings of Wamego, these and other inviting small Kansas towns are great ways for the solo traveler and whole family to discover the best of the Midwestern USA. So hit the road and come see the great State of Kansas across an exploration of these awesome, cozy, and friendly towns.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — From 25,000 parking spots to 19,000 within a 10-minute walk to the stadium, that’s how many Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas says will be available near the new Royals ballpark in Crown Center, with 9,000 of those spots on the actual campus.
While there will be less parking, Royals fan Roger Nickell says he believes this move is good for Kansas City.
“I think anything that makes Kansas City an exciting place to come to, and a good destination, the parking itself is not going to be the issue,” Nickell said “We’d rather have good things in our city, and if you go to other cities, Kansas City is actually really, really easy right now.”
While it might not be ideal for some, downtown stadiums and parking is the normal for a number of teams and cities throughout Major League Baseball. Upwards of 20 teams have a stadium in the downtown area, including the Twins, Cardinals and Tigers.
“I think every new stadium in the MLB is being built downtown, so I kind of expected it,” Royals fan Jackson Fort said. “I think parking will be kind of, they’ll have to figure out something because there’s going to be a big building and not a lot of space to put it. I think you’ll see a lot more Ubers and less of that tailgating scene that the chiefs and the royals are so known for.”
While tailgating as we know it will look different, walking to the stadium won’t actually look that bad if you use the streetcar. From the stop at the World War I Museum, you’re looking at a nine-minute walk to Crown Center, and four-minute walk if you get off at Union Station.
“I think it would be a good thing for the city, for the baseball park and for everybody,” avid streetcar user Gary Henderson said. “Especially for the people who use the trolley would get a chance to see how comfortable it is and maybe it’ll increase their business too.”
With hopes of the new stadium to be ready for opening day in 2030, the Royals, Kansas City, and fans have time to figure out any potential obstacles.
“I think we’ll get to figure it out,” Royals fan Caden Tucker said. “I think that they have plenty of time to be able to figure everything out and make sure everything’s not going to be packed in here and just kind of slowed down in the process.”
While a lot of parking will be taken away in the near future, if one thing is for certain, the Royals will not. The current lease for Kauffman stadium is set to expire in 2031.
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Kansas
Final 7-Round Kansas City Chiefs 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Putting my skills to the test against an AI trained to think like Brett Veach
I trained my AI to think and draft like Kansas City Chiefs GM Brett Veach. Then I challenged it to a duel for my final 2026 NFL Mock Draft.
YouTube/Chiefs
You’re going to see a lot of final mock drafts for the Kansas City Chiefs this week, but I decided to make mine a little bit differently this year.
I wanted to give Chiefs fans an idea of what I would do while also adding a predictive element. What I settled on was a dueling mock draft against an AI trained to think like Chiefs GM Brett Veach.
How did I train my AI? First, I uploaded Veach’s draft history since he took over as general manager following the 2017 NFL Draft. Then, I fed it pre-draft and post-draft press conference transcripts to give the AI context on how Veach views the NFL Draft. I weighted the more recent press conferences more heavily. From there, I uploaded historical data on key thresholds at specific position groups. It had access to confirmed combine formals and pre-draft meetings with 2026 NFL Draft prospects, along with historical context on their importance.
I also uploaded the Chiefs’ stats from last season so the AI could quantify areas that needed improvement relative to NFL averages. The final piece of the puzzle was to upload the Chiefs’ 90-man offseason roster and team needs.
To execute the mock draft, I used the A to Z Sports NFL Mock Draft Simulator. I provided the AI with the list of the 10 best available players at a given pick. I made my picks before the AI, but I didn’t tell it who I had chosen. The AI was prompted to use all available data to make a decision for each draft pick. With all that in mind, here’s a look at how the mock draft competition turned out.
Final Kansas City 2026 NFL Mock Draft
Pick No. 9
Top available: Mansoor Delane, Caleb Downs, Jordyn Tyson, Spencer Fano, Makai Lemon, Monroe Freeling, Jermod McCoy, Kenyon Sadiq, Ola Ioane, and Keldric Faulk.
My pick: Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson
Solving for the Chiefs’ need for “the guy” on offense in the future just feels like the right move for this draft class. Travis Kelce can’t play forever. Add Tyson and get back to scoring 30+ per game.
What AI Brett Veach did: Auburn DE Keldric Faulk
Edge rusher was the No. 1 need that I provided to the AI. At 6-foot-6 and 275 pounds with 34-inch arms, Faulk meets virtually every Chiefs threshold from a physical standpoint. It’s not an exciting pick for fans, but even a robot can see the upside here.
Pick No. 29
Top available: Kadyn Proctor, Akheem Mesidor, Caleb Banks, Cash Howell, T.J. Parker, CJ Allen, Denzel Boston, Chris Johnson, R Mason Thomas, and Colton Hood.
My pick: Tennessee CB Colton Hood
I’m becoming increasingly comfortable with the idea of taking a cornerback early. The old NFL adage goes that you can never have too many cornerbacks, and the Chiefs need bodies there. Not just for 2026, but also for the long term. Hood gives you a physical man coverage corner who can play outside, but probably crosstrains inside, too.
What AI Brett Veach did: Alabama OT Kadyn Proctor
Offensive tackle wasn’t rated as highly on the AI’s needs list. However, the Chiefs did have a top-30 visit with Proctor. I think it probably took note of Brett Veach’s comments about offensive tackle drying up by pick No. 35. He also hits some athleticism thresholds, despite missing on one key measurable (arm length).
Pick No. 40
Top available: Caleb Banks, Chris Johnson, R Mason Thomas, Denzel Boston, Chris Bell, Zion Young, Christen Miller, Chris Brazzell, D’Angelo Ponds, and Gabe Jacas.
My pick: Florida DT Caleb Banks
There are obviously some questions regarding the nagging foot injury. Plus, there’s still some development and pad-level issues to work out. I just think the 6-foot-6, 310-pound defender would really thrive by learning from Chris Jones.
What AI Brett Veach did: Florida DT Caleb Banks
What a copycat. Based on the information I gave the AI, this doesn’t surprise me. Banks had the medical top-30 visit with Kansas City. Veach, of course, mentioned needing two more defensive linemen in this class during his pre-draft presser. This just makes me feel even more strongly that this is a no-brainer pick if he’s available at pick No. 40.
Pick No. 74
Top available: Ted Hurst, Davison Igbinosun, Dom Orange, Antonio Williams, Jonah Coleman, Genesis Smith, Caleb Tiernan, Dani Dennis-Sutton, Will Lee III, and Keionte Scott.
My pick: Penn State DE Dani Dennis-Sutton
A member of the 2026 All-Juice Team, Dennis-Sutton feels like he was built in a lab solely for Steve Spagnuolo. He hits all of the physical thresholds, but also is quietly one of the more productive players at the position.
What AI Brett Veach did: Georgia State WR Ted Hurst
I think this might have been a “best player available” pick for the AI. Hurst took a pre-draft visit with the Chiefs, and wide receiver is pretty high on the needs list. It makes sense why the AI Brett Veach would value him here.
Pick No. 109
Top available: Brian Parker, Nick Singleton, Isaiah World, Oscar Delp, Dontay Corleone, Bud Clark, Kaleb Proctor, Harold Perkins, Emmett Johnson, and Charles Demmings.
My pick: TCU S Bud Clark
A versatile safety prospect for the Chiefs. Clark has ball skills for days, with four consecutive college football seasons with 3 or more interceptions. At 6-foot-1 and 188 pounds, he’s also a physical presence in run support. He fits the Spags mold.
What AI Brett Veach did: Stephen F. Austin CB Charles Demmings
Cornerback also ranked highly on the needs list, so I can see how the AI prioritized this position group at this pick. Veach also has a history of drafting FCS talent, including Fayetteville State CB Joshua Williams and Western Illinois DT Khalen Saunders. Demmings fits the mold for what K.C. likes at the cornerback spot in terms of physicality and athleticism.
Pick No. 148
Top available: Sam Roush, Kevin Coleman, Jalon Kilgore, Billy Schrauth, Kaleb Elarms-Orr, Ephesians Prysock, Justin Jefferson, Zane Durant, Logan Taylor, and Jeff Caldwell.
My pick: Stanford TE Sam Roush
I’m a big Roush fan. He’s already one of the better blocking tight ends in the class, but I also think there’s big upside as a pass-catcher. He has a 6-foot-6 and 267-pound frame. Plus, he’s a legacy player in Kansas City.
What AI Brett Veach did: South Carolina DB Jalon Kilgore
Nickel/safety versatility probably appealed to the AI here. There’s also really good ball production with eight career interceptions and 21 passes broken up. I think he’s rather role-limited in the NFL, but the AI could’ve done a whole lot worse at pick No. 148.
Pick No. 169
Top available: Landon Robinson, Josh Cameron, Caden Curry, Taureen York, Demon Claiborne, Domani Jackson, Eli Raridon, Cade Klubnik, J.C. Davis, and Keagen Trost.
My pick: Illinois OT J.C. Davis
I hadn’t taken an offensive tackle yet, so this felt right. This one is a bit of a homer pick as Davis played for my UNM Lobos before transferring to play for my Fighting Illini. If the Chiefs wait on offensive tackle, he’s the one I’d want them to target.
What AI Brett Veach did: Navy DT Landon Robinson
Doubling up on the pass-rushing interior defensive linemen. I see you, Brett Veach AI. Robinson is undersized, but his athleticism and production are absolutely worth taking a chance on. Being the top-ranked player on the list I gave to the AI probably played a part in this decision.
Pick No. 176
Top available: Jeremiah Wright, Ar’Maj Reed-Adams, Mikail Kamara, Marlin Klein, Adam Randall, Trey Moore, Jakobe Thomas, Nick Barrett, Kaelon Black, and Febechi Nwaiwu.
My pick: Michigan LB Jimmy Rolder
Call it a reach on my part, as Rolder is 201 on the A to Z Sports big board. Only a one-year starter. Instinctive with impressive closing speed at 6-foot-2 and 238 pounds. He’s someone who could slot in as a SAM linebacker in 2026, but potentially develop into the green-dot-wearer down the line.
What AI Brett Veach did: Indiana RB Kaelon Black
I noted three things the Chiefs still needed at running back in team needs for the AI: Pass protection, short-yardage, and return specialists. Black (5-foot-10, 210 pounds) can handle the first two, at the very least. The one thing I found interesting here is that running back was very low on my AI’s needs list.
Pick No. 210
Top available: Tyren Montgomery, John Michael Gyllenborg, Robert Spears-Jennings, Skyler Gill-Howard, Diego Pounds, Carver Willis, Caleb Douglas, Eli Heidenreich, Red Murdock, and George Gumbs Jr.
My pick: Florida EDGE George Gumbs Jr.
Gumbs felt like that developmental speed-rusher prototype that the Chiefs want, but haven’t really hit on. He’s long (6-foot-6 with 34-inch arms), springy, super-athletic, and the flash plays look really good. It’s just all about further development and consistency.
What AI Brett Veach did: Buffalo LB Khalil “Red” Murdock
The AI got a little sassy with me and spat out Red’s government name. I feel like Brett Veach’s recent comments about the linebacker position stuck with the AI here. I also feel like it valued Murdock’s production (364 tackles and 17 forced fumbles in his career).
Final verdict
Charles Goldman’s Final 2026 NFL Mock Draft:
- 9: Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson
- 29: Tennessee CB Colton Hood
- 40: Florida DT Caleb Banks
- 74: Penn State EDGE Dani Dennis-Sutton
- 109: TCU S Bud Clark
- 148: Stanford TE Sam Roush
- 169: Illinois OT J.C. Davis
- 176: Michigan LB Jimmy Rolder
- 210: Florida EDGE George Gumbs Jr.
AI Brett Veach’s Final 2026 NFL Mock Draft:
- 9: Auburn DE Keldric Faulk
- 29: Alabama OT Kadyn Proctor
- 40: Florida DT Caleb Banks
- 74: Georgia State WR George Hurst
- 109: SFA CB Charles Demmings
- 148: South Carolina DB Jalon Kilgore
- 169: Navy DT Landon Robinson
- 176: Indiana RB Kaelon Black
- 210: Buffalo LB Red Murdock
Overall, I was surprised by how well the AI drafted. My draft feels a bit more top-heavy with the instant-impact contributors, but I think the AI might’ve actually done a better job on Day 3. That felt especially Brett Veach-like, given his history and penchant for finding late-round steals.
If I do this again next year, I think I’ll feed the AI some of our draft rankings at A to Z Sports to give it better context. It had access to prospect data, but not any specific set of rankings. That’s probably the one area this experiment failed. The only context it had for “best” was the order of the 10 players I gave it to choose from at each pick. If I had the ability to “reach” as I did at 176, the AI should be able to.
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