Kansas towns compete for ‘best small town’ title

Matthew Self
·2 min read

TOPEKA (KSNT) – Two Kansas towns are neck-and-neck in a nationwide contest set to determine the best small town in the Midwest.

Voting is currently open for a contest hosted by USA Today to find out which small town people think is the best of the best in the Midwest. The leaderboard has 20 towns listed in its ranks this week, with Marysville and Council Grove both near the top:

  1. Madison, Indiana

  2. Marysville, Kansas

  3. Council Grove, Kansas

  4. Petoskey, Michigan

  5. Put-in-Bay, Ohio

  6. Vevay, Indiana

  7. Mitchell, South Dakota

  8. Traverse City, Michigan

  9. Sandusky, Ohio

  10. Dyersville, Iowa

  11. Winterset, Iowa

  12. Bayfield, Wisconsin

  13. Eureka Springs, Arkansas

  14. Sturgis, South Dakota

  15. Marietta, Ohio

  16. Red Wing, Minnesota

  17. French Lick, Indiana

  18. Kohler, Wisconsin

  19. Utica, Indiana

  20. Fulton, Missouri

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Council Grove – Morris County

Sunset overlooking the Flint Hills of Kansas.
Sunset overlooking the Flint Hills of Kansas.

Council Grove has access to a wealth of history thanks to its numerous historic sites, according to the town’s website. The National Park Service (NPS) lists the Santa Fe National Historic Trail, Kaw Mission State Historic site, Lanesfield Historic site and more as noteworthy places to visit in town.

Council Grove is also located near a scenic tallgrass prairie and the nearby Flint Hills. You can learn more about what the town has to offer by clicking here.

Marysville – Marshall County

USA, Kansas, Marysville, downtown city view
USA, Kansas, Marysville, downtown city view

Primarily known for its abundance and love for the local black squirrel population, Marysville is located along the historic Oregon Trail in northern Kansas, according to the town’s website. The town shows its love for its local squirrels by building artistic statutes of them every year. More than 30 squirrel statues can be found across Marysville.

You can learn more about what Marysville has to offer by clicking here.

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How to vote

People can vote for their top choice once per day until polls close at noon ST on Monday, April 1. Winners will be revealed on Wednesday, April 10. You can vote in the contest using this link.

Abilene is also in the running for a separate USA Today contest for the best historic small town. You can vote for this contest by using this link.

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