Cottonwood Falls, KS – “Coolest Place in the Midwest”

Destination Towns is a relatively new series on Rural Resurrection. These towns are unique and boldly different, towns that stick out in a crowd and draw people in rather than letting them fly through.

Last summer, I had the chance to take a road trip that was quite rewarding. I was able to take in many small towns throughout Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri. Coming out of my overnight stay in El Dorado, I targeted Cottonwood Falls as my next destination. Google Falls drew me off Highway 50 at Elmdale to get there. It was the most direct route but not the main route into town.

Although the scenery along Lake Road was great, the road itself was poor. The deteriorated asphalt had a series of dips and bumps along the way. I thought to myself, “How can a community that has been labeled, The Coolest Place in the Midwest by one webpage have this as the main route into town?” But I didn’t realize that I was coming in the back way into town. But I got my bearings when I came upon Broadway Street.

About Cottonwood Falls

Cottonwood Falls was founded in 1859 as a ranching community. It would become the county seat for Chase County. By 1880 the community would be home to over 500 residents. The population would climb to a peak of 1,078 residents in 1940. Although the population has regressed to 854 (2023) over time, it has been relatively stable for the past few decades.

Cottonwood Falls is nestled into the heart of the Flint Hills, a unique tallgrass prairie ecosystem found in Kansas and northern Oklahoma. The prairie is so prominent in this area that it is home to the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, just five miles up the road. In addition to the visitor’s center, the Preserve’s site includes a variety of historic buildings, trails, tours, and a herd of bison, completing a well-rounded educational destination there in central Kansas.

Also up the road is the town of Strong City, Kansas. This town isn’t a typical 10-20 miles up the road. Strong City is less than two miles away. It is so close that there is a paved multi-use trail connecting the towns that is lined with period-style light poles, a rarity for trails outside of the municipality.

Strong City itself is no slouch, either. This town is home to an annual rodeo that is one of the first and largest P.R.C.A.-approved rodeos in the nation. Each year, this town of 388 hosts over 20,000 rodeo fans and contestants.

A Picturesque Downtown

Coming in on Lake Road was actually one of the back ways into the community. Highway 177 is actually the main thoroughfare through town. But Lake Road took me past Broadway Street the main route into downtown. That’s where I was confronted by the picturesque view of downtown Cottonwood Falls that the intersection provides.

A beautifully kept brick inlay road is bookended by more modern concrete sidewalks adorned with street furniture and planters. Ornate period-style street lights line the roadway edge, providing light to the street and the sidewalks behind it.

At the far end of Broadway Street prominently sits the Chase County Courthouse. Built in 1873, it is the oldest operating courthouse in Kansas. This French Renaissance-style structure was constructed of walnut and limestone with ornate features all around it. But it’s the red mansard roof that really makes it stand out at the end of Broadway Street.

Not just Public Amenities

The picturesque streetscape and historic clubhouse draw your eyes when you arrive, but there’s more to downtown Cottonwood Falls. On the west side of Broadway sits the Grand Central Hotel. This isn’t some run-of-the-mill rundown hotel. It provides a classy take on a Western flair throughout. Each of the rooms in this hotel are “branded” with historic brands of local ranchers, appointed with elegance in the look and feel.

With the hotel resting just four miles from the Tallgrass Praire National Preserve at The Z Bar Ranch, you can arrange for a number of activities through the hotel, including biking, nature hiking, birding, picnics, horseback riding, and fishing.

A short walk from the hotel sits Symphony in the Flint Hills, a non-profit with a mission to “heighten appreciation and knowledge of the Flint Hills tallgrass prairie.” Each year they hold the “Signature Event” that celebrates music, art, and the ecology of the Flint Hills. They also hold an annual art exhibit and auction that helps to fund the non-profit’s activities.

The Falls are Almost a Side Attraction

Despite the fact that the town has been named after the falls, the Cottonwood Falls are almost a side attraction to the beautiful downtown. But that’s not due to a lack of effort from the townspeople. Once you’re done looking southward into downtown, you can turn around and follow the brick road towards the bridge that crosses over Cottonwood River.

The bridge over the falls was constructed in 1914. It is unique as it is one of only three remaining reinforced masonry, earth-filled arch bridges designed by Daniel B. Luten. Formerly a road bridge, it is now for pedestrians only. The bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

After visitors cross the bridge, they can stroll into an adjoining park filled with mature trees and some general park amenities. Included in the park is a kiosk advertising the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway. Listed as one of America’s Byways, this meandering highway stretches from Council Grove to Cassoday. Along with scenic prairie views, the roadway has a number of stops along the way that serve a variety of interests.

Chase Lake

Coming into town from the west, I zipped right past Chase Lake. This is honestly relatively easy to do as the dam is built up several feet above the road that passes to the north of it. But I’m glad that I backtracked to this recreational stop west of town. The 109-acre lake has fishing piers, camping, and 383 acres of wildlife areas around it. But the Chase Lake Falls steal the show. Tucked back at the end of a walking trail, water rushes down these gorgeous falls and into Prather Creek and eventually into Cottonwood Creek.

Cottonwood Falls as a Destination Town

Cottonwood Falls exhibits a number of aspects that make it an ideal Destination Town. There is plenty to offer from the scenic and recreation amenities to the historic and arts-inspired venues. The sights and sounds of waterfalls is always a draw. Having one waterfall is a blessing, but Cottonwood Falls boasts two in a relatively short distance from each other.

The community has invested well in the amenities that draw visitors in. Are there some tweaks that could be done to enhance the visitor’s experience further? Sure, all communities have opportunities to improve. But Cottonwood Falls can certainly be deemed “Cool as the other side of the pillow.”

You may know of an interesting rural Destination Town. One that may be a helpful example to other communities, don’t keep it to yourself! Let us know through our contact form.