Episode 11

Route 66! 12 Midwest Small Towns You Need To See in 2026 - Illinois, Missouri, and Kansas

Published on: 15th March, 2026

This episode we highlight a few towns in Illinois, Missouri, and Kansas for some small towns in the Midwest - WHY? Because ROUTE 66 is CELEBRATING 100 years this year!

So - take a road trip on Route-66 and check out all the small towns along the way - However - I highlight some within the states of Illinois, Missouri and Kansas.

I'd love to hear from you if you've ever driven Route 66! Drop a comment.

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About the Podcast

Midwest Small Town

Welcome to Midwest Small-Town
Where to Go, Stay, and Play in the Midwest

We’re on a mission to uncover the charm, character, and hidden gems of small-town America—one Midwest town at a time. Through engaging videos and our companion podcast, we take you on the road to explore unique places to visit, stay, eat, and experience across the Heartland.

But we’re more than just travel guides.
At Midwest Small-Town, we believe the future of America is found in its small towns. Our real passion is to inspire people to “Go Small and Come Home”—whether that means planning your next weekend trip, relocating to a quieter life, or even starting a business in a place where community still matters.

If you're looking for authentic stories, beautiful backroads, and real people making a difference in their hometowns, you’re in the right place.

Subscribe and join us as we rediscover the soul of America—right here in the Midwest.

About your host

Daniel Cline

Dan is the host of "Midwest Small Town" a podcast shining a light on Small Town U.S.A., exploring where to go, stay, and play across the American Midwest—while sharing the stories that make the Heartland unforgettable. Hosted by Dan, the show dives into local history, hidden gems, and the backroads most travelers miss.
Dan’s passion for the region runs deep. After years of documenting abandoned places and forgotten history on his original channel, Midwest Ghost Town, he merged that love of storytelling into one home—Midwest Small Town. From thriving main streets to long-forgotten ghost towns, each episode celebrates the people, places, and past that define the Midwest.
New episodes drop weekly, inviting listeners to slow down, explore deeper, and discover the stories waiting just beyond the highway.