So I finally made it to Downs, Kansas, last week. Woke up at 5 AM, grabbed my backpack full of snacks and my crappy camera. Drove six hours straight on I-70 with nothing but cornfields and wind turbines for company.
First Impressions Hit Hard
Honestly thought my GPS broke when I rolled into town. Main Street’s just two blocks long with a diner, a bank, and this ancient-looking hardware store. Stopped at Chuck’s Diner where the waitress called me “honey” and poured coffee before I even asked. Tasted like motor oil but the pie? Damn. Best cherry pie I’ve had in years.
Weird Little Attractions
Wandered around looking for anything interesting. Found this rusty train caboose just sitting in a field behind the post office. No sign, no fence, nothing. Took some photos while a farmer stared at me from his tractor like I was nuts.
- The “museum” – really just someone’s garage with old farm tools and a buffalo skull
- High school football field – biggest thing in town, painted bright blue
- Abandoned grain elevator – climbed it illegally for sunset views
Living There? Wild Idea
Stayed at this friend-of-a-friend’s spare bedroom. Their place had literal tumbleweeds stuck in the fence. Neighbor brought over deer jerky unannounced. Next morning heard gunshots – turns out they were just shooting at tin cans.
Gas station guy said you can rent a 3-bedroom house for $400/month. Blurted out “seriously?” He laughed: “Nobody moves here unless they’re born here or running from something.”
Would I Go Back?
Hell yes, but just for the pie and the silence. No cell service half the time, but at night? Stars look photoshopped they’re so bright. Downs ain’t pretty or exciting, but it’s real. Forgot places like this existed till I sat on that porch watching lightning bugs with gunfire crackling in the distance.
