Settlers and railroad builders began pushing heavily into central and western Kansas shortly after the Civil War. The area’s native Indian residents resisted, and conflicts between the white settlers and the Native Americans were commonplace. In 1865 the federal government established Fort Fletcher, later named Fort Hays, as one of a network of military posts to provide protection for the settlers. Two years later Hays City was staked out just east of the fort. Hays City was a reputed wild western town complete with saloons, dance halls, whisky and street brawls. "Buffalo Bill" Cody and James B. "Wild Bill" Hickock were just two of the legendary frontiersmen who lived in Hays. Elizabeth Custer, wife of General George Custer, wrote of the town “there was enough desperate history in that little town in one summer to make a whole library of dime novels."
Today the city with the colorful frontier history has grown to be the largest city in northwest Kansas. Comfortable, yet progressive, Hays offers abundant cultural, commercial and entertainment opportunities. The historic Chestnut Street District features several art galleries, retail shops, and a microbrewery. The German heritage of the area is celebrated in numerous German festivals, historic churches, and attractions. The city is also home to Fort Hays State University, known for its academic excellence, winning sports programs, and as a cultural center for the performing arts. Best Western Hays Kansas.
Things to do in Hays
Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center
Located on the campus of Fort Hays State University, the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center hosts a variety of performing arts productions that include ballet, opera, musicals, drama, symphonies and bluegrass bands. The Hays Symphony Orchestra performs in the center. Call 785-628-4000 for more information.
Blue Sky Miniature Show Horse Farm
Although miniature horses have existed for thousands of years in Europe, the breed has only become recognized in the United States during the past forty years. Blue Sky breeds, trains, and shows miniature horses, many which have placed in the top ten in the nation. The owners of Blue Sky share their enthusiasm for the unique horses through tours of the farm. Guided tours and presentations are available by appointment. Located at 1710 Canterbury Drive. Call 785-625-6725 for more information.
Boot Hill Cemetery
Believed to be the first cemetery in Kansas, Boot Hill’s last burial took place in 1874. A statue titled “The Homesteader” stands in the northeast corner commemorating the cemetery as the historic resting place for many that lived in the area in pioneer days. Located at 18th and Fort Streets.
Buffalo Herd
A small herd of buffalo is maintained by the Hays Parks Department, representing the historical importance of the species. The area was once the home of the largest herd of buffalo in North America, with numbers believed to have been in the millions. Located across from historic Fort Hays on US 183 Alternate, four miles south of 1-70.
Cathedral of the Plains
Widely known as the “Cathedral of the Plains,” St. Fidelis Church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The 1911 Romanesque building was constructed in the form of a cross with majestic towers overlooking the prairie, and stands as a testament to the faith of the people who first lived and worked in the area. The active parish welcomes over 16,000 visitors a year to worship and to view the church’s architectural beauty. Guided tours by appointment. Located in Victoria at 10th Street and Cathedral Avenue. Call 785-735-2230 for more information.
Cedar Bluff State Park and Reservoir
Located just southwest of Hays, scenic Cedar Bluff State Park is a popular destination for fishing, boating, camping, swimming, biking, hiking and other outdoor activities. The beautiful 6,800-acre reservoir is nationally known for its bass fishing. The cedar-lined, 100-foot tall limestone bluffs, for which the reservoir was named, overlook the water just west of the Page Creek area on the southern shore. The area offers excellent hiking and spectacular views. For campers, the park features both utility and primitive campsites, a group camping area, horseshoe pits, sand volleyball, and playground equipment. From I-70, take exit 135 to Highway 147, then travel south for a 13-mile scenic drive through the hills. Call 785-726-3212 for more information.
Ellis County Historical Society Museum
The Ellis County Historical Society Museum preserves the colorful history of the area from the days of the Wild West through World War II and modern day. A popular Learning Center allows children to explore the past with a photo gallery, old-time clothes and toys, farm animals and more. Several buildings on the grounds of the museum tell the story of Ellis County: an 1879 native stone chapel, thought to be the oldest existing church building in western Kansas; a harness shop from the early 1900s; and a replica Volga German Haus, representing the county’s largest immigrant group. Call 785-628-2624 for more information.
Ellis County Memorial
A memorial at the Ellis County Courthouse pays tribute to the men from Ellis County who gave their lives while serving our country. Located at 13th and Fort.
Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course
Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course offers 18 holes of golf, rental carts and equipment, a pro shop and a concession area. Located at 1450 Golf Course Road. Call 785-625-9949 for more information.
Fort Hays State Historic Site
Fort Hays, originally named Fort Fletcher, was established on the Smoky Hill Trail in 1865 to provide protection for settlers and railroad workers from the area’s resisting Native American inhabitants. Conflicts between the Native Americans and white settlers continued in the 1870’s. The Plains Indians were driven away when the buffalo herds, their major food source, were slaughtered by hide hunters and sportsmen. With the need for the post diminished, Fort Hays was abandoned on November 8, 1889. Today, the remaining buildings of the fort are administered by the Kansas State Historical Society as part of the Frontier Historical Park. Located at 1472 Highway 183 Alt. Call 785-625-6812 for more information.
Fort Hays State University
Founded in 1902 on the grounds of the abandoned Fort Hays frontier military post, today Fort Hays State University is situated on a 4,160- acre campus. The campus has often been called the prettiest in Kansas with stately limestone buildings, shady trees and the meandering Big Creek. The university’s reputation for academic excellence attracts students to study from 30 departments in four primary colleges. An extensive and successful intercollegiate sports program boasts many national championships. The university also serves as the cultural center of western Kansas, featuring a variety of fine arts exhibitions and performing arts productions, as well as a Presidential Lecture Series. The campus is located on the southwest edge of Hays at 600 Park Street. Call 785-628-4000 for more information.
Fort Hays State University Farm
Fort Hays State University’s 3,800-acre farm covers six agricultural areas including beef, dairy, horse, sheep, swine and crop production. The farm serves as a laboratory for more than 200 agriculture students, who raise and sell crops, operate a dairy, and buy and sell animals. Call 785-628-4196 for more information.
Fort Hays State University Walking Tour
Placed around the campus of Fort Hays State University, markers and sculptures commemorate the Vietnam War, World War II and the Kent State/Jackson State tragedy. An interactive map of the tour can be obtained at www.fhsu.edu/future_students/virtual_campus/map. Call 785-628-4206 for more information.
Frontier Park
Located on land that was once part of the Fort Hays Military Reservation, Frontier Park is an 89-acre recreational area featuring walking trails, creek fishing, bridges, picnic areas, fireplaces, sand volleyball pit, playground equipment, a disc golf course, shelters, and more. Shaded by large trees, Big Creek flows through the park, creating waterfalls and scenic views. Unusual works of art are carved into the trunks of trees scattered throughout the park. The Hays Parks Department also maintains a small buffalo herd in the park. Located at 1546 E Hwy 40 Bypass. Call 785-628-7375 for more information.
George Grant Villa
A Scottish noble and successful silk merchant from London, George Grant founded the English colony of Victoria, Kansas in 1872, and was the first to bring Aberdeen Angus cattle to the region. The villa is his residence in Victoria, a two-story structure made of native limestone rock. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Tours are given by appointment during the summer months. Located in Victoria at 2680 Grants Villa Road Call 785-735-2372 for more information.
Hays Aquatic Park
Hays Aquatic Park offers fun in the water with three heated pools and two water slides, as well as a concession area, shaded deck, several sun decks and a children’s play area. Located at 4th & Main. Call 785-623-2653 for more information.
Hays Arts Center Gallery
Home of the Hays Arts Council, the Arts Center features a variety of changing art exhibits including the Five-State Photography Exhibition, the Smoky Hill Art Exhibition and the annual Spring and Fall Gallery Walks. The work of local and regional artists is available for purchase in the gift shop, as well as gift items. Located at 112 E. 11th. Call 785-625-7522 for more information.
Hays Feeders LLC
Hays Feeders specializes in feeding and preparing cattle for market and is one of the oldest continuously operating commercial feedlots in the area. The 25,000 capacity feedlot offers a wide variety of cattle feeding services, including nutritional programs, cattle health services and livestock marketing techniques. Guided tours by appointment. Located northwest of Hays at 1174 Feedlot Road. Call 785-625-3415 for more information.
Historic Churches
The city of Hays is home to many picturesque historic churches. Roman Catholic influences, artistic gothic style and beautiful stained glass are the most dominant features in the churches. Each church’s unique beauty and history provide evidence of the strong religious values of the early settlers in Ellis County. Most are still active parishes. Call 785-628-8202 for more information.
Historic Downtown Hays Walking Tour
Twenty-five bronze plaques mark a self-guided walking tour of downtown Hays, telling the town’s story during the late 19th century. Each marker relates the historical significance of the site, and tells of individuals like James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickock, William Fredrick Cody and General George Armstrong Custer who walked the streets of Hays during that time period. The tour covers 9th and 10th Streets in downtown Hays. A map can be obtained at www.haysusa.net. Call 785-628-8202 for more information.
Kansas “Merci” Boxcar and Veterans Memorial Park
Veterans Memorial Park started development in 1993 in preparation of the Moving Wall display. The park features many trees, flowers, park benches and a circle of flagpoles, as well as several memorial items. The Kansas “Merci” Boxcar is one of the 49 boxcars of the “Gratitude Train”, a gift from France to the United States in appreciation for the aid received from the States after World War II via the “Friendship Train.” The Kansas boxcar visited 120 communities before its last stop in Hays on November 11, 1949. Located at 13th and Canterbury. Guided tours by appointment. Call 785-625-3813 for more information.
KSU Agricultural Research Center-Hays
The headquarters area of the Agricultural Research Center-Hays (ARCH) covers 3,700 acres of cropland and range land south of Hays and 2,400 acres of range land in the northeast corner of Ellis County. The primary mission of ARCH is to develop knowledge and technology to sustain long-term profitable production of food and fiber in a manner consistent with conservation of natural resources, protection of the environment, and assurance of food safety. The research program is focused on agricultural production challenges specific to the region. Group tours are available by appointment. Located at 1232 240th Avenue. Call 785-625-3425 for more information.
Lazy H Ranch
Lazy H is a top breeding ranch for Angus and Charolais cattle. Guided tours of the ranch will show visitors how the ranch uses the best genetics available in breeding the cattle through an embryo transplant program. The ranch’s proven sire services work very closely with all national breed associations to certify high value sires. Located at 747 240th Avenue. Call 785-625-4650 for more information.
Nicodemus National Historic Site
The Nicodemus National Historic Site was established to preserve the only remaining western town established by African Americans during the Reconstruction Period following the Civil War. The town symbolizes the pioneer spirit of African-Americans who dared to leave the only region they were familiar with to seek personal freedom. Five historic buildings are part of the site, as well as a visitors center with exhibits and information regarding the history of Nicodemus. The site is located approximately 1 hour northwest of Hays. Take Highway 183 north to Stockton, then travel west on Highway 24 nineteen miles to Nicodemus. Call 785-839-4233 for more information.
Old Rome Townsite Historic Marker
A stone marker on the western outskirts of Hays shows the approximate location of the Rome townsite, the first but short lived town in the area. Established in 1867, Rome was greatly promoted by William Cody and his partner William Rose, and the two are sometimes credited with the founding of the town. Located on West 12th Street just west of Hays.
Plymouth Country Schoolhouse
After homesteading a farm and establishing a church, the German settlers’ next priority was to build a schoolhouse. Built in 1874, this historic one room schoolhouse is now situated on the FHSU campus as a reminder of the educational heritage of the area. Call 785-628-4000 for more information.
Precision Valley Golf Center
Precision Valley is a modern practice facility offering an outdoor driving range, a 6000-square-foot building with indoor golf simulators, large pro shop, hunting simulator, pool tables, televisions and a snack bar. Lessons are available. Call 785-625-4900 for more information.
Sternberg Museum of Natural History
Named to honor two generations of the Sternberg family that made significant worldwide contributions to the science of paleontology, the Sternberg Museum of Natural History has been a part of Hays since 1914. The 4-story domed museum features interactive natural science exhibitions, many traveling exhibitions, an acclaimed Discovery Room, and a museum store. Located at 3000 Sternberg Drive. Call 785-628-4286 for more information.
Webster State Park
Webster State Park offers opportunities for camping, fishing, picnicking, wildlife viewing and other outdoor recreation amidst rolling hills and spacious Kansas skies. Mule and white-tailed deer, turkeys, bobwhite quail and pheasant are among the wildlife often seen. The 3,700-acre Webster Reservoir offers some of the best fishing in the state. Facilities include utility and primitive campsites, a swimming beach, sand volleyball courts, two playgrounds, and boat ramps. Call 785-425-6775 for more information.