Was the Wild West a myth or were there real cowboys like on “Gunsmoke”? Experience the Wild West legacy that made Hays City famous on television’s longest-running Western. My husband and I visited this historic town during our June journey along the Kansas Gunsmoke Trail, and what we found was a treasure trove of Old West history.
Hays holds special significance in “Gunsmoke” lore, a destination for Marshal Dillon’s official business. The town’s connection to frontier military history also runs deep through Historic Fort Hays and its famous residents.
The writer was hosted.
Explore Downtown Hays
The Historic Hays City Walking Tour leads past 25 fascinating markers telling stories of the people and places that earned Hays its Wild West reputation. Bronze plaques mark the route, and the Ellis County Historical Society’s new app provides additional details beyond what’s on each plaque.
SheBuysTravel Tip: You can download the Hays City Walking Tour map to locate and learn more about each plaque.
Limestone Sculpture Tour
Pete Felten’s limestone sculptures throughout the community feature familiar faces, such as “Buffalo Bill” Cody at the Hays Public Library and “Wild Bill” Hickok at the Downtown Pavilion. These artistic tributes blend beautifully with historic murals featuring Old West icons in Downtown Hays. When I visited, I was fortunate to meet Pete Felten. He was working on a sculpture piece in his shed.
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SheBuysTravel Tip: The locations of the limestone sculptures are shown on the Hays City Walking Tour map.
Are you ready to explore off the beaten path? Let us inspire you!
Fort Hays State Historic Site
Fort Hays State Historic Site stands as one of the best-preserved frontier military posts in Kansas. This remarkable site served as home to the 7th U.S. Cavalry under Lt. Colonel George A. Custer from 1867 to 1889.
Four original structures remain intact: the limestone blockhouse, guardhouse and two officers’ quarters. Standing in the doorway of the officers’ quarters, I could only imagine what daily life must have been like for soldiers and their families during the 1800s.
The visitors’ center provides excellent historical context through engaging exhibits. Admission is free, making this a perfect stop for budget-conscious travelers seeking authentic Western history.
Bison Herd
Frontier Park‘s bison herd began with a bull named Wild Bill and a cow named Calamity Jane in 1952. The names perfectly capture the area’s Western spirit. Today’s herd includes two rare white bison.
Safety Tip: While there is a fence around the bison, maintain a respectful distance and avoid sudden movements that might startle these magnificent animals.
Hickok’s Steakhouse
Enjoy culinary adventures at Hickok’s Steakhouse, which serves hand-cut Midwestern Angus beef in an atmosphere Wild Bill himself would appreciate. During our visit, I enjoyed a juicy steak, and my husband ordered “Surf and Turf.” The historic Hays décor creates the perfect ambiance for savoring authentic Kansas flavors.
Paisley Pear
For a unique ending to your stroll around town, the Paisley Pear offers whiskey flights and cocktails in a charming family-owned wine bar, bistro and market featuring Kansas-made products and gifts. I enjoyed the Miss Kitty Cocktail featuring Boot Hill Red Eye Whiskey from Dodge City and Fruitful Blackberry Liqueur.
Ellis County Historical Society
The newly remodeled Ellis County Historical Society Museum has reopened the Red Brick Building to the public. When we visited, the museum was closed due to renovations, but we enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour.
Originally built in 1917 as an addition to the 1879 limestone Presbyterian church, the recently restored red brick structure now houses engaging exhibits celebrating Ellis County’s rich history. The limestone church gallery remains closed for ongoing renovations.
Three other buildings are part of the museum campus: the Volga German Haus, Younger Harness Shop and the Firehouse Museum.
The Volga German Haus
The Volga German Haus is a carefully crafted replica of a traditional limestone home built by Volga German settlers who immigrated to Ellis County. It is a one-room structure that captures the simplicity and resilience of early pioneer life.
The furnishings and household items are typical of the era. The Volga German Haus provides a glimpse into the daily lives and enduring spirit of Hays’ early immigrant families.
Younger Harness Shop
Now preserved as an exhibit, the Younger Harness Shop stands as one of the city’s enduring historic landmarks. In its early days, it served local settlers with harnesses and leather goods. Later, it was a law office and gift shop. It has witnessed the evolution of downtown Hays.
Firehouse Museum
The Firehouse Museum provides an engaging glimpse into the history of firefighting in the community. It was created in partnership with the Hays Fireman’s Association. The museum showcases antique equipment, historic uniforms and photographs that honor the bravery and service of local firefighters through the decades.
This was of special interest to my husband, who is associated with the local fire department in our community. Firefighting methods and tools have undergone significant evolution over time.
Boot Hill Cemetery
The Boot Hill Cemetery holds the stories of the Wild West and the rough frontier days between 1867 and 1874. It served as the final resting place for those who “died with their boots on,” a phrase used for cowboys (like the ones in Gunsmoke), soldiers and drifters who met untimely ends.
Although about half of the original burials were moved to the nearby Mount Allen Cemetery, Boot Hill remains an evocative historic site and a solemn reminder of Hays’ colorful and rugged past.
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