Hays
Kitty Russell: You going to Hays for the trial?
Marshal Matt Dillon: I'll have to.
Kitty Russell: That'll take about a week, I suppose.
Marshal Matt Dillon: About. Why?
Kitty Russell: Nothing. Only you've just been away for ten days.
Marshal Matt Dillon: I have to earn a living, Kitty.
Kitty Russell: You could make more money gambling... right here in Dodge.
1. Historic Walking Tour
Discover where history walked the streets of old Hays City on the Bricks in Downtown Hays. Bronze plaques mark the route of this self-guided tour and tell the stories behind the sites of former saloons, general stores, and more. Start at 10th and Main Street.
2. Historic Fort Hays Site
Take a step back in time at the Historic Fort Hays Site that was home to the 7th U.S. Cavalry commanded by Lt. Colonel George A. Custer. A visitors center and four of the original structures – the stone blockhouse, guardhouse, and two officer’s quarters – are open for guided tours. Admission is free!
1472 US Highway 183 Alt, Hays, KS 67601
(785) 625-6812
(785) 625-6812
3. Limestone Sculpture Tour
Take a driving or walking tour of local artist, Pete Felten’s limestone sculptures that decorate the community. Among these works, you will find the familiar faces of “Buffalo Bill” Cody (Hays Public Library) and “Wild Bill” Hickok (Downtown Pavilion).
4. Murals
Explore murals featuring historic Old West icons and elements of Hays’ history throughout the Bricks in Downtown Hays.
5. Bison Herd
Stroll through Frontier Park and see the gentle giants of the Plains! The Hays bison herd began in 1952 with a bull named Wild Bill and a cow named Calamity Jane. Now the herd includes two white bison!
Old Hwy 40, across from the Historic Fort Hays Site
6. Ellis County Historical Society
Schedule a tour of the Younger Harness Shop, which was relocated from W. 11th Street to the Historical Society property.
100 W. 7th St., Hays, KS 67601
(785) 628-2624
(785) 628-2624
7. Hickok’s Steakhouse
If Wild Bill was still roaming the streets of Hays, he would surely be eating at Hickok’s Steakhouse. Hickok’s serves up hand cut, Midwestern Angus beef. Sit down for a hearty meal and enjoy the historic Hays décor.
3402 Vine St., Hays, KS 67601
(785) 301-2442
(785) 301-2442
8. Paisley Pear Whiskey Flight
End your Gunsmoke tour downtown with a whiskey flight at this family-owned wine bar, bistro, and market, Paisley Pear. You will also find delicious local desserts, along with Kansas-made products and gifts.
1100 Main St., Hays, KS 67601
(785) 621-4660
(785) 621-4660
Visit Hays
Contact the Hays Convention & Visitors Bureau to request a visitors guide or get more information to plan your trip to Hays.