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Hays KS Tourism and Sightseeing
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Hays Travel and Vacation Guide At a GlanceBest Time to Visit Hays Kansas
Sometimes it seems like there is a festival, parade, small town celebration or community event going on every weekend in Ellis County, which is the German Capital of Kansas. Starting in the month of February and continuing through November there is a German celebration nearly every month, with either a polkafest, Oktoberfest or church fundraiser with tasty German food and a polka mass. Although many of the German celebrations highlight the local Volga German food, polka music, beer and family gathering time, each event emphasizes their own traditions and unique activities. The best part about enjoying the German celebrations in Ellis County is – they are FREE! (except if you buy the food and beer of course)
For art lovers, the last weekend in April or August is a great time to visit with gallery walks, opening receptions for new art exhibits and live entertainment on the stage or on Main Street. Hays is the Art Mecca of Western Kansas and is home to a dozen art galleries and studios. January through May brings world class entertainment, live concerts, classical music, jazz bands and local performers to Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center, which is the crown jewel of the arts and entertainment scene in western Kansas.
Some weekends in Hays during the spring and fall are so busy with car shows, kids fairs, sporting events, parades, craft shows and festivals, it is tricky trying to decide what to attend. Some of the smaller venues get filled up to “standing room only” crowds, while at most events, you can park right up front, attend the event for free and you might even win a door prize or get some free giveaways as you stroll by the booths.
For those who prefer less crowds, a quiet and more calm relaxing experience, there are weekends and certain times of the year when there is not much going on, it is easier to get around and you can enjoy a quiet outing to a park, shopping at the mall or strolling on a hiking trail with out the hustle and bustle of lots crowds and noise. The first couple of weekends in June and April are ideal because the weather is mild and the community calendar is essentially empty. Many people enjoy weekdays during the spring and fall to enjoy a scenic drive in the country, do some casual shopping downtown or stroll along the hiking trail near Big Creek.
Click Here to find hotels in Hays. If you need additional visitor information for Hays, Click Here.
Average Hays Weather
Kansas residents who have lived here all their lives always talk about looking forward to the changing seasons. It might also be that because the time of the changing seasons in Kansas also coincides with some of the nicest weather. The change from summer to fall in western and central Kansas is a beautiful time of year with predictable sunny skies every day and average high temperatures in the mid 70’s. Right about the time of year when school starts back up in late August and Oktoberfest and German celebrations happen every weekend in Ellis County, the mornings are cool and crisp and the afternoons are perfect for outdoor events. The change from winter to spring is also an ideal time of year in central Kansas with temperatures ranging from the 60’s to 80’s and the welcome rains bringing color to the flowers, shrubs and pastures. Local residents who love to spend their weekends boating and fishing at nearby lakes look forward to the warmer summer months. A few hot and windy days help ripen the wheat for the farmers to harvest in June, but the moderate daytime temperatures in the 80’s and 90’s and cool summer evenings are great for all types of outdoor activities. December is also a great time of year to visit western and central Kansas because we are surrounded by the Christmas City of the High Plains, The Trail of Lights, Winter Wonderland and FrostFest. Transportation
Big city traffic congestion and crowded highways are two problems you won’t have to worry about in Hays. Hays is centrally located in the middle of the United States at the intersection of Interstate 70 and U.S. Hwy 183 (exit 159). Visitors to Hays have easy access to lodging, restaurants, shopping and convenience stores on Vine Street (Hwy 183). Transportation in and around Hays includes: airline, bus, train, charter services, taxi and limo services. In-Season Costs
In-season pricing for western Kansas is during the summer travel season starting in May and going through August. About the only price difference travelers will notice is the lodging properties adjust their room rates a little higher, but nice clean rooms at national chain properties will still average under $100. A hearty lunch special at our local restaurants is very inexpensive at $5.95 to $6.50 and entrées at most of the fine dining options are priced under $18. Museums and attractions do not change their seasonal admission fees, but they do have reduced hours in the winter months and it is recommended to call in advance. Kansas Tourism - Hays Attractions, Activities and Day Trips
Hays makes a great inexpensive family tourist destination and our slogan “Small Town Charm and Big Time Fun” means you’ll be able to enjoy lots of fun sites and very reasonably priced. There are 45 attractions, landmarks, museums, historic sites or interesting places to visit in Hays and of those 45 sights, 39 are free places to visit or tour. Within 20 miles outside of Hays there are an additional 15 places of interest including many historic German native stone churches and the boyhood home of Walter Chrysler, the founder of the Chrysler Motor Company. The main attractions around our area are in the categories of Frontier & Pioneer History, German Heritage, Arts, Natural History/Parks and Outdoor Recreation, Ag Tourism and Military History. Of course, shopping in our historic downtown Chestnut Street District attracts many out of town visitors and there are numerous dining and entertainment options to take in as well.
Click Here to find things to do in Hays. Click Here to view a list of attractions in Hays. Click Here to find restaurants in Hays. Click Here to find local events in Hays.
Things to do in Hays KS, Sightseeing and Hays KS TourismHays KS Tourism - Planning a Hays KS Vacation
Below is a list of Hays KS tourist attractions, activities, events, hotels, restaurants and visitor information entries to help you plan a Hays KS Vacation! Find detailed information on the Hays KS tourism entries by clicking on their links. Narrow your search by selecting from a specific Hays KS travel category on the left hand menu.
Explore All Of Kansas's Regions
You can find Kansas tourist attractions and activities in all of Kansas's regions: Hays, Junction City, Kansas City, Lawrence, Lindsborg , Overland Park, Salina, Topeka, Wichita and Other.
Fun Things to do during your Hays KS Vacation - Top Hays KS Tourist Attractions and Activities
Some of the most popular Hays KS tourist attractions that list on our site include Sternberg Museum of Natural History , Hays Aquatic Park and Fort Hays State Historic Site.
Fun activities in Hays KS include Dickinson Mall Hays Theatre and C.S. Post & Co..
Create an online Hays KS vacation itinerary
You can use WeGoPlaces.com to plan your Hays KS vacation itinerary! To begin, select from our list of Hays KS tourist attractions, activities, accommodations, events, restaurants or Hays KS vacation & visitor information entries. Click the "Add" button to add individual entries to your online Hays KS vacation itinerary.
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Hays Kansas
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Ellis County Historical Society Museum
See the history of Ellis County
Category: Hays Museum in Kansas
Description of this Hays Attraction: 100 W. 7th
Hays, KS 67601
785-628-2624
Hours:
Summer hours – June-August
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Tuesday – Friday and
1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. Saturday
Winter hours – 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Tuesday – Friday
Admission: $4.00 Adults, $1.00 children (3 –12 years)
www.elliscountyhistoricalmuseum.org
Located at the corner of 7th and Main in downtown Hays, the Ellis County Historical Society Museum exists to preserve and relate the county's colorful history.
Beginning with its infamous Wild West days, the permanent exhibit gallery highlights not only the well-known characters who walked the streets, such as "Wild Bill" Hickok, "Buffalo Bill" Cody, and General George Armstrong Custer, but also lesser known but equally interesting scouts,and buffalo hunters. Learn about the clash of the railroad with the buffalo, and with the Native Americans who called this their hunting grounds.
Find out about our Boot Hill, its disreputable host of residents, and its distinction as the first Boot Hill west of the Missouri River. A visit to the museum's display on Boot Hill greatly adds to one's appreciation of the site itself, which is located at 18th & Fort.
Visitors round out their time spent in the Wild West with a trip to our saloon, where they may learn how to play the Old West's favorite card game, Faro.
Continuing on through time, the gallery leads visitors into our settlement era, when English and Scottish gentry hunted and played polo in an area they named for their queen, Victoria, and their leader, George Grant who brought the first black Aberdeen Angus cattle to America. Many are surprised to learn of a Socialist commune begun by a Danish expatriate who lasted until the food ran out. Better organized were the Bukovina Germans who settled in the Ellis area and the Volga Germans who settled in and around Hays.
A special exhibit on water in Ellis County gives one a better understanding of the difficulties of settling the area, and the resourcefulness of the people who prospered in the undertaking.
Other elements of the gallery include photographs and artifacts from the turn of the 20th century and beyond. Included is a glimpse of Walker Air Base, a bustling beehive of activity during World Ward II, housing 6,000 people and many B29 bombers at its pinnacle, but today a ghost town. The permanent exhibit gallery leads visitors to a better understanding of how Ellis County has grown and changed through the years.
Children of all ages enjoy the Learning Center, located in the balcony overlooking the permanent exhibit gallery. A one-room school exhibit sets the stage for learning about life before electricity and piped water. This popular area augments displays with hands-on items for all to try out or try on.
Incorporated within the museum itself is an 1879 native stone chapel, the oldest building originally erected as a church in Ellis County. It is thought to be the oldest existing church building in western Kansas and contains some of the original furnishings.
There are three sites on the grounds of the museum. The Harness Shop is an original structure
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Forsyth Library & Special Collections Display
Display & collection of Ellis County Volga German Heritage
Category: Hays Museum in Kansas
Description of this Hays Attraction: The library on the campus of Fort Hays State University features three floors of books, magazines, periodicals, research materials, audio books, government forms, newspapers, microforms, newspapers, historical documents and reference materials. The Library also has several unique displays that visitors can learn about the German Heritage of Ellis County through The Center for Ethnic Studies and the Catherine Model Buildings display.
Lawrence Weigel, a noted local folklorist, donated a substantial portion of his personal collection of materials on the Volga Germans to The Center for Ethnic Studies. When combined with the variety of publications from the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia, this collection provides a rich source for research and educational materials for visitors to browse through. There are also a variety of pertinent reference works, bibliographies, pamphlets, journals, newspapers and dissertations published in the United States and abroad. General histories, church histories, parish registers, family histories, diaries and genealogies, obituaries, works on folklore, folk music and art make up the core of the collection. In addition, the collection contains numerous maps, photographs of bridal couples, individuals and groups. Several video documentaries and recordings of folk music and interviews are also available.
The Model Buildings display in the Special Collections Room of Forsyth Library consists of twenty-five buildings and their outbuildings from the town of Catharine. The collection includes St. Catherine Catholic Church, the school, the Sisters Convent and several houses. One of the houses is a replica of the Dorzweiler family home in Katharinenstadt, Russia. St. Andrew Episcopal Church, located north of Hays, is also represented by a model building. The models were built by Ellis County resident Jerome Schmidt, who began working on the first miniature building in 2001. In 2008, after he completed nearly 30 structures, he donated his collection to library. A description and short history for each building is available for viewing.
Free Admission.
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Fort Hays State Historic Site
Museum located on the grounds of Indian Wars fort.
Category: Hays Historic Site in Kansas
Description of this Hays Attraction: Fort Hays was first established in the fall of 1865 as Fort Fletcher and was to protect travelers and mail coaches along the Smoky Hill Trail. It was closed after only six months when the trail was no longer in use. In the fall of 1866 Fort Fletcher was reopened in order to help protect railroad workers building the Union Pacific Railway, Eastern Division, to Denver. Shortly after reopening it was renamed Fort Hays. In the spring of 1867 the fort was relocated 15 miles west to its present location on the south edge of present-day Hays, Kansas. It became a major supply depot for other forts as well as a base for troops. Famous units stationed at Fort Hays included the 9th and 10th Cavalry's (the famed "Buffalo Soldiers"), the 5th Infantry, and the 7th Cavalry. General Philip Sheridan, General Nelson Miles, Major Marcus Reno, and General George Armstrong Custer were some of the famous military figures associated with Fort Hays. It was closed in 1889 and in 1965 became a state historic property administered by the Kansas Historical Society.
The museum consists of two wood frame officers' homes, a stone guardhouse and a stone blockhouse.
One officers' home has recently been renovated interprets unique perspective on life at Fort Hays. One half of the building shows the early period in the late 1860s when life was fast-paced and troops frequently moved in and out of the fort. The other half shows the latter period when things were much slower. The 18th Infantry was stationed here the last 5 years the fort was in operation so officers had time to furnish and decorate their homes to personal taste. The other officers' home shows the difference in rank structure and how living quarters were assigned.
The guardhouse (military prison) has also undergone extensive conservation in the recent past. Exhibits are currently being designed and will be installed by December 2009.
The blockhouse was originally built as a barrack building although its major use was as the post headquarters building. Exhibits tell its interesting story.
A modern visitor's center is also on site. A variety of exhibits and displays interpret the life of Fort Hays and its occupants.
Special events are held periodically. A free Independence Day picnic (hot dogs, chips, & iced tea) and band concert is held on the museum grounds in conjunction with the city's fireworks display that takes place across the highway from the museum. The Saturday before Halloween, "Graveside Conversations" offers a tour of the Fort Hays cemetery. In early December is "Christmas Past," an open house with buildings and grounds decorated in the Victorian style. Contact the museum for specific dates and admission fees each year.
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Frontier Park
Historic Park with Buffalo Herd
Category: Hays Nature in Kansas
Description of this Hays Attraction: The area that surrounds Big Creek on the southwest edge of Hays at one time was part of the original Fort Hays U.S. Military Post. After the Fort was closed on November 8, 1889, this land became available and on March 28, 1900, the United States Congress granted the State of Kansas the right to dispose of the property. The law required the land to be used for a State University, agricultural experiment station and public park. For 79 years the park was operated under the auspices of the state. In 1979, the City of Hays assumed responsibility of the park, upkeep and development.
Today, Frontier Park is a very scenic natural looking recreational area with a creek that winds through the 89 acres of land. The park also features several walking trails, bridges, picnic and playground equipment, 4 shelter houses, 18-hole disc golf course, modern restroom facilities and plenty of large shade trees. On the west end of the park is the City of Hays buffalo herd and on the east end is the Dusty Glassman baseball complex.
Admission: Free Admission
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Address: South Main & Hwy 183 by-pass
Phone: 785-628-7375
Website: www.haysusa.net
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Hays Public Library
Located in Historic Downtown Hays, Kansas
Category: Hays Culture in Kansas
Description of this Hays Attraction: The Hays Public Library, consistently ranked among America's top libraries by the HAPLR, is located in the beautiful and historic Chestnut Street District of Downtown Hays. We offer free internet access stations and Wi-Fi, periodical & book reading areas, and an art gallery. In addition to its many resources, the Library hosts many activities for youth and adults alike, including live music, special presentations by authors, games and crafts for youth, lectures and discussions, and more.
The Hays Public Library features Children's and Young Adult Departments which sport large collections of books, graphic novels, music CDs, and games, and include separate computer labs for their respective youths. The Dorothy D. Richards Kansas Room is a specialized resource for Kansas History and Genealogical research. The library is also home to the Friends of the Library used book store.
Hays' history claims such colorful figures as George Amstrong Custer, "Buffalo Bill" Cody, and "Wild Bill" Hickock; the surrounding downtown area features a historic "walking tour" exploring Hays' Wild West days. The Library is also in easy walking distance of several restaurants and shoppes, art galleries, and the Ellis County Historical Society, and is only a few blocks from Fort Hays State University.
From I-70, take exit 159 and drive south 2 miles on Vine Street (US-183), then turn west (right) at 13th and proceed to Main Street (less than one mile). Street parking is available throughout downtown Hays; a parking lot is located off of 12th Street on the southwest side of the building.
Winter Hours:
9am to 9pm Monday through Thursday
9am to 6pm Friday
9am to 5pm Saturday
1pm to 5pm Sunday
Summer Hours (between Memorial Day and Labor Day):
9am to 7pm Monday through Thursday
9am to 6pm Friday
9am to 5pm Saturday
(Closed on Sunday)
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Historic Church Tours - Ellis County, Kansas
Free tour to visit ten historic churches
Category: Hays Tour in Kansas
Description of this Hays Attraction: There are more historic German Catholic churches made of native limestone in Ellis County then any other county in Kansas. We invite you visit these impressive churches and enjoy the beautiful altars, stained glass windows, craftsmanship and statues. You can begin your tour at whichever location works best to fit into your schedule, but a suggested route would include: Depart Hays and go to St. Anthony – Schoenchen, Our Lady Help of Christians – Antonino, St. Mary’s – Ellis, St Joe – Hays, St Francis, Munjor, St Catherine – Catharine, St Ann – Walker, St. Fidelis – Victoria, Holy Cross Church – Pfeifer.
Coming from the west: St. Mary’s – Ellis, St Francis, Munjor, St. Anthony – Schoenchen, Our Lady Help of Christians – Antonino, St Joe – Hays, St Catherine – Catharine, St Ann – Walker, St. Fidelis – Victoria, Holy Cross Church – Pfeifer.
Coming from the east: St Ann – Walker, St. Fidelis – Victoria, Holy Cross Church – Pfeifer, St Catherine – Catharine, St Francis, Munjor, St. Anthony – Schoenchen, Our Lady Help of Christians – Antonino, St Joe – Hays, St. Mary’s – Ellis.
Hays City was founded in fall of 1867 and the first churches in Ellis County were built during the late 1870’s and 1880’s. The majority of these first churches were small wooden frame structures that were later replaced by larger and more impressive limestone rock churches. Because many of the first citizens were railroad workers, saloon owners, soldiers and even desperados, the early days of Ellis County were wild and dangerous. With the arrival of Volga German settlers and other religious families in Ellis County, the community gradually quieted down as these pioneers brought with them strong religious and family beliefs. Immediately upon completion of their simple homes, the people began building their church to hold worship services. The hardworking people that settled in this area were proud of their faith and it is evident in the beautiful churches they built in Ellis County.
A visit to the beautiful historic Volga German and Bukovina German churches in our area will provide you with a glimpse of our history and an understanding of the strong religious values of the early settlers in Ellis County. The Roman Catholic influences, artistic gothic style and beautiful stained glass are the most dominant features, yet each church is unique in it’s own way. The individual history and stories that can be learned by visiting these churches is very fascinating and it makes one appreciate their beauty even more. The foresight and hard work that went into building these churches proves they stand as a symbol of faith for our early pioneers. We invite you to visit each of the churches, but keep in mind that most are active parishes with Sunday services, weddings and other religious activities that take place on a daily basis. The website link provides information, photos and contacts for each of the churches. It is recommended to call each church contact person in advance to arrange a tour or to make sure the church will be unlocked. Copy and paste this website for more information. www.heartlandparishes.org
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Kansas Merci Boxcar & Veterans Memorial Park
Displays of Military History
Category: Hays Museum in Kansas
Description of this Hays Attraction: At the close of World War II the French nation was devastated. Reconstruction was a slow process. Farmlands had been ravished. War-damaged factories had to be rebuilt and retooled before industry could begin the production of civilian goods. By 1947, two years after the war ended, France had not yet sufficiently recovered to provide food and other necessities for her people.
The U.S. Congress had spent months trying to figure out the best way to aid the starving people of Europe. On October 11, 1947 Drew Pearson, a well-known radio commentator and Washington Post columnist, was fed up with Congress’ inability to act, suggested to the American people they do something to help ease the hunger.
Mr. Pearson suggested sending a boxcar filled with donated food to their former ally, the French people. Immediately the American people began to act, donations began pouring in from every state. In just 3 short weeks an engine pulling 11 filled boxcars left Los Angeles bound for New York. Trains were added along the way, by the time it arrived in New York, 700 cars filled with tons of food, clothing and medical supplies were lined up to be loaded on the SS American Leader. The name of the ship was temporarily changed to the “Friendship” for the voyage and arrived in LaHarve, France shortly before Christmas. The American people were able to accomplish in just 2 short months more than Congress had in their months of debating!
To express their gratitude, the French people collected over 50,000 gifts ranging from Sevres pottery, Limoges porcelain, Baccarat crystal, engraved woodwork, church bells, bonnets, peasant costumes, and simple drawings from the children of France. How to get the gifts delivered to each state was solved by a French railroad worker’s suggestion – use the infamous boxcars.
These boxcars were built in France between 1852-1885 for use of shipping freight, horses, cattle and other domestic animals. When the two wars broke out they were cleaned up and used to carry troops, including American soldiers to the front lines. Forty-nine of these cars were located, one for each state (48) and 1 for the District of Columbia to be shared with the Territory of Hawaii. The boxcars were repaired, painted and then filled with the gifts and called the “Gratitude Train.”
The boxcars arrived in the United States in early February 1949. Each state received a boxcar and were greeted by local dignitaries and opened with ceremonies. The Kansas Merci Boxcar was accepted by “MERCI GIFTS FOR KANSAS, INC.” After being on display in Topeka, the car made a 140-day tour of Kansas visiting 120 towns and ended on Armistice Day, November 11, 1949. The boxcar was placed next to the library on what was then the Fort Hays State College.
Recognizing the importance of the boxcar and after many years of exposure to the elements from the Kansas weather, the boxcar was in need of major repairs. The Board of Regents for the State of Kansas transferred the ownership to the American Legion in order for it to be restored to its original condition. In July of 1985 the Kansas Merci Boxcar restoration campaign began, and ended in August of 1986. Re-dedication of the boxcar took place November 11, 1986, 38 years after the Kansas Merci Boxcar was originally received and dedicated.
Today the restored Kansas Merci Boxcar and the Veterans Memorial Park, which was designed around the Viet Nam Veterans Memorial Moving Wall in 1993, can be seen at the Hays American Legion.
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Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art/ FHSU Art Displays
Sculptures and art gallery on university campus
Category: Hays Art Gallery in Kansas
Description of this Hays Attraction: The Fort Hays State University Art Department and Moss-Thorns Gallery is located on the first floor of Rarick Hall on the northeast edge of the FHSU campus. Rarick Hall was completed in the spring of 1981 and the gallery space was first called the Visual Arts Center Gallery. During the university homecoming events on October 11, 1987, the gallery was rededicated the Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art. The gallery was named for Joel C. Moss (who was Chair of the Department of Art from 1946 to 1973) and John C. Thorns, Jr. (who was Chair from 1973 to 1990).
Student and faculty exhibits, as well as traveling exhibits, are presented on a regular basis. The gallery changes shows throughout the year. They include: faculty exhibitions, MFA thesis exhibitions, traveling exhibits, student exhibits, print collections and various other student works. The gallery also participates in the annual gallery walks with opening receptions for new art exhibits during the spring, summer, fall and winter gallery walks.
Throughout the university campus are numerous displays of art including nearly a dozen sculptures. A self guided walking tour provides visitors the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful campus and see the many unique displays. Upon leaving the Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art a sculpture to look for on the south side of Rarick Hall near the main entrance is "Interlude." This piece was sculpted by FHSU artist Gary Coulter and was dedicated May 5, 1994. The work is meant to portray the strength found in all women. A grant from the Jean Stouffer Fund at FHSU paid for the molding and casting costs of the 357-pound bronze sculpture.
Located in front of Martin Allen Hall, is a sculpture called "Deeply Rooted." This provocative work was created by FHSU artist Linda Ganstrom and was dedicated October 2, 1999. The work was influenced by the writings of George A. Kelly, a professor of Psychology at FHSU from 1931-1943. Across the street to the south of Sheridan Hall is a sculpture of native limestone by local artist Pete Felten. It was dedicated in 1997 and is called “Contemplation Garden” and features a teacher and student.
Another major sculpture is located in front of Tomanek Hall. "Pieces of Our World," otherwise known as the Dalton/Kellerman fountain, honors two former FHSU administrators, Stanlee V. Dalton and James V. Kellerman who both served as registrar for a combined 57 years and together signed more than 35,650 diplomas. Mr. Dalton served as registrar from 1936 until his retirement in 1971. Mr. Kellerman became registrar in 1971 and served in that position until his retirement in 1995. "Pieces of Our World" represents children's views of science. It was cast in bronze from original pieces created by over 200 middle school students from the Hays area. FHSU faculty and students cast and welded the bronze pieces to complete the sculpture. The project was supported by the Jean Stouffer Fund.
Located on the second floor of the FHSU Memorial Union is the locally famous painting by artist Bruce Burkholder titled - “History Holds the Future.” Burkholder began working on this 4’ by 8’ oil-alkyd linen mural painting in 1986 and continued to work on it off an on for the next 23 years. It was completed on October 2, 2009, and in June 2010 it was added to the other framed pieces of art displayed in the Memorial Union.
Admission: Free Admission
Hours: 8 am to 4:30 pm. Closed on Friday during the summer.
Address: 600 Park
Phone: 785-628-4247
Website: www.fhsu.edu/art-and-design/moss-thorns/
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Rome Townsite Marker
First settlement in Ellis County
Category: Hays Historic Site in Kansas
Description of this Hays Attraction: The short lived town of Rome was established in May of 1867, which was approximately 3-4 months prior to founding of Hays City. The details surrounding the rise and fall of this small town are not clear. The first inhabitants of Rome appear to have been the Lull brothers from Salina, Kansas. Whether they were the town founders, emissaries of the founders, or simply the first businessmen remains a question. Also unclear is the roll William Cody played in the town's history. Some accounts credit Cody and his partner, William Rose, with the founding of Rome. Cody as a scout for the Army and Rose as a railroad contractor may have had information that could have led them to choose the site as a good location for a town, as neither the railroad nor the Fort were in the area when Rome was first settled. It was in June 1867, that Fort Fletcher, which was located approximately 15 miles east and south of present day Hays, was relocated (and renamed) to the current site of Fort Hays.
Simon Motz, an early citizen of Rome, who then became the first Hays mayor, arrived in Rome in June 1867. At that time, records tell of a two story hotel being built by Joe Perry, a 4 room house and a large stone business under construction by Cody and Rose. A week later, according to Motz, Rome had a population of 500 and his description of Rome as a “tent city” indicated that most of the businesses were probably canvas structures. When the Butterfield Stage Line opened a station in the Perry House, the future of Rome seemed good, but cholera hit that summer and decisions made by the railroad did not help the fledgling town. W.C. Webb, who apparently had the authority to locate depots for the Union Pacific Railroad Eastern Division, began selling town site lots east of Big Creek. This rival town company of Webb and a man named Phinney Moore, had wanted to be made partners with Cody at the Rome town site, but when Cody refused, they encouraged the development of a new town approximately a mile east of Rome. By July of 1867, Rome had over 2,000 citizens and continued to grow until August when the town of Hays City was established. By the time the railroad arrived in October, many of the businesses of Rome had already relocated to Hays City or farther west along the railroad. The last businesses moved in the spring of 1868. Visitors to this location will see the stone marker on the western outskirts of Hays that shows the approximate location of the Rome town site. There is a bronze historical marker that provides a information about Rome, and nearby is the railroad bridge crossing Big Creek that was once known as “Hangman’s Bridge”, the site of several hangings in the early days of Hays City. Those who care to explore the area around Big Creek and the Rome location will find hiking trails that cross beneath the 12th Street Bridge and south through the Fort Hays State University Campus.
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Admission: Free
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Walker Air Base Display
Miniature reproduction of W.W. II airbase
Category: Hays Historic Site in Kansas
Description of this Hays Attraction: The model of the Walker Army Airfield that is on display at Forsyth Library on the campus of Fort Hays State University was completed in October 2000 by Fort Hays State University student Steve Arthur. The Walker Army Airfield was located in Ellis County, about 2 and 1/2 miles northwest of Walker. Although the land where the airbase was once located is currently on privately owned property and not open to public access, the road leading north and west from the town of Walker is a county road that goes past what use to be the main entrance gates. The old abandoned smoke stacks, several remaining hangar buildings and many concrete foundations are visible from the road. The miniature airbase display shows the relationship of locations for several of the hangars, barracks, supply buildings and other structures that would have been located west of the main airbase runways.
In 1942, airfield sites with runways long enough to handle the B-29 Bomber were established at Great Bend, Pratt, Salina and Walker. The Walker Army Airfield began operations as a satellite field of Smoky Hill Army Air Field located in Salina. In this capacity, Walker was used merely as a spill over field in the performance of Smoky Hills' mission of processing heavy bombardment crews for over seas shipment. Land was purchased by the government from individual land owners and additional areas were leased from the Union Pacific Railroad for the location of storage yards. In planning the field, the water supply was a particularly difficult problem. Principally because this site was judged by the state's geologist to have the most difficult water situation of any spot in the state. A proven supply was made available from the City of Hays system located 12 miles away.
Construction on the Walker Airbase began on September 14, 1942 and within two months there was enough completed to allow for limited occupancy with the arrival of military personnel from the Smoky Hill Army Air Field. In February 1943, the airbase was given its own independent mission when the 2nd Air Force organized the 6th Heavy Bombardment Processing Headquarters. Later that year, training of B-29 crews for combat duty began and in August, the first B-29’s were brought in for training purposes. The base was somewhat of a final staging area after crews had been assembled. The men came to the Walker Airfield to learn to work together for the bombing runs and practice gunning. The training program of the 17th Bombardment Operational Training Wing continued to be the mission of the airbase until September 30, 1945. With the victory over Japan in August 1945, the number of training stations were decreased and eventually, disposition of property became the main activity of the base during 1946. The base became officially inactive on January 31, 1946 and it was transferred to the U.S. Army District Engineers on December 19, 1946.
To learn more about the Walker Airbase, we encourage you to see the memorial marker on the north side of the Hays Public Library. It pays tribute to the men and women who served our country at the airbase. The Library and the Ellis County Historical Society Museum also have materials and photographs of the airbase. A framed painting of the Walker Base is on display at the Hays Welcome Center – 2700 Vine, and you can drive around the perimeter of the former airbase property just to the north and west of the town of Walker. Because this is private property, absolutely no visitor access is allowed, but from the county gravel road, you can see many of the building
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Hays Convention & Visitors Bureau
Visitor informaton and tourism office for Hays, Kansas
Category: Hays Chamber of Commerce in Kansas
User Rating: 
Description of this Hays Visitor Information entry: Welcome to Hays the German Capital of Kansas. Founded in 1867. Population – 20,300
We invite you to experience the many opportunities that our charming community has to offer. You’ll enjoy our small town friendliness whether you come to Hays for a family vacation, business trip, sporting event, shopping or just passing through. We are proud of our colorful history as a wild frontier town and we encourage you to explore our city so you can find out for yourself “Where history walked the streets”. Many of the interesting and historic places to visit are free or charge only a small admission fee. Be sure to visit our unique museums and tourist attractions to learn about our military past and Volga German heritage. Discover the scenic beauty and natural history of western Kansas with an outing to Frontier Park, the Hays F.E.E.T trails and the Sternberg Museum of Natural History. The past comes alive everyday in Hays! Hays City was founded in August of 1867 as the Union Pacific Railway Eastern Division worked its way west. The town was named after Fort Hays, the army’s military post, which was located south of Big Creek. The United States Army established Fort Hays (founded in 1865 as Fort Fletcher, renamed Fort Hays in 1866) to provide protection for settlers and railroad workers from Indian resistance. Fort Hays was named in honor of General Alexander Hays, who was a Union general, and had been killed during the Civil War in1864 at the Battle of the Wilderness. Because many of the first citizens of the rapidly growing town were railroad workers, desperados and other notorious characters, the early days of Hays City were wild and dangerous. The soldiers from nearby Fort Hays also created a rowdy atmosphere when they came to town because many of the first businesses in Hays City were saloons, brothels, gambling houses, dance halls or other liquor establishments. Skirmishes with some of the local “rough” citizens and the soldiers only added to the reputation as a lawless and tough “end of the tracks” town.
During several months of 1869 William Butler Hickok served as the acting sheriff after several incidents prompted the citizens to form a vigilante committee. “Wild Bill” Hickok, as he became known, apparently was not elected, but served at the will of the vigilante committee. The vigilante period from July of 1868 to December of 1869 was marked by 15 homicides. The lawlessness, bloodshed and feuds that occurred during the time when General George A. Custer and his wife were encamped near Fort Hays prompted Elizabeth Custer to comment, “ There was enough desperate history in that little town in one summer to make a whole library of dime novels”. Between August of 1867 and 1873 there were over 30 murders in and around Hays City. The reputation as one of the most violent towns on the Kansas frontier quickly spread.
Many of the buildings from Hays City’s wild past are gone, but today visitors can step back in time and relive the history of downtown Hays through a self guided walking tour. Twenty-five bronze plaques mark the route of where the famous and other notorious characters lived and walked the streets of old Hays City.
www.discoverhays.com
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BEST WESTERN WAKEENEY INN
BEST WESTERN WAKEENEY INN in Wakeeney, KS
Category: WaKeeney Hotel near Hays, Kansas
Price: Currently as low as $69.99/night!
Phone: 1-800-493-8594 (Toll free)
Description of this Hays area Accommodation: BEST WESTERN WAKEENEY INN in Wakeeney, KS
Things to do near BEST WESTERN WAKEENEY INN:
PRIMARY CITY HYS WAKEENEY1 MI SCOLBY, KANSAS 65 MI ECOLLYER, KANSAS 10 MI EELLIS, KANSAS 12 MI WGARDEN CITY, KANSAS 65 MI NGOODLAND, KANSAS 98 MI EHAYS, KANSAS 30 MI WHILL CITY, KANSAS 30 MI SNESS CITY, KANSAS 30 MI NNORTON, KANSAS 60 MI SOAKLEY, KANSAS 30 MI EQUINTER, KANSAS 15 MI ERUSSELL, KANSAS 55 MI W
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BEST WESTERN WAKEENEY INN
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