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Fun Things To Do In Hays, KS

Attractions, Sightseeing and Events


Hays Tourism and Sightseeing
Hays is famous for being a frontier town with a colorful history that features the legendary “Wild Bill” Hickok, “Buffalo Bill” Cody and General George Custer. Hays City was founded in the fall of 1867 when the Union Pacific Railroad reached the military post of Fort Hays along the banks of Big Creek. Because many of the first citizens were railroad workers, saloon owners, soldiers and even desperados, the early days of Hays City were wild and dangerous. During several months in 1869, “Wild Bill” Hickok served as the acting sheriff after several incidents prompted the citizens to form a vigilante committee. Many of the outlaws were buried at the original boot hill cemetery, which was located on a hill just north of Hays City. Historic Fort Hays and the Ellis County Historical Museum feature many displays and provide tours for visitors to relive the exciting frontier history.

During the late 1870s, German immigrant arrived from Russia and began to bring their culture, strong religious values and work ethic to this area. In 2003, Ellis County was name the German Capital of Kansas and has a proud reputation of being a friendly place to enjoy a great Oktoberfest, listen to a good polka band and enjoy some tasty beer and brats with the local Volga Germans. The Volga German Haus, annual polka fest, Liquid Bread Brewing Company and a tour of the impressive historic native stone German Churches all provide an enjoyable experience of the German Heritage of Ellis County.

Visitors are truly amazed when they enter the 100,000 square foot dome shaped Sternberg Museum of Natural History and see one of the most impressive displays of Cretaceous Period fossils, rocks and educational material. The centerpiece exhibit features a full-scale recreation of the sea and land environments from 70-80 million years ago. Full scale models of plants and animals, some with realistic motion, allow visitors to encounter the world of the Pteranodons and Tyrannosaurs.

With attractions like the Stone Gallery, Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art, The Hays Arts Center and 711 Studio, Hays is the arts and entertainment mecca of western Kansas. The crown jewel of the Fort Hays State University entertainment scene is the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center. This historic, yet modern facility has a seating capacity of 1100, and is used for both college and community events.
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Ellis County Historical Society Museum
Ellis County Historical Society Museum Top Attraction! things to do on a rainy day in Hays, KS
Museum in Hays, KS USA

A variety of permanent exhibits, artifacts, displays, photographs and new exhibits throughout the year tell the story of Hays, Ellis County and the early pioneers. Includes the first stone church in Hays, a harness shop and gift shop. Located at the corner of 7th and Main Streets in downtown Hays, the Ellis County Historical Society Museum exists to preserve and showcase the colorful history of the county. . The museum has over 25,000 artifacts that tell the colorful history of Ellis County.


Historic Church Tours - Ellis County, Kansas
Historic Church Tours - Ellis County, Kansas
Tour in Hays, KS USA

Free tour to visit ten historic churches 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.

Volga German Haus
Volga German Haus things to do on a rainy day in Hays, KS
Historic Site in Hays, KS USA

One room house built of native limestone This home is located on the grounds of the Ellis County Historical Society Museum and is a replica of the size and type of home the early Volga German settlers built.

Wyatt Flores at Fox Theatre - Hays
Wyatt Flores at Fox Theatre - Hays things to do on a rainy day in Hays, KS
This Weekend, Mar 23, 2024 (Saturday) Concert event in Hays, KS USA

Wyatt Flores March 23, 2024 at Fox Theatre - Hays in Hays, KS 6:30PM

Hays Convention & Visitors Bureau
Hays Convention & Visitors Bureau
Visitor Bureau in Hays, KS USA

Visitor informaton and tourism office for Hays, Kansas 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.


IHOP
IHOP
Casual Dining restaurant in Hays, KS USA

IHOP at 4000 General Hays Rd Hays, KS Dine at IHOP® on General Hays Rd in Hays, the home of pancakes and delicious breakfast, lunch & dinner near you with breakfast delivery and breakfast takeout available. View hours, specials or order online.

World of Giant Insects
World of Giant Insects things to do on a rainy day in Hays, KS
Science Museum in Hays, KS USA

Sternberg Museum Blockbuster Traveling Exhibit Enter a world where insects tower over people- 40 to 100 times larger than life! Experience the immersive and realistic habitats with scenic backgrounds, plants, and ground over. Watch insects interact with each other.


Hays

Attractions
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Best Time to Visit Hays


The best time to visit Hays is in the summer and fall. Summer temperatures are mild with averages in the mid 70's and highs in the upper 90's. Nights are cool with lows in the 60's to 70’s. Fall temperatures are pleasant with averages in the upper 50’s and 60’s with highs in the low 70's. Fall nights are cool with lows in the mid 40's.

Spring Visit Hays in the summerSummer Visit Hays in the fallFall Winter


Monthly Temperatures in Hays


Month Low Avg High
January 14.6 27.0 39.4
February 19.5 32.6 45.7
March 28.9 42.1 55.3
April 40.0 53.1 66.2
May 50.9 62.8 74.7
June 60.8 73.5 86.2
July 65.9 79.1 92.2
August 63.9 76.9 89.9
September 54.2 67.7 81.2
October 40.7 55.2 69.7
November 27.3 40.2 53.1
December 18.3 30.5 42.7

Hays Visitor Bureau


Hays Convention & Visitors Bureau

Hays Convention & Visitors Bureau


Free Hays Visitor Guide


Take Advantage of Hays Visitors Packet

Take Advantage of Hays Visitors Packet



Destinations in and around Hays to Visit



This Entry Hays
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