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Fun Things To Do In Hays, KS
Attractions, Sightseeing and Events
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.
Skip to Best Time to Visit. Visitor Information. View Map.
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Ellis County Historical Society Museum Top Attraction! 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.
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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.
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Volga German Haus 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.
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Wyatt Flores at Fox Theatre - Hays 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
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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.
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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.
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World of Giant Insects 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.
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