Need a charming prairie getaway with Wild West history? Head to Hays! Discover frontier heritage, vibrant art, and German-inspired eats in this western Kansas gem. Whether you're road-tripping I-70 or planning a weekend retreat, Hays blends college-town energy with small-town hospitality.
Hays, KS Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Hike and bike at Frontier Park – Wander scenic trails, spot bison, and cross the historic bridge over Big Creek.
- For History Buffs: Step into the Wild West at Fort Hays State Historic Site – Explore authentic buildings, museum exhibits, and tales of General Custer’s command.
- For Shoppers: Browse boutiques in Downtown Hays – Explore local shops, art galleries, and coffeehouses in a walkable, artsy downtown.
- For Couples: Sip and relax at Defiance Winery – Enjoy Kansas wines, sunset views, and a laid-back tasting room just outside town.
- For Families: Learn and play at Sternberg Museum of Natural History – See fossils, interactive exhibits, and animatronic dinosaurs.
Best Time to Visit Hays, KS
The best time to visit Hays is during spring and fall (April–May and September–October). These months offer mild weather for exploring museums, outdoor events, and downtown festivals like Oktoberfest and Wild West Fest.
How to Get to Hays, KS
- If you are traveling by car: Located along I-70, Hays is easily accessible and about 5 hours west of Kansas City and 4 hours east of Denver.
- By Plane: Hays Regional Airport (HYS) offers daily flights to Denver International Airport (DIA).
- By Bus: Greyhound and other regional carriers offer service along the I-70 corridor.
Where to Stay in Hays, KS
- Recommended for Families: Hilton Garden Inn Hays – New hotel with spacious rooms, indoor pool, and on-site dining near downtown and I-70.
- For Couples: The Inn at 117 – Cozy, modern B&B-style suites in a beautifully restored historic home near downtown.
- For Convenience: TownePlace Suites by Marriott – Great for extended stays or quick visits with kitchens and easy highway access.
Best Things to Do in Hays, KS
1. Sternberg Museum of Natural History
Rating: ★★★★★
The Sternberg Museum of Natural History offers visitors an opportunity to explore the history of the region prior to the 1800’s. Located on the campus of Fort Hays State University, the museum provides a number of interactive, hands-on exhibits that are particularly fun for kids, such letting children search in the dig pit for “fossils.” Guests can also learn how Kansa at one time was underwater, which left fish-like fossils from when it was covered by an expansive inland sea, and walk into a recreated cave and down a path to the prehistoric garden featuring a variety of animated, life-sized dinosaurs.
3000 Sternberg Dr, Hays, KS 67601, Phone: 785-628-4286
2. Fort Hays State Historic Site
The Fort Hays State Historic Site allows visitors and locals alike to explore the grounds and step back into military history. Established back in 1865, the fort’s main mission was the protection of the construction crews building the Union Pacific Railway, in addition to guarding the mail. Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer was a frequent visitor to Fort Hays, as well as Buffalo Bill. Four of the fort’s original buildings still stand today, and there is also a visitors center and a small museum offering more information about the history of Fort Hays and the local area.
1472 US Highway 183 Alt, Hays, KS 67601, Phone: 785-625-6812
3. Ellis County Historical Society Museum
The Ellis County Historical Society Museum is home to a variety of interesting figures and facts from Ellis County’s past. Visitors can grab a map and take a self-guided tour of the history of Hays, Kansas. Highlights of the museum include where Kelley’s Faro House and Tommy Drum’s Saloon once stood. The Ellis County Historical Society is housed inside of the First Presbyterian Church, which is one of the state’s oldest stone churches. During July, tourists and local residents alike can experience the Wild West Festival, with a possible sighting of “Wild Bill” strolling the city streets.
1111 E 30th St, Hays, KS 67601, Phone: 785-628-2624
4. Merci Boxcar
Merci Boxcar is located at the Veterans Memorial Park in Hays, Kansas. The origins of the boxcar date back to February of 1949 when a ship from France arrived in New Jersey to deliver 49 railroad boxcars labeled “Gratitude Train,” with one car for each of the 48 states and one for Washington, D.C. The boxcars were filled with gifts, treasured items, and artwork from the people of France in appreciation and gratitude for the “Friendship Train” sent by the United States in December of 1947. The Kansas boxcar today displays artifacts and memorabilia related to military history.
15th &, Haney Dr, Hays, KS 67601, Phone: 785-625-9681
Where to Eat:
5. Thirstys Brew Pub & Grill
Thirstys Brew Pub & Grill is a popular spot among locals in Hays for dinner, drinks, and entertainment. The dinner menu of American fare features something for almost everything, including hand-cut and aged steaks like flat iron, sirloin, ribeye, and prime rib. Other options include salads, pasta, chicken, sandwiches, burgers, and seafood. As for drinks, Thirty’s offers signature cocktails, a variety of margarita flavors, craft brews, and twenty beers on tap. When it comes to entertainment, the restaurant has large screen televisions showing several different sports, as well as a game room with an array of choices.
2704 Vine St, Hays, KS 67601, Phone: 785-628-8284
6. Hickok's Steakhouse
Hickok's Steakhouse serves excellent steaks, as well as seafood, complimented by an extensive selection of beer and wine from all of the United States, as well as choice from across the world. The locally owned and operated restaurant strives for “plain and simple” quality, offering local Midwestern Angus beef that is “aged to perfection.” The hand cut steaks are carefully selected for guests with the restaurant standing behind every steak served.
3402 Vine St, Hays, KS 67601, Phone: 785-301-2442
7. Gutierrez Cocina Mexicana
Gutierrez Cocina Mexicana invites everyone, both local residents and tourists alike, to experience its own unique “flavor of great Tex-Mex.” The restaurant uses authentic recipes handed down through generations of the Gutierrex Family and has been providing the Hays community with delicious cuisine for more than forty-five years. In addition to the Gutierrez Cocina Mexicana’s own style of traditional Tex-Mex and its local hospitality, the restaurant also serves great hand-shaken margaritas.
1106 E 27th St, Hays, KS 67601, Phone: 785-625-4402
For a day of relaxation:
8. Rock Haven Spa and Salon
When you feel the need for relaxation and rejuvenation, Rock Haven Spa and Salon is your go-to destination in Hays. The spa is located in a beautiful rural location where peace and serenity await you. The spa offers an extensive menu of spa treatments including facials, massages tailored to your requirements, body wraps, manicures and pedicures and waxing. All treatments start with their amazing complimentary outdoor Bath Rituals, which are designed to prepare your mind and body for total relaxation. The bathing ritual includes a glass of bubbles (and a snack) in the outdoor whirlpool tub followed by a steam-room session.
Rock Haven Spa and Salon, 1530 Smoky Hill River Road, Hays, KS 67601, 785 650 0772
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