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Retirement Living In Wild West Country in Southwest Kansas, the area surrounding Dodge City


Jump to: Area, Characteristics, Cost, Amenities, Climate, Demographics, Housing, Assistance

Area Description

What we call Wild West Country is one of the Midwest’s hidden treasures. We are 22 counties in Southwest Kansas, with wide-open spaces, magnificent sunrises and sunsets, and diverse, sometimes rugged, landscapes.

Once you step into one of our small town cafes for a piece of homemade pie, stand out on the sand-sage prairie and wonder what the settlers of this great land experienced more than 125 years ago, or visit one of our world-class museums, we believe you will put Southwest Kansas people and places on the top of your list to visit.

We welcome you to find our treasures.

Hand on Adventures, Honest to Goodness Fun

Includes Cities/Towns: Dodge City, Garden City, Greensburg, Liberal, Meade, Ulysses.

Region Characteristics



Area Amenities

Things to Do, Recreation & Fitness


    Tour the Boot Hill Museum and then enjoy a chuck wagon dinner, gunfight re-enactment, and variety show.

Historic Front Street
Old Dodge City, which includes Boot Hill Museum and Historic Front Street, is an accredited western history village museum located on the original site of Boot Hill Cemetery in downtown Dodge City. Life in the 19th century is interpreted through audio-visual programs, exhibits, a reconstruction of Dodge City in 1867 restorations, and living history demonstrations. Exhibits in the Boot Hill Museum include an extensive old west gun collection, Boot Hill Cemetery, where unfortunate victims of the early days of lawlessness were buried, Fort Dodge jail, one of several original buildings at the fort still in existence, a one-room school, and the 1878 Hardesty House, a restoration of a Victorian era cattleman’s home. Other 19th century business exhibits include a general store, cigar store, dry goods store, barber shop, two saloons, drug store and doctor’s office, hardware store and saddlery, gunsmith, printing office, railroad depot, and blacksmith.

Entertainment at the museum is daily during the summer season. Some of the summer activities include first person interpretations, gunfights, and the Long Branch Saloon Variety Show featuring Miss Kitty and the can-can dancers.
From Memorial Day to Labor Day, visitors enjoy two gunfight re-enactments each day at high noon and 7:00 pm.

Dodge City Trolley Narrated Tour
An old west historical site tour is offered four times daily beginning Memorial Day weekend through August. The hour long tour includes historical sites in Dodge City, goes out through the cattle industry, and out to Fort Dodge. The trolley is a 30-passenger, air conditioned, motorized trolley. Four tours a day are scheduled at:
•9:30 am
•10:45 am
•1:30 pm
•3:00 pm

This tour does not stop for visiting each attraction, but give you an overview of what’s available at those locations to plan those you might like to return to for further investigation.


Tour the Oldest home in Dodge City of Dodge City

Home of Stone
Listed on the National Register of Historic Sites, this three story home was constructed with native stone and features the original furniture shipped to the frontier in the 1880s by its builder John Mueller. One room is filled with memorabilia of pioneer mothers who lived in Ford County, Dodge City, and the surrounding territory. Open June through August, Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Admission is free, although donations appreciated. Admission can be made by appointment the rest of the year.

Carnegie Center for the Arts
The Carnegie Center for the Arts stands as a noble tribute to art in architecture. The local landmark with turn-of-the-century flair began as a community gift. It is one of the 1,679 public libraries constructed through the assistance of steel magnate, Andrew Carnegie.

Today, the two story brick building continues a tradition of education and community service as a gallery for traveling exhibits and local art. The Carnegie Center is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Hours of operation are:
•Tuesday - Friday: 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm
•Saturday: 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
•Sunday: Closed

The center is closed for the month of January. Free admission, donations appreciated.

Kansas Teacher's Hall of Fame
The Kansas Teacher’s Hall of Fame, the first of its kind in the United States, is dedicated to early and present day teachers who have devoted their lives to this fine profession. Visitors may view the Hall of Fame gallery, including pictures and information about each inductee since 1977. The museum showcases books, desks, and other items from early classrooms. Open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sundays from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Trail of Fame
The Trail of Fame Walking Tour winds its way through the Dodge City historic district from the newly restored Santa Fe Depot, sundial park, and railroad caboose on the east to the Visitors Center and Boot Hill Museum on the west. Famous and historic western figures memorialized include Wyatt Earp, “Bat” Masterson, “Doc” Holliday, General George A. Custer, “Big Nose” Kate Elder to name just a few. Many of the main cast members of “Gunsmoke” including James Arness, Amanda Blake, Milburn Stone, Ken Curtis, and Buck Taylor are also installed. The current centerpiece of the Dodge City Trail of Fame is the larger than life nine foot bronze statue, “Wyatt Earp, Famous Dodge City Lawman.”

Gunfighter's Wax Museum
Located just upstairs from the Kansas Teacher’s Hall of Fame is the Gunfighter’s Wax Museum. It features the likeness of such famous people as Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, Davey Crockett, Sitting Bull, and former President John F. Kennedy, to name a few. An exhibit of members of the “Gunsmoke” television series is also featured. Open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sundays from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm from Memorial Day to Labor Day.



Liberty Garden
Enjoy reflection and quiet time at Liberty Garden. Liberty Garden is a tribute to those who lost their lives in the 9-11 tragedies. The memorial includes pieces from the World Trade Centers, limestone from the Pentagon, and sandstone from the hemlock grove near the site of the flight 93 crash in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Dodge City Zoo
The Dodge City Zoo is located in Wright Park. It is open daily except during inclement weather and admission is free.

Drive east of Dodge City

Cattle Feedlot Overlook
A view of the cattle industry today, one of the larges operations in southwest Kansas. The feedlot is located two and a half miles east of Dodge City on U.S. Highway 50.

Old Fort Dodge & Fort Dodge Cemetery
Five miles east of Dodge City on Highway 400 is the site of Old Fort Dodge, founded to help protect a long section of the Santa Fe Trail. It served as a supply post and base of operation against the warring Indians from 1865 to 1882. It was removed from service in 1882, and now serves as the Kansas State Soldier’s Home. Several original buildings remain, including the commanding officer’s quarters, enlisted men’s barracks, and the post hospital. All the structures were built of limestone quarried north of Dodge City by civilians and soldiers.

Both civilians and soldiers were buried in the military cemetery. The saying was “the rich are buried at the fort and the cowhands and unknown were buried on Boot Hill or gone to hell.” A self-guided signed tour of the grounds is available. There is also a small museum and library. Hours are 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Monday to Saturday and 1:00 pm to 4;00 pm on Sunday. The grounds are closed some holidays. Admission is free and the grounds are handicap accessible. For more information please call (620) 227-2121.

Coronado Cross
The Coronado Cross marks the spot where Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, a Spanish explorer, is said to have crossed the Arkansas River in search of the fabled “cities of gold” in 1541. This location is just one mile further east from Fort Dodge on Highway 400.

A short drive 9 miles west of Dodge City

Santa Fe Trail Tracks
Tracks of the original wagon trail used by pioneers from 1821 to the 1880s are located nine miles west of town. There is a nice overlook and a trail down to the tracks. You can stand on a bridge over the tracks and get a close view of one of the most visible tracks left from this historic trail. The area is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites.


Spend an afternoon in the out of doors. Optional afternoon activities are described below.

Dodge City Parks
Enjoy an outing at any of Dodge City's many family parks or bicycle and pedestrian trails or take in a game at Legends Field or at the soccer complex. For more information visit the Dodge City Parks website.

Mariah Hills Golf Course
Mariah Hills has almost everything a golfer needs from a bright and spacious clubhouse to a professionally manicured course. Rolling bluegrass fairways and bent grass greens set against the native beauty of the high plains provide a fun yet challenging experience. Mariah Hills offers a full service pro-shop, Class A golf professional, driving range and putting green, private lessons, and much more! The course is located at 1800 Matt Down Lane. For more information call (620) 225-8182.

Boot Hill Casino
The new Boot Hill Casino and Resort is designed to enhance and recreate the world famous 1870s to 1880s experience at the historic destination in Dodge City. Sit at the tables and feel the excitement of the gamblers of old. Great fun in the best atmosphere! Try your luck at the Boot Hill Casino for the evening.

Boot Hill Distillery
Tour Kansas newest distillery, learn about the “soil to sip” process at this one of a kind attraction, located in the historic 1920’s original City Hall building.

Cultural Activities


The Depot Theater Company, nestled in the heart of beautiful Dodge City, Kansas at the Santa Fe Depot. For close to three decades, the Depot Theater Company has been the crown jewel in Southwest Kansas' thriving theatre scene. Offering a state-of-the-art dinner theater, cutting-edge "Side Track" productions, cabarets, a student training division and much more, ‘The Company’ is our very own Broadway on the Prairie.‘The Company’ proudly invites you to where the bright lights meet the rail. You’ll enjoy delightful plays performed by experienced actors in the beautifully restored Dodge City Santa Fe Depot. A delicious meal in lovely surroundings accompany most productions.
The facility is also available for rent for a wide variety of events, meetings, and receptions. Built in 1898, the Santa Fe Depot was home to the Harvey House Hotel and El Vaquero Restaurant. Still preserved today, the El Vaquero dining room acts as a venue for many events. The facility is large enough for weddings and social gatherings in the El Vaquero dining room and depot lobby, to stage and other presentations in the beautiful theater.


Enjoy a tour of the Carnegie Center of the Arts, aunique art center located in historic downtown Dodge City. Originally an Andrew Carnegie Library, the building's history will fascinate those who enter the door on the corner. Featuring a round second-story gallery this unique home to the Dodge City Arts Council provides gallery space and a small gift shop for local artisans

Big Basin Prairie Preserve / St. Jacobs Well located 35 miles south of Dodge City on Highway 283. The terrain to get to the well is rough, but worth a look at the scenery.

The preserve is 1,818 acres of native grass prairie, open to the public and home to St. Jacob’s Well and a herd of bison. Within Big Basin is Little Basin, a circular depression approximately 280 yards in diameter and 35 feet deep. St. Jacob’s Well is a small, permanent pond about 84 feet in diameter. A short hike from the parking area brings you to the well. The well has never been known to have gone dry. The bison herd is usually visible from the various gravel roads or view points located in Big Basin. Drive slowly, stay on the gravel roads, and do not approach the bison on foot.

Head back north to the intersection of Highway 283 and Highway 160 to arrive in Meade.
The Dalton Gang Hideout was formally the home of Eva Dalton Whipple, sister to the infamous Dalton Gang. Eva Dalton came to Meade in the mid 1880s, and was married to J.N. Whipple, a Meade merchant, in 1887. Whipple built the house which still stands at the corner of Pearlette and Green Streets in Meade for his bride. Years after the couple left Meade a deep rain wash covered with timbers and earth was discovered. A tunnel from the house to the barn built into the hillside below was discovered. Legend has it the tunnel was used by the gang to come and go undetected by the law.

Stop for a closer look at the Gray County Wind Farm built in 2001, it was the first wind farm in the state. Its 170 wind turbines covering nearly 20 square miles are designed to gather energy from wind and convert it into electricity. Each tower is 207 feet high and weighs 147,000 pounds. Each blade is 77 feet in length and weighs 3,300 pounds. All in all, it’s an amazing sight. For more information, see the kiosk at the outlook point just off the highway.


We suggest Eva’s for good home cooking and amazing pie!


Located in Montezuma, Kansas, the Stauth Memorial Museum features the travel adventures of Claude and Donalda Stauth, long-time residents of southwest Kansas. Journey with Claude and "Donnie" as you stroll through the permanent exhibit 'Around the World'. Browse colorful displays of handicrafts and arts from every corner of the earth. Experience famous sites and everyday places from around the world through video and slide programs based on the Stauths' trips.
There is no admission fee, but suggested donations $1 per person are appreciated. The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon and Sunday from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm. The museum is closed on Mondays and major holidays.


Stop for a look at Cimarron Crossing Park
South Main, just north of the Arkansas River bridge. In 1822, William Becknell, “father” of the Santa Fe Trail, first traveled what would become the trail’s Dry Route, or the route heading straight south to the Cimarron River. Although it was the most direct passage to Santa Fe, it was the most dangerous section of the trail. In 1878, Cimarron was settled and named for the Dry Route’s destination. Historical markers for the Santa Fe Trail and a map of the route can be found in the park.

Take a break at Clark Pharmacy
U.S. 50 and Main. A pressed tin ceiling, a 1920s soda fountain, tile counter, and shiny spigots create an old-fashioned ambiance to this full-service pharmacy. It’s a cool oasis on a hot summer day.


Tour Cimarron Hotel: The venerable Cimarron Hotel, located at 203 North Main, opened in 1887, under the name of the New West Hotel. For a century it was used almost continuously as a hotel, its three-story brick facade of Second Empire style and its shady front porch welcoming guests to the comforts of its once plush interior. Today it stands as Cimarron’s only reminder of its boom town days in the 1880s. Call for appointment at (620) 855-2244.

Public transportation


Air Service
Dodge City Regional Airport (DDC) offers daily commercial service to Denver International Airport (DEN).

Airlines Serving Dodge City Area
•Boutique Airlines offers service to Denver.

Jet service is also available to and from Dallas/Fort Worth just 40 minutes from Dodge City
at the Garden City Regional Airport

Rail Service
•Dodge City is served by AMTRAK. The Southwest Chief arrives twice daily.
•Check train status online.
•Train #3 is Westbound through Dodge City
•Train #4 is Eastbound through Dodge City

Bus Service
•Dodge City is served by BeeLine Express Bus Line. Stop off location is Village Square Mall at 2601 Central Ave.
•Bus Service Schedule
Car Rentals

•Crotts Aircraft
Dodge City Regional Airport
Ph: (620) 227-3553
•Lewis Toyota
907 S. Second Ave.
Ph: (620) 225-2210


Taxi & Personal Transportation

•Stagecoach Taxi Service
PO Box 1693
Ph: (620) 225-RIDE (225-7433)
•Taxi Cab Leo's
1211 Ave E
Ph: (620) 338-2416


General Public Transportation •Within Dodge City city limits
•24-hour advance reservation
•$1 donation requested
•Ph: (620) 225-8119

Medical Facilities


http://www.westernplainsmc.com/homepage.aspx


What Will The Climate And Weather Be Like If I Retire In Wild West Country in Southwest Kansas, the area surrounding Dodge City?

For those of you that retire in Wild West Country in Southwest Kansas, the area su, you will enjoy warm summers, a cool fall, a cold winter and a temperate spring!

Winter temperatures are cold with averages in the mid 30's and highs in the upper 40's. Nights are cold with lows in the low 20's. Expect a few days of rain.

If the weather in the spring is too cold for the outdoors, enjoy some indoor activities in Wild West Country in Southwest Kansas, the area su such as a movie, a visit to a museum, dining, nightlife or some shopping. Spring temperatures are cool with averages in the mid 50's and highs in the upper 60's. Nights are cold with lows in the low 40's. Expect some rainy days in the spring.

Summertime in Wild West Country in Southwest Kansas, the area su is a great time to enjoy your retirement with a day at the lake, an outdoor concert, a local festival or other outdoor activity! Summer temperatures are warm with averages in the upper 70's and highs in the low 90's. Nights are cool with lows in the low 60's. Expect a lot of days above 90°. Humidity may feel "sticky" with muggy evenings. Expect some rainy days in the summer.

If you retire in Wild West Country in Southwest Kansas, the area su, you can look forward to fall weather activities such as biking on a bike path, enjoying a walking path and more! Fall temperatures are cool with averages in the mid 50's and highs in the low 70's. Nights are cold with lows in the low 40's. Expect a few days above 90°. Expect a few days of rain.

Monthly Temperature Ranges

 Month  Low  Avg  High
 Jan  19 F°  32 F°  46 F°
 Feb  22 F°  36 F°  50 F°
 Mar  30 F°  45 F°  59 F°
 Apr  39 F°  54 F°  69 F°
 May  50 F°  64 F°  78 F°
 Jun  60 F°  74 F°  87 F°
 Jul  65 F°  79 F°  93 F°
 Aug  64 F°  78 F°  91 F°
 Sep  55 F°  69 F°  83 F°
 Oct  42 F°  57 F°  71 F°
 Nov  29 F°  43 F°  57 F°
 Dec  20 F°  33 F°  46 F°

Monthly Average # of Hot and Cold Days

 Month  Days Greater Than 90 F°  Days Less Than 32 F°  Days Less Than 0 F°
 Jan  0  30  1
 Feb  0  24  1
 Mar  0  18  0
 Apr  1  6  0
 May  4  0  0
 Jun  12  0  0
 Jul  22  0  0
 Aug  19  0  0
 Sep  8  0  0
 Oct  1  4  0
 Nov  0  19  0
 Dec  0  29  1

Rain & Humidity

 Month  Rainfall  Rainy Days  Humidity
 Jan  1 "  3  19 %
 Feb  1 "  3  22 %
 Mar  2 "  5  28 %
 Apr  2 "  6  36 %
 May  3 "  8  48 %
 Jun  3 "  8  57 %
 Jul  3 "  7  60 %
 Aug  3 "  7  60 %
 Sep  2 "  5  52 %
 Oct  2 "  5  40 %
 Nov  1 "  3  28 %
 Dec  1 "  3  21 %

Snow

 Month  Snowfall  Snow On Ground Days  Snowy Days
 Jan  4 "  5  2
 Feb  3 "  4  2
 Mar  5 "  2  2
 Apr  1 "  0  0
 May  0 "  0  0
 Jun  0 "  0  0
 Jul  0 "  0  0
 Aug  0 "  0  0
 Sep  0 "  0  0
 Oct  0 "  0  0
 Nov  1 "  1  1
 Dec  4 "  4  2


Natural Disaster Areas


Cost of Living for Wild West Country in Southwest Kansas, the area surrounding Dodge City

Wild West Country in Southwest Kansas, the area surrounding Dodge City cost of living for Housing, Healthcare, Transportation, Taxes, Utilities, etc.:

 Cost of Living

Demographics

Race

Religion

Political Party

Age

Senior Housing Options

Dodge City, as well as Ford County is a great place to raise a family and be apart of the community. The booming economy and the exciting attractions makes the area a great place to locate.

With the population of over 29,000 people in Dodge City, and over 32,000 people within the Ford County area, there are a variety of towns with various population sizes to meet your needs. The estimated purchase price of a newly built home with 2,400 square feet living area and built on a 8,000 square foot lot is $265,000. This typical home has three bedrooms, two full baths, a fireplace, and a two-car garage.

The estimated rental cost for a two-bedroom apartment with 950 square feet suitable for a middle-income couple in terms of shopping, commuting, entertainment needs, and neighborhood quality is $475 per month. The apartment is unfurnished with two-bedrooms and 1 or two baths. The rental rate excludes all utilities except water and sewer.

With the population of 28,172 people in Dodge City, and 35,067 people within the Ford County area, there are a variety of towns with various population sizes to meet your needs. The estimated purchase price of a newly built home with 2,400 square feet living area and built on a 8,000 square foot lot is $265,000. This typical home has three bedrooms, two full baths, a fireplace, and a two-car garage.

The estimated rental cost for a two-bedroom apartment with 950 square feet suitable for a middle-income couple in terms of shopping, commuting, entertainment needs, and neighborhood quality is $475 per month. The apartment is unfurnished with two-bedrooms and one or two baths. The rental rate excludes all utilities except water and sewer

Senior Assistance in Wild West Country in Southwest Kansas, the area surrounding Dodge City

Wild West Country in Southwest Kansas, the area surrounding Dodge City offers the following assistance for seniors:
Services abound in Dodge City, please check with our Chamber of Commerce for a full list of services.

What Job or Volunteer Opportunities Does Wild West Country in Southwest Kansas, the area surrounding Dodge City Offer For Retirees?

Dodge City has everything to offer, we have an active RSVP Center as well as a Museum and Diner Theatre Guild who are exceptionally welcoming!

Additional Information

Visitor Information

Relocation Information


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