|
|
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.
|