Dodge City KansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Dodge City, Kansas.
1. Boot Hill Museum
WILD WEST HISTORY PRESERVED
Boot Hill Museum is located on the original site of Boot Hill Cemetery and showcases Dodge City's glory days as Queen of the Cowtowns. Visitors can experience an Old West town with lively reenactments, interactive exhibits, cancan dance lessons, and historical displays. The museum offers an authentic Wild West ambiance complete with a saloon and is highly rated by travelers.
2. Home of Stone
HISTORIC LIMESTONE LANDMARK
The Mueller-Schmidt House Home of Stone is a renowned landmark built in 1882 by German immigrants Anna and August Mueller-Schmidt. This three-story limestone house showcases fine German masonry craftsmanship with clear lines and solid construction. Visitors can tour the historic site to view period furniture and clothing while appreciating its historical significance.
3. Cowboy Statue On Boot Hill
TRIBUTE TO COWBOY ERA
The Cowboy Statue on Boot Hill stands as a monument paying tribute to the cowboy era and cattle drives that shaped Dodge City. It bears the inscription 'On the ashes of my campfire this city is built,' commemorating the historical significance of cowboys to the region. This highly-rated statue serves as a popular photo opportunity for visitors exploring Dodge City's Western heritage.
4. Dodge City Trail of Fame
WALK THROUGH WESTERN HISTORY
The Dodge City Trail of Fame is a self-guided walking tour featuring over 80 points of interest, statues, and sculptures celebrating the Old West. Visitors can follow this hiking trail to discover statues and monuments honoring notable figures who walked Dodge City's streets, including Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday. The trail provides an engaging way to explore the city's rich Western heritage while enjoying outdoor activity.
5. Santa Fe Trail Tracks
PIONEER HIGHWAY REMNANTS
The Santa Fe Trail Tracks, located about nine miles outside of town, have been preserved for more than 100 years. These historic ruts were carved out by covered wagons that traversed the Kansas plains' rolling hills as part of the Santa Fe National Historic Trail. Visitors can witness this authentic piece of American pioneer history that extends through five states and served as a vital transportation route.
6. Boot Hill Casino & Resort
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX
Boot Hill Casino & Resort offers visitors a modern entertainment experience in the historic cowboy town of Dodge City. The resort features gaming options, dining venues, and comfortable accommodations for travelers. Beyond gambling, the facility serves as a entertainment destination that complements the Western-themed attractions throughout the city.
7. Kansas Teachers' Hall of Fame
HONORING EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE
The Kansas Teachers' Hall of Fame honors exceptional educators who have made significant contributions to education in the state. This unique attraction showcases the history of education in Kansas and celebrates those who dedicated their lives to teaching. Visitors can explore exhibits highlighting educational practices, notable teachers, and the evolution of schooling in Kansas.
8. Boot Hill Antiques
VINTAGE WESTERN TREASURES
Boot Hill Antiques is a highly-rated antique shop offering visitors a chance to browse and purchase unique Western memorabilia and vintage items. The store features an extensive collection of artifacts, collectibles, and souvenirs that capture the spirit of the Old West. Shoppers can find everything from authentic cowboy gear to period decorative items that serve as perfect mementos of their visit to Dodge City.
9. Wright Park Zoo
FAMILY-FRIENDLY ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
Wright Park Zoo, located in Dodge City's largest park, is home to approximately 30 species of animals from nearly every continent. Visitors can enjoy up-close encounters with diverse wildlife while exploring the zoo's grounds within the peaceful setting of Wright Park. The zoo provides an educational and entertaining experience for families looking to complement their historical explorations of Dodge City.
10. Long Branch Lagoon
WESTERN-THEMED WATER PARK
Long Branch Lagoon is a Western-themed water park where visitors can splash around and cool off during their Dodge City adventure. Named after the famous Long Branch Saloon from Dodge City's frontier days, this modern attraction offers water slides, pools, and aquatic activities for all ages. The water park provides a refreshing recreational option that contrasts with the historical attractions throughout the city.
11. Dodge City Raceway Park
THRILLING DIRT TRACK RACING
Dodge City Raceway Park is a 3/8 mile dirt track that hosts thousands of racing fans each season with an impressive racing schedule. The venue features various racing categories from modifieds to sprint cars, offering something for every motorsport enthusiast. Visitors appreciate the lively and friendly atmosphere along with affordable ticket prices that make for an exciting evening entertainment option.
12. Liberty Garden
9/11 MEMORIAL PARK
Liberty Garden is a memorial to the events of September 11, 2001, located within Wright Park in Dodge City. This tranquil garden space offers visitors a place for reflection and remembrance while enjoying the natural surroundings. The memorial serves as a peaceful counterpoint to the more entertainment-focused attractions in the area, allowing for quiet contemplation during a Dodge City visit.
13. Fort Dodge
HISTORIC MILITARY OUTPOST
Fort Dodge is a historic landmark that once served as a military outpost protecting travelers along the Santa Fe Trail. Visitors can explore this important piece of frontier history that played a crucial role in the development of Dodge City and the American West. The fort offers insights into military life on the frontier and the challenges faced by soldiers stationed at this remote outpost.
14. Long Branch Saloon
ICONIC WESTERN WATERING HOLE
The Long Branch Saloon is a recreation of the famous frontier establishment where cowboys and locals gathered in Dodge City's wild days. Visitors can experience the authentic atmosphere of a Western saloon complete with period details and occasional entertainment. The venue offers a taste of frontier hospitality and serves as a vibrant reminder of Dodge City's colorful past.
15. Dodge City Walking & Biking Trails
SCENIC OUTDOOR RECREATION
Dodge City's network of walking and biking trails offers visitors opportunities to explore the city and enjoy outdoor recreation. These well-maintained paths wind through parks and scenic areas, providing pleasant routes for exercise and leisure activities. The trails complement the city's historical attractions by allowing travelers to experience the natural landscape that surrounds this iconic Western town.