Ingalls KansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Ingalls, Kansas.
1. Stauth Memorial Museum
INTERNATIONAL ART EXHIBITIONS
The Stauth Memorial Museum features fascinating collections from around the world, brought back by Claude and Donalda Stauth from their travels. Visitors can explore rotating exhibits ranging from international folk art to historical memorabilia. The museum is a cultural highlight just a short drive from Ingalls, offering educational programs and community events.
2. Santa Fe Trail Tracks
HISTORIC PIONEER TRAIL
The Santa Fe Trail Tracks near Ingalls showcase visible wagon ruts left by pioneers journeying west in the 1800s. This preserved segment of the historic Santa Fe Trail provides visitors with a tangible link to America's westward expansion. Interpretive signs help tell the story of the trail's impact on Kansas and the nation.
3. Boot Hill Casino & Resort
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT HUB
Boot Hill Casino & Resort offers visitors exciting gaming options, live entertainment, and a taste of Dodge City's Wild West heritage. The resort features table games, slot machines, and several dining venues, making it a popular destination for both relaxation and nightlife. Its proximity to Ingalls makes it an accessible spot for a fun evening out.
4. Kansas Teachers' Hall of Fame
EDUCATIONAL HISTORY TRIBUTE
The Kansas Teachers' Hall of Fame honors educators who have shaped the state's educational legacy. Exhibits highlight teaching milestones and celebrate outstanding teachers, offering insight into the impact of education in Kansas. The museum is housed in a historic brick schoolhouse and features memorabilia from classrooms past.
5. Little House on the Prairie Museum
PIONEER HOMESTEAD EXPERIENCE
The Little House on the Prairie Museum lets visitors step into the world of Laura Ingalls Wilder with authentic buildings and engaging exhibits. The site features a replica of the Ingalls' family home and other structures depicting 19th-century pioneer life. Interactive displays and friendly staff enrich the educational experience for families and history enthusiasts.
6. Santa Fe Depot
HISTORIC RAILROAD EXPERIENCE
The Santa Fe Depot stands as a restored symbol of Dodge City's bustling railroad era. Visitors can explore railroad history through exhibits and enjoy the architecture of the classic station building. The depot is also a hub for community events and scenic train rides.
7. Boot Hill Museum
OLD WEST HERITAGE MUSEUM
Boot Hill Museum immerses guests in the legendary history of Dodge City's frontier days with period buildings, exhibits, and reenactments. The museum covers everything from early lawmen to the infamous cowboys, offering engaging educational programs. Costumed interpreters bring the Wild West to life for visitors of all ages.
8. Carnegie Center for the Arts
COMMUNITY ARTS HUB
The Carnegie Center for the Arts provides a creative space for regional artists to showcase their work. Housed in a historic Carnegie library building, the center hosts exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events year-round. Its programs foster appreciation for the arts within the local community and beyond.
9. Dodge City Brewing
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Dodge City Brewing offers a range of handcrafted beers brewed on site in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Patrons can sample flights or enjoy full pours while learning about the brewing process. The brewpub also serves casual fare, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
10. Guymon Petro Bar & Grill
CLASSIC AMERICAN DINING
Guymon Petro Bar & Grill draws crowds with its hearty American menu and lively atmosphere just across the border from Kansas. Known for its friendly service and generous portions, the restaurant is a favorite stop for travelers on US-54. Regular live music and events add to its appeal.
11. De Smet Cemetery and Ingalls Family Grave Sites
HISTORIC FAMILY RESTING PLACE
The De Smet Cemetery is the final resting place of Laura Ingalls Wilder's family members, offering a poignant connection to frontier history. Visitors can pay respects at the graves of Charles, Caroline, and the Ingalls children, set on a scenic hilltop. The site is a pilgrimage for Little House on the Prairie fans.
12. First Congregational Church
HISTORIC PRAIRIE CHURCH
The First Congregational Church in De Smet was established by Charles Ingalls, with its original construction dating back to the 1880s. The church remains a well-preserved example of prairie architecture and an important landmark in town history. Visitors can explore the church's beautiful interior and learn about its founding members.
13. Central Station Bar & Grill
STEAKHOUSE AND LIVE MUSIC
Central Station Bar & Grill is known for its steaks, hearty American fare, and lively ambiance in Dodge City. The venue features live music, dance floors, and regular entertainment, attracting both locals and visitors. Its menu and atmosphere make it a go-to spot for an evening out.
14. Long Branch Lagoon
FAMILY WATER PARK
Long Branch Lagoon provides summertime fun with water slides, a lazy river, and splash areas suitable for kids and adults. The park is designed around a Wild West theme, reflecting Dodge City's colorful past. It is a popular destination for families seeking recreation and relaxation.
15. Dillon's Marketplace
REGIONAL GROCERY SUPERSTORE
Dillon's Marketplace is a one-stop shopping destination offering groceries, household items, and specialty goods in Dodge City. Shoppers appreciate the store's wide variety, fresh produce, and convenient services. It is a practical stop for both area residents and travelers stocking up for their Kansas road trip.