visit dodge city

17 Best Things to Do in Dodge City KS

To support this website, at no extra cost to you, we may earn revenue on links within this post. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Dodge City exceeded my expectations when I visited Kansas. I’ll be honest, I didn’t know a lot of what had happened in the wild west town and finding things to do in Dodge City KS filled me in on both the sensationalist and important history.

Located in the center of Kansas, Dodge City was an important stop along the Santa Fe Trail . It was home to gunfights and sheriffs. Rich in lore and history, visiting Dodge City you can step back in time to meet the likes of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday.

Trust me, like most people, Kansas gets overlooked as a “flyover” destination. But visiting Dodge City checked things off the bucket list I didn’t know I had!

⏳ TL: DR – The best things to do in Dodge City KS: 1. Boothill Museum 2. Long Branch Saloon Variety Show 3. Boothill Distillery

Dodge City was part of a bigger trip in Kansas , filled with fun I think even my teenagers would enjoy.

I worked with Travel Kansas and poured my in-depth knowledge into the research so you don’t have to.

Let’s get to it.

Table of Contents

What to Do in Dodge City Kansas

Dodge City is a great destination for families, offering plenty of historical and cultural attractions. Families can visit the Boot Hill Museum, an iconic landmark that tells the story of the Wild West .

Dodge City also boasts a remarkable collection of Western art and historic sites, which includes over 80 points of interest, statues, and sculptures from Old West towns across America.

With activities ranging from outdoor recreation to museums to living history attractions , there’s something for everyone in Dodge City!

1. Boot Hill Museum

I recently visited the Boot Hill Museum in Dodge City, Kansas, and had an amazing experience.

I was really impressed with the gunfight reenactment and the detailed museum which included a variety of artifacts from its storied Wild West history.

The Beeson Gallery portion of the museum is very well done with life-size store fronts and interactive storytellers (via motion-activated screens) that tell the storied history of Dodge City, from Native Americans to the Wild West.

Dodge City, Kansas is a city steeped in rich history. Founded in 1871 at the junction of the Santa Fe Trail and the Great Western Cattle Trail , it quickly became home to cowboys, buffalo hunters, merchants, gamblers, and more. This wildness was so notorious that it earned Dodge City the nickname “The Wickedest Little City in America”. Lawmen such as Wyatt Earp and Bat Masterson were brought into town to help bring some order to its lawlessness. Although the Wild West eventually faded away, Dodge City has kept its reputation alive with museums and reenactments. Today visitors can experience a taste of what life was like back in the late 1800s when they visit historic sites like Boot Hill Museum and the Long Branch Saloon.

All of this history is included in the museum.

In addition to the museum, outside you can visit an authentic Front Street of Dodge City in its Wild West hey days. In fact, some of these are original buildings from the 1880s. Additionally, the museum is located on the original site of the Boot Hill Cemetery and you can walk the rustic graveyard behind the storefronts.

The authentic storefront recreations were particularly captivating; it was like taking a step back in time! From visiting the general store to tipping a cold sarsaparilla, back at the Saloon , the living history museum is easily one of the best things to do in Dodge City KS.

My favorite highlight is the Dodge City gunfight reenactment between the lawman and the outlaws of the town. Keep an eye out for these historical reenactors in town. The outlaws roll up from one end of the street where the lawmen try to keep the peace.

According to our guide, it’s different every time she’s seen it.

2. Long Branch Variety Show at Boot Hil Museum

After a rousing gunfight, it’s time to enjoy a show at the Long Branch Saloon, a long-standing staple of Dodge City tourist attractions.

This is a separately ticketed event at the Dodge City Museum and includes dinner and entertainment.

I had a wonderful time at the Long Branch Variety Show at Boot Hill Museum. The singing and dancing by Miss Kitty and her can-can girls were incredible. She had everyone in the audience engaged and they all had huge smiles on their faces.

Miss Kitty comes into the audience often and in fact, singled me out as her competition. I will be forever known as Miss Ruby to my traveling partners!

It was amazing to see such a long-running show still running after all these years! I highly recommend this show to anyone looking for live entertainment with an old-fashioned feel. It’s definitely worth the price of admission!

3. Boot Hill Distillery

Boot Hill Distillery is an iconic stop for travelers visiting the area.

Located in Dodge City, Kansas, the establishment was built in 2009 and opened up to visitors a year later. For those who want to explore the city’s rich history, Boot Hill Distillery offers a unique experience thanks to its location on one of the oldest hills in Dodge City.

The story goes that Boot Hill is where the outlaws were buried . It is in fact right next to the Boot Hill Cemetary and Boot Hil Museum.

The name came from the fact that the graves were so shallow, you could still see their boots.

The distillery is known for making small-batch spirits from locally sourced ingredients. In fact, they are one of the few distilleries that maintain their own grains, giving you a true soil-to-sip experience similar to a farm-to-table.

For those interested in learning more about Boot Hill Distillery’s history, samples of their spirits are available for tasting and can also be purchased onsite.

Don’t hesitate to stop in here with your family as the kids can certainly learn some history about the building, which once served as a school, and then a city hall.

4. Fort Dodge

Fort Dodge in Dodge City Kansas is a must-see for travelers looking for an intriguing glimpse of the Wild West. Located on the Arkansas River, Fort Dodge was built by the US Army in 1865 to protect travelers going west along the Santa Fe Trail.

Visitors can explore preserved buildings and artifacts from that time period, and enjoy stunning views of lush prairie grass and rolling hills.

Today the site is used for retired Kansas veterans, but the historic library and self-guided walking tour is maintained by the Ford County Historical Society.

5. Historic Dodge City Walking Tour

Travelers who embark on the Historic Dodge City Walking Tour will be taken on a journey through time.

The self-guided tour will introduce visitors to the colorful and vibrant history of Dodge City, with multiple locations of interest, original sites, storyboards, pole art banners, and the Dodge City Trail of Fame medallions and sculptures. Stop into the visitor center in downtown Dodge City KS for a map of the sites.

The Dodge City Trail of Fame is a part of the walking tour. It commemorates the infamous citizens of Dodge City, as well as notable movie and television stars that have portrayed them. Yes, if you’re a fan of Gunsmoke or other popular Westerns, you may see a few of these statues as well.

The walking tour is one of those Dodge City KS attractions where you can take your own time, and see the highlights.

6. Historic Dodge City Trolley Tours

Touring Dodge City by a historic trolley is a great way to explore the city and get your bearings.

On the tour, you’ll be taken back in time to 1870s Dodge City.

You’ll visit the original locations of the Longbranch Saloon, Gospel Hill, the “deadline”, Front Street, and more. Learn about Fort Dodge, follow the path of the Santa Fe Trail, and hear some entertaining stories along the way.

Meanwhile, you’ll be able to mark off important locations that you may want to visit later in your trip – all while having a leisurely ride around town on the Dodge City Trolley.

7. Dodge City Roundup Rodeo

Want an exciting experience in a town built by cattle? Head over to the rodeo!

Dodge City’s Roundup Rodeo attracts hundreds of rodeo-goers each year, looking for an exciting night out.

With shows occurring over the summer months, this is a perfect way to spend a balmy evening; cheering on cowboys and cowgirls alike as they compete in events such as bronc riding and steer wrestling.

In addition to these classic rodeo events, visitors can also enjoy Xtreme Bulls nights with 50 bull riders competing for the grand prize.

Whether you are looking to watch the show or even participate yourself, the Roundup Rodeo is a great way to experience this long-standing tradition in Dodge City with a fun and casual atmosphere.

8. Santa Fe Trail

The Santa Fe Trail is one of the most iconic and historically significant trails in the United States. This is one of the free things to see in Dodge City Kansas.

In Dodge City, Kansas, adventurers can explore remnants of its past along with wagon ruts that are still visible to this day. It’s a great place for travelers to understand what the Trail was like back in its heyday as they hike along the dusty path.

Historical markers show the Santa Fe trail ruts, and the National Park Service has a mobile narrated tour of the Santa Fe Trail .

9. South Dodge Drive-In Movies

How about a drive-in movie for one of the fun things to do in Dodge City KS?

South Dodge Drive-in Theater, located in the heart of the city, is one of the last remaining drive-in movie theaters in the area.

If you want to experience a unique and nostalgic form of entertainment, this is your chance.

Take a road trip with friends and enjoy watching a movie from the comfort of your car – it’s like having an outdoor private screening! Grab some snacks and drinks, get cozy, and watch one of the classic movies being shown at South Dodge Drive-in Theater this summer.

10. Dodge City Raceway Park

Dodge City Raceway is a must-see destination for any traveling race fan.

Located in southwestern Kansas, this 3/8 mile dirt track hosts thousands of racing fans each season and boasts an impressive racing schedule.

Everything from modifieds to sprint cars can be seen on the track, so there’s something for everyone.

Plus, the atmosphere around the raceway is lively and friendly – making it an ideal spot to spend an evening out with friends and family. And best of all, tickets are highly affordable – you can have a great time without breaking the bank!

11. Mueller-Schmidt House Home of Stone

The Mueller-Schmidt House of Stone is a renowned landmark in Dodge City, Kansas, standing proudly atop a hill northeast of the town.

Built in 1882 by German immigrants Anna and August Mueller-Schmidt, it was meant to be one of the most impressive homes in the area.

The House stands as an example of German masonry craftsmanship, with fine limestone blocks making up its sturdy structure . Its elegance lies in its simplicity; no other building in Dodge City can claim such clear lines and solid construction as that of the Mueller-Schmidt House. Today, the Mueller-Schmidt House stands tall – surrounded by trees and shrubs planted by the original family – as a testament to what strong work ethic and stone-building artistry can achieve.

Visitors can appreciate its impeccable craftsmanship while also admiring its historical significance. The Mueller-Schmidt House is indeed an impressive site that shouldn’t be missed by any traveler looking to explore historic Dodge City!

12. Gunfighters Wax Museum

Gunfighters Wax Museum is a must-see destination for all travelers who want to have a taste of the Wild West.

Located in the heart of downtown Dodge City this unique museum showcases life-size wax figurines of famous Western personalities such as Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson, Doc Holliday, Davey Crockett, Buffalo Bill, Miss Kitty, Frank and Jesse James, Billy the Kid, and many more.

All these characters come to life in an incredibly realistic way and you can even take pictures with them! It’s definitely worth taking a stop off at the museum when you’re passing through Dodge City.

13. Dodge City Days

If you love festivals, you’ll love Dodge City Days, happening every summer in late July.

Enjoy a parade, barbecue, arts & crafts, classic car show and the pinnacle event, a rodeo.

Each year the Dodge City Roundup puts on a spectacle of bull riding, bronco riding, cattle roping, and barrel racing. If you’ve ever wanted to witness a rodeo, the home of the old wild west is the place to do it.

Dodge City Kansas Things to do Nearby

These are Kansas tourist attractions close to Dodge City and worth it if you’re going to spend more than one day in the area.

• Cattle Feedlot Overlook – It may not sound like much, but this is a great road trip stop to learn about the importance of the cattle industry in Kansas. You can learn more about Agritourism and why it’s important here.
• Big Basin Prairie Reserve , just south of Dodge City, is one of the most beautiful places for outdoor enthusiasts. With its rolling hills, breathtaking views, and wide open plains, this area provides an abundance of opportunities for adventure.
• Gypsum Hills Scenic Byway is an 80-mile-long stretch of beautiful scenery in Kansas. It truly shows off that Kansas is not just flat prairie. It takes you through the historical Gypsum Hills and gives you a peek into the area’s past while providing stunning views of the present.
• M.T. Liggetts Political Sculptures is a unique art installation piece in Mullinville, Kansas. You can’t miss this on your drive from Wichita to Dodge City. Be sure to stop in the visitors center here, just off Highway 54, and learn about the man behind these farcical metal sculptures.

The Big Well

The Big Well in Greensburg Kansas was a surprisingly interesting thing to do in near Dodge City.

The Big Well is the largest hand-dug well in the world. Built in 1887, it became a major tourist attraction sometime in the mid-1900s.

The real story is the city of Greensburg. This town was devasted by an EF-5 tornado in 2007 . It leveled 95 percent of the city.

However, rather than call it quits, the town decided to build back in a way that honored its name with green energy. All the new buildings are certified by LEED and renewable energy. The Big Well museum shows the history of the town as well as details of what a tornado could do.

Best Time to Visit Dodge City

Dodge City, Kansas is a great place to visit any time of year. However, for travelers looking to experience the full range of attractions and activities that the city has to offer, the best time of year is definitely in the summer months .

With an average high temperature of over 80 degrees, you can take advantage of all the outdoor activities Dodge City offers such as fishing, boating, or even horseback riding.

Plus, many attractions are not operational during winter months, so summer is an ideal time to make sure you’re able to get the most out of your trip.

Hotels in Dodge City Kansas

There are a number of places to stay in Dodge City including your standard Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn, and the like.

Alternatively, if you are also looking for things to do in Garden City , it makes a great central location for all the activities in Dodge City and southwestern Kansas.

🏩 Book Dodge City Hotels here.

Getting Around Dodge City KS

Getting around Dodge City KS is generally best done with a car, as public transport options are limited.

The city itself is quite small, so it’s easy to get from one place to another without too much difficulty.

There are plenty of parking lots and garages available throughout the city for those looking to leave their car during their trip. It may be worth noting that the roads can get a bit congested during peak times. However, with careful planning and some knowledge of shortcuts, it’s possible to avoid the traffic jams and make sure you get where you need to go quickly.

🚗Book your rental car in Wichita here.

How many days in Dodge City

You can see most of the Dodge City Kansas attractions in one day

Is Dodge City Kansas Worth Visiting

Yes, it’s a fun and interactive look into the Wild West of Kansas.

What is Dodge City Famous for?

Dodge City, Kansas is known for its history as a Wild West town. It was the destination of countless cattle drives throughout the 19th century and was home to lawmen like Wyatt Earp and Bat Masterson.

What is there to do in Dodge City KS?

Highlights include: Boot Hill Museum Boot Hill Distillery Dodge City Brewing Dodge City Walking Trail and Dodge City Trail of Fame

What are things to do in Dodge City KS at night?

Check out the Boot Hill Casino for its live gaming tables and the opportunity to test your luck on penny slots, video poker machines and more! There’s also the Carnegie Center for the Arts, located right down Main Street, which hosts regular events like music and comedy performances. If you’re looking for some delicious food with a side of entertainment, head over to Coyote Creek Saloon where you can enjoy dinner while being entertained by country music bands or karaoke.

What are free things to do in Dodge City, KS

You can also check out the Kansas Historical Society’s El Quartelejo Ruins State Historic Site. This site displays ruins from a Pueblo Indian settlement established more than 300 years ago. For a unique experience, take a stroll around Fort Dodge, an abandoned military fort built in 1865. Pick up a map at the Visitors Information Center for a self-guided walking tour

What are family things to do in Dodge City?

With attractions such as Boot Hill Museum, the Kansas Teachers’ Hall of Fame, and the Santa Fe Trail Center, there’s something here for everyone. Kids will love exploring Gunsmoke Stables, which offers horseback rides through the famous Dodge City landscape.

Final Thoughts: Dodge City KS Things to do

The trip to Dodge City was a wonderful experience that I’ll never forget. From its old-fashioned saloons to the rodeos, there is something for every traveler here. After spending a few days in this Midwestern town, It’s easy to understand why this place is such an iconic destination for any traveler looking for an exciting adventure! If you’re looking for some fun things to do in Kansas, Dodge Cit y should definitely be at the top of your list. There are plenty of historical sites and entertainment options that will really make your trip worth your while.

Plus, you get the added benefit of experiencing a little bit of true Americana culture while you’re at it! So come on over and join me as I explore more about my adventures in the Wild West.

17 Best Family Vacations in Kansas

Best Things to do in Dodge City

Best Things to do in Garden City

Best Hotel in Wichita, Kansas

Best Place to stay in Kansas City

Tonya Denmark of Detail Oriented Traveler's Favorite Resources

✈️ my favorite way to check flights.

Skyscanner is a great way to check all flights and create watch lists for a change in flight prices.

🏩 My choice to check hotel prices

Booking.com has the most extensive list of hotels.

🏠 My go to for the Best Home Rental site

VRBO has better support for home rentals. I recommend using them.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 My absolute Best Tour Booking Site

Viator allows you to book now and pay later, plus has free cancellation.

🎠 My Go to for the Best Attractions Pass

Go City all inclusive passes provide extraordinary value

Read my review of Go City Here.

Best Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance Master gives you quotes from a variety of insurance policies so you can pick the best one for you.

Best way to store your luggage

Luggage Hero is the perfect way to find storage options when you are touring a place for the day.

What's the best way to check rental car prices?

Discover Cars is my choice for trusted ratings and no hidden costs.

Best Travel Planning Guide

I have a comprehensive travel planning guide that you can buy here. Use code: WELCOME for 25% off.

About The Author

Tonya Denmark

Home » Travel Guides » United States » Kansas (KS) » 15 Best Things to Do in Dodge City (Kansas)

15 Best Things to Do in Dodge City (Kansas)

In the 1870s Dodge City surged to prominence, becoming the “Queen of the Cowtowns”, as a terminal for cattle drives from Texas via the Chisholm Trail.

Some 150 years later, cattle are still a backbone of the local economy, as you’ll see at the vast spread of feedlots visible from the southeast side of town.

Dodge City’s infamy harks back to those boomtown days when Wyatt Earp (1848-1929) had a busy few years as a lawman here.

Other cultural contributions, like the expression, “Get the hell out of Dodge”, come from the long-running radio and TV series Gunsmoke, which ran from 1955 to 1975.

In Dodge City, real history merges with legend, along the Dodge City Trail of Fame and at the Boot Hill Museum, which will drop you into an Old West town, in the company of can-can dancers and gunslingers.

1. Boot Hill Museum

Dodge City’s top attraction is an outdoor museum documenting the early settlement’s gunslinging past in an entertaining way.

The name comes from the old cemetery, which used to be on the northwest corner of the site. Boot Hill was commonly used for Old West cemeteries, given the number of people who died violent deaths “with their boots on”.

The Boot Hill Museum does a good job of balancing captivating exhibits, including some 200 guns from the period, with unabashed fun at the recreated town and boardwalk.

Live shows are a big part of the experience, with reenactments, can-can performances and action-packed gunfights.

2. Dodge City Trail of Fame

At the Dodge City Visitor Information Center you can get hold of a map for a self-guided tour of the Old Dodge City National Historic District.

Marked with an itinerary of medallions embedded in the sidewalk, the Dodge City Trail of Fame was inaugurated in 2003 and pays tribute to famous and infamous former residents like Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson and the gunfighter Doc Holliday.

There are also markers for actors whose performances have helped enshrine Dodge City in American culture. Among them are Errol Flynn, Gene Barry from the TV series “Bat Masterson” and Dennis Weaver from Gunsmoke.

3. Dodge City Days

The second-largest community festival in Kansas takes place in Dodge City at the height of summer. Dating back more than 60 years, Dodge City Days is a ten-day celebration in late July and early August, with 100,000 people attending at least one event.

This is all a fun-packed tribute to Dodge City’s Western heritage, with a parade, live music, arts and crafts shows, a pageant, contests and more besides.

The main event is the six-day Dodge City Roundup Rodeo, recently listed by Time Magazine as one of the “50 Authentic American Experiences”, with a schedule crammed with bull riding, bronc riding, calf roping and barrel racing.

4. Santa Fe Trail Remains

History is carved into the ground at this site, nine miles west of Dodge City. At a pull-off area along US 50, the Santa Fe Trail Remains are a U.S. National Historic Landmark.

What you’ll find is the longest unbroken stretch of clear Santa Fe Trail rut remnants in the state.

Over the decades between the 1820s and the 1870s, the prairie here was disturbed by the hooves of horses, mules and oxen, and flattened under the weight of the large wagons they towed.

More than 150 years later, these grooves are still visible in the ground, in a landscape that looks much as it did when caravans of travelers passed through these lands.

There’s a shelter here with more context about the trail and its uneasy relationship with the Apache, Kiowa-Apache, Cheyenne and Arapaho Native Americans in the mid-19th century.

5. Wright Park Zoo

On the south side of downtown, Wright Park has had a zoo for the best part of a century now. This attraction was founded in 1926 when the city acquired a pair of black bears and raccoons to put on show.

The zoo’s enclosures were scattered around the park until moved to one site in the 1980s, and this was expanded a decade later.

Accredited by the American Zoo Association (AZA), Wright Park Zoo is a nice contrast to Dodge City’s gritty history, with more than 120 animals from around 30 different species.

A few of the noteworthy residents include Siberian tigers, cougars, emu, buffalo, Black bears and, as you would hope, longhorn cattle.

6. Home of Stone

Dodge City’s oldest building still in its original location is a fine limestone house built in 1881 for John Mueller. He was a bootmaker by trade, and was such a success that he invested in a saloon and soon became a cattle rancher.

Things had turned sour for him by 1890, as he lost his cattle in a blizzard and his boot shop burned down. Returning to St. Louis, Mueller sold the house to the Adam Schmidt family.

They remained for 75 years before selling the property and all its furnishings to Ford County in 1965. The Home of Stone is still the only limestone construction in Dodge City, and has a scenic setting on the hillside northeast of downtown.

June through August, the Ford County Historical Society opens the house to the public, and rooms like the parlor, kitchen and bedrooms are as they were when Mueller was here in the early 1880s.

7. Long Branch Lagoon

At the north end of Wright Park is a western-themed public water park that opened its doors in 2016. All the attractions have names harking back to the days of the cattle drives.

There’s Cowboy Creek, a 720-foot lazy river, Wrangler Rapids, a wave pool and Dalton’s Plunge, a thrilling boomerang slide.

Smaller members of the posse will love Fort Splash, a zero-depth pool with a giant dumping bucket, sprays and water cannons.

Also at the park is an Olympic-sized lap pool, a climbing wall, a diving well, a hoop for water basketball and drop slides.

8. Cattle & Feedlot Overlook

It’s hard to get a sense of the full scale of the cattle industry in Dodge City until you come to this scenic vantage point on the city’s east side.

The Cattle & Feedlot Overlook is posted on a hilltop next to the Dodge City Regional Airport, and grants an all-encompassing view over the feedlots to the southeast.

As you can imagine, this quantity of cattle comes with a certain odor, especially if the wind is blowing in.

But it’s an eye-opening sight that needs to be seen, for better or worse. Accompanying the overlook is an interpretive board tracing the roots of Dodge City’s cattle trade.

9. Dodge City Brewing

When this purpose-built craft brewery opened in downtown Dodge City in 2017 it became the first establishment of its kind in southwest Kansas.

The master brewer at Dodge City Brewing has close to 20 years of brewing experience and is a BJCP Certified Beer Judge.

There are normally six beers on tap, and when we made this list these included the flagship cream ale, a Belgian-style Tripel, a Baltic Porter, an English Bitter and an Imperial Bock.

Something they do just as well as beer is pizza, baked in a brick oven with a signature dough and sauce.

10. Boot Hill Distillery

Directly on top of the original Boot Hill Cemetery, where early Dodge City’s gunfighters, scofflaws and prostitutes were laid to rest in the 1870s there’s now a small-batch craft distillery.

The Boot Hill Distillery is housed in the old Municipal Building (1929), which previously hosted the municipal court and various city departments.

The tasting room is charged with that history, and features a fully-stocked Brunswick Bar, and leather sofas, lounge chairs and barstools.

The spirits poured here are crafted by a father-son pair of farmers who plant, grow and harvest the grain themselves. On the menu are several whiskeys, bourbons, vodka and gin, to name a small few.

11. Dodge City Trolley

If you want to get a handle on Dodge City’s essentials in the most convenient way, you could always hop aboard this hour-long tour.

During peak season, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, the air-conditioned Dodge City Trolley departs the Visitor Information Center four times a day, seven days a week.

In the company of an entertaining guide you’ll see the original sites of Front Street, Gospell Hill, the ​​Longbranch Saloon, the “deadline” and a lot more. The tour also takes in Fort Dodge, the historic path of the Santa Fe Trail.

12. Historic Santa Fe Depot

On the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, Dodge City was the last rest stop before crossing an enormous undeveloped region to the west. In 1896, this led to a sizable station being constructed, in the Richardsonian Romanesque style.

To accommodate extended stays, this building housed the Harvey House Hotel “El Vaquero”, one of many such establishments in the western United States.

The site, across the road from the Wyatt Earp Statue, remains an Amtrak station, but is large enough to have several occupants. One is the Depot Theater Company, which will give you an in-depth guided tour of the complex by appointment.

13. Boot Hill Casino & Resort

Given its heritage Dodge City is also a logical place for a casino resort. This is found on the west side of the city and became the first state-owned casino when it opened in 2009.

The interior is infused with an Old West design motif, and has more than 600 slot machines, as well as 18 table games, 2 live poker tables and the Firesides restaurant for steak, BBQ, burgers and other casual bites.

On one side of the casino is the 108-room Hampton Inn & Suites, while on the other is the United Wireless Arena, which is Dodge City’s main venue for concerts, major sports events and more. In the winter months you can head to the arena for some ice skating.

14. Wyatt Earp Statue

The three eventful years that Wyatt Earp (1848-1929) spent as a lawman in Dodge City are commemorated with a larger than life-size bronze statue.

This can be found at the southeast side of downtown, by the tracks at 1028 E Wyatt Earp Blvd to be precise.

On a low pedestal, the statue shows Earp walking at speed, with his hat in his left hand and his right hand holding a drawn revolver. The work of sculptor Mary Spurgeon, the statue has been here since 2004 and is on the Dodge City Trail of Fame.

15. El Capitan Longhorn Statue

A postcard image for modern Dodge City is a life-size statue of a longhorn steer, standing proudly where Wyatt Earp Blvd meets 2nd Ave.

This stirring bronze sculpture testifies to the epic cattle drives along the dusty trail from Texas to Dodge City between 1875 and 1885.

The steer that stepped out from the herd to lead these drives was nicknamed “El Capitan” and would often make multiple trips. This sculpture is the work of Tempe, AZ artist Jasper D’Ambrosi.

15 Best Things to Do in Dodge City (Kansas):

• Boot Hill Museum
• Dodge City Trail of Fame
• Dodge City Days
• Santa Fe Trail Remains
• Wright Park Zoo
• Home of Stone
• Long Branch Lagoon
• Cattle & Feedlot Overlook
• Dodge City Brewing
• Boot Hill Distillery
• Dodge City Trolley
• Historic Santa Fe Depot
• Boot Hill Casino & Resort
• Wyatt Earp Statue
• El Capitan Longhorn Statue

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

7 Great Things To Do In Historic Dodge City

RaksyBH / Shutterstock

• Destinations
• United States

Imagine riding a stagecoach into town. As you exit and brush the dirt off of you from the miles of travel across the plains of Kansas, you look for the nearest saloon at which to quench your thirst.

Fast forward a century or more, and as you exit your car, you look for a place to quench your thirst, maybe a coffee shop or a drinking establishment. In either case, you’re in for a treat as you explore the Western flavor of Dodge City.

Fans of Westerns or television series like Gunsmoke will love Dodge City, which proudly celebrates its connection to the Wild West, from its herds of longhorns to its gunfights on the old main street.

Here are seven things to do when you’re in town.

Michael Rosebrock / Shutterstock

1. Explore The Trail Of Fame

A must for any visitor, the Dodge City Trail of Fame is a series of more than 30 medallions and handprints along the sidewalks of downtown. Celebrating actors connected to Gunsmoke and other Westerns, as well as local dignitaries and celebrities, the Trail of Fame honors people such as Gene Barry, who portrayed Bat Masterson on television; Bat Masterson himself; Doc Holliday; and Wyatt Earp (who was a deputy marshal in Dodge City).

The main actors in Gunsmoke — James Arness, Amanda Blake, Milburn Stone (a Kansas native), Ken Curtis, Buck Taylor, and Burt Reynolds — have medallions along Gunsmoke Street (named after the series). Dennis Weaver, who portrayed Chester Goode on the show before departing to star in McCloud , was the first Trail honoree, and his medallion is located on Front Street, which was once Dodge City’s main street.

Local celebrities honored include Ramon House, the last marshal to serve Dodge City, and actor Dennis Hopper.

2. Take A Walking Tour

While the Trail of Fame is included in the Historic Dodge City Walking Tour , you’ll see much more as you explore the downtown area of Dodge City. Grab a map at the visitor center, near the Boot Hill Museum, to help you find the key points. Look for the series of storyboards, building plaques, sculptures, and banners. You’ll walk through the town’s history, taking in sights such as the Santa Fe Railroad and various saloons, along with sculptures of El Capitan (a longhorn looking south for the herd to arrive), Wyatt Earp, James Arness as Matt Dillon, and a cowboy on Boot Hill. The self-guided tour passes more than a hundred key spots, all within a 10-to-12-block radius.

3. Walk Through The Wild West At The Boot Hill Museum

Enjoy a walk through Dodge City’s Wild West days at the Boot Hill Museum . The museum, which more than tripled its space with a 2020 addition, offers a look at the lives of the Native Americans, pioneers, and marshals who called the town home. Inside, you’ll find artifacts and memorabilia such as weapons used by lawmakers and cowboys, as well as an early newspaper, jail, and pharmacy.

The museum’s Old Town offers the chance to walk along a boardwalk, viewing Western storefronts. You’ll want to stop in for a sarsaparilla at the Long Branch Saloon and maybe catch a show featuring dancers. The boardwalk also includes a general store (a great stop for souvenirs and gifts) and a one-room church.

Ammodramus / Wikimedia Commons ( CC0 1.0 )

4. Tour The Home Of Stone

Made from Kansas limestone, the Mueller-Schmidt House , also known as the Home of Stone, was built in the early 1880s on a hill overlooking the city. Only two families lived in the house, which is the lone limestone house in the city. John Mueller was a bootmaker who invested in a saloon and cattle. The Muellers suffered financial difficulties when their cattle died in a blizzard and a fire destroyed the saloon. They sold the house and moved away. Adam Schmidt bought the house in 1890, and his family lived there until 1960, when his children sold it to the county.

It has served as a museum since then, showcasing furnishings related to the families’ eras, including a few family heirlooms. The museum has a room dedicated to the stories of area women. The house is rumored to be haunted, and, if you ask, the docents may share their personal tales of ghostly encounters.

5. Visit A Distillery And Brewery

Combine a little history with a taste of New York on a visit to Boot Hill Distillery and Dodge City Brewery.

Boot Hill Distillery sits on a hill overlooking Front Street. Located in a former city hall and school, the distillery is owned by farmers who produce the corn and grain used to make the whiskey, gin, and vodka. You can take a guided tour of the distillery, which includes a shot glass for tastes along the way. Whether you imbibe or not, the distillery tour offers a fun look at the distilling process as well as a primer on the building’s history. Boot Hill has a tasting room for people interested in spending additional time there.

Dodge City Brewery , about a block from the distillery, boasts seven or eight flavors of beer on tap. You can watch the brewing process from almost anywhere in the brewery. The establishment is also known for its New York-style pizza. The owners spent time in New York learning to perfect the hand-stretched, wood-fired pizza , which you’ll receive within minutes of placing your order.

6. Talk To The Animals At Wright Park Zoo

Home to about 125 animals, Wright Park Zoo offers an opportunity to see animals close up. What started in 1926 with two black bears has grown into an accredited public zoo with animals including a black bear, bison, monkeys, wolves, and a variety of birds. Being small, Wright Park Zoo doesn’t charge admission, but it accepts donations.

7. Shop Till You Drop

Be sure to explore the boutiques and shops along Front Street and in downtown Dodge City during your visit.

The fragrance of leather welcomes you at El Jaliciense Western Wear , which sells cowboy boots, belts, hats, Western shirts, and modern Western-inspired attire for women.

With its ever-changing inventory, Boot Hill Antiques offers an opportunity to take a piece of local history home with you — or at least some good deals. You’ll find household items, vintage clothing, and more — you might even find Dorothy’s ruby slippers!

For souvenirs and gift ideas, stop by the Dodge City CVB .

Where To Eat In Dodge City

Dodge City is ripe with impressive places to dine.

You can enjoy lunch or dinner at Central Station Bar & Grill , which is located in a former train station and offers visitors three venues: a sports bar, a dance club, and a restaurant. The restaurant — located inside a converted train car — features menu items such as steaks, pork sirloins, burgers, and salads.

Casey’s Cowtown Club is a throwback to classic steakhouses, with large servings of T-bone steak, chicken-fried steak, and ham steak, along with burgers and sandwiches including a French dip. The decor is vintage Western, with paintings and miniature sculptures of cowboys and Native Americans. There’s even a denim-covered bison near the lobby.

Combining faith, community, and coffee is the focus of Red Beard Coffee . Open since 2018, the coffeehouse is located at the end of Gunsmoke Street, with the Trail of Fame medallion for Burt Reynolds near its front door. The shop offers some unique flavors — try the Snickers, Captain Cranberry, or The Beard. Order your drink and stay a while to take in the art and relaxed atmosphere.

Where To Stay In Dodge City

You’ll find plenty of hotel chains in Dodge City, so you won’t have trouble finding a place to lay your head.

Located on the edge of town is the Boot Hill Casino & Resort , which includes restaurants, a convention center, a casino, and the Hampton Inn & Suites .

If you prefer a more local experience, The Cottage On Boot Hill is a neat vacation rental. Located near Front Street, the two-bedroom bungalow will be entirely yours during your visit; there’s no sharing with others. The Cottage On Boot Hill can be rented through Airbnb .

For more to see and do in Kansas, see this page .

Tim and his wife Lisa have been writing their blog The Walking Tourists for eight years. They live in the Midwest and enjoy writing about its attractions. They focus mainly on the Midwest, but enjoy traveling all over. With daughters living in the Seattle area, they also have a fondness for the Pacific Northwest.

Tim is a freelance writer and online content creator. He has authored two books about Omaha attractions and restaurants: "100 Things to Do in Omaha Before You Die" and "Unique Eats and Eateries of Omaha". A third book about Nebraska tourism -- "100 Things to Do in Nebraska Before You Die" -- will be published in April 2020. He writes magazine, newspaper, and online articles as well as offering ghostwriting services. He loves writing.

As a one-time community journalist, his affection for the stories journalists share has never waned. Having been a manager of people, he is intrigued by people's leadership qualities and practices.

Explore Dodge City

Plan your trip to dodge city: best of dodge city tourism.

Essential Dodge City

Dodge City Is Great For

Eat & drink.

Art & history

The great outdoors

• Best Western North Edge Inn
• Dodge House Hotel & Convention Center
• Hampton Inn & Suites Dodge City
• Best Western Plus Country Inn & Suites
• La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Dodge City
• Central Station Bar & Grill
• Casey's Cowtown Club
• Prime On The Nine
• Miss Kitty’s Cafe
• Dodge City Brewing Company
• Boot Hill Museum
• The Long Branch Saloon
• Boothill Casino and Resort
• Santa Fe Trail Tracks
• Home of Stone

Top Things to Do in Dodge City, KS

Places to visit in dodge city.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Adventurous
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Boot Hill Museum

2. Home of Stone

3. The Long Branch Saloon

4. Santa Fe Trail Tracks

5. Cowboy Statue On Boot Hill

6. Kansas Teachers' Hall of Fame

7. El Capitan

8. Dodge City Trail of Fame

9. Coronado Cross

10. Cattle Feedlot Overlook

11. Dodge City Zoo

12. Boot Hill Antiques

13. Kansas Heritage Center

14. united wireless arena.

15. Boothill Casino and Resort

16. Fort Dodge

17. Liberty Garden

18. Carnegie Center for the Arts

19. Long Branch Lagoon

20. Longhorn Park

21. Western State Bank Expo Center

22. Gunfighters Wax Museum

23. Dodge City Convention & Visitors Bureau

24. dodge city legends park, 25. dodge city skate park, 26. jcpenney, 27. walmart supercenter.

28. Depot Theater Company

29. Mariah Hills Golf Course

30. dodge theater.

What travellers are saying

• Boot Hill Museum
• Boothill Casino and Resort
• Santa Fe Trail Tracks
• Home of Stone
• Dodge City Trail of Fame
• Dodge City Zoo
• Liberty Garden
• Longhorn Park
• Dodge City Skate Park
• The Long Branch Saloon
• Cowboy Statue On Boot Hill

15 Awesome Things to do in Dodge City, Kansas

Get the Heck into Dodge with this Wild West town from Kansas. You’ll definitely find something unique here in the city. It’s a welcoming community that’s most known for its Wild West tourist attractions and culture. Read more to discover the best things to do in Dodge City, Kansas!

If you’ve ever heard someone say, “Get the Heck Out of Dodge.” then turn that around as “Get the Heck into Dodge.” is the city’s motto.

It’s a city that goes hand in hand with the likes of Wyatt Earp, saloons, and the Old West. The Old West city is located along the Santa Fe Trail. It’s about 300 miles away from Kansas City with a 5 and a half-hour in between.

From Santa Fe, it’s an almost 7-hour drive across 420 miles of road. They have a regional airport, but you could also take the Amtrak to get here. A bus could also be an option.

For years, they had a reputation as the wildest and lawless town out west. They didn’t have any cemetery until Boot Hill Cemetery was created. They were part of the trade and commerce for travelers and others in this route.

The city preserved its history well, with many of its lore still told, and you can see all of it in their many attractions. To get the best experience, we’ve listed down 15 of the best things to do here in Dodge City, Kansas!

Dodge City Convention and Visitors Bureau

Boot hill museum, boot hill casino & resort, historic dodge city trolley and walking tours, dodge city trail of fame, mueller-schmidt house home of stone, long branch lagoon water park, kansas teachers’ hall of fame, wright park, boot hill distillery, coronado cross, dodge city raceway park, second avenue art guild, ford county lake trail ride, where to eat in dodge city, where to stay in dodge city, day trips from dodge city, you might also like:.

Be sure to make this your first stop on the trip to get all the latest information!

It’s a complete tourists’ haven with maps, brochures, and tours for most of the things you’re about to see in the town.

It’s convenient since the staff will help you with your itinerary and any question you might have.

Where the Boot Hill Cemetery used to be, the Boot Hill Museum now stands. A Boot Hill archway welcomes you. You can learn all about the community back then with more than 60,000 artifacts in their collection.

Visit the buffalo exhibit, wander shootouts’ graves, or see gunfight reenactments at the Long Branch. On your way out, eat some of their country-style meals in the Long Branch Saloon.

The Casino Resort here in Boot Hill is the first state-owned casino and is flocked by tourists.

There are nearby accommodations with the Hampton Inn & Suites and a 150-seat restaurant called Firesides at Boot Hill. Of course, the main feature is all the games you’ll ever need. Try your luck with more than 600 electronic games, 18 table games, and 2 live poker tables.

The casino still pays tribute to the olden days and is donned with the city’s Wild West theme.

Fort Dodge was an essential part of the Santa Fe Trail in the Native American wars. It was an outpost by the west and served to protect people from the war. It’s five miles from the city and is now used by Kansas veterans.

Most of its original buildings have been preserved and can be seen in a self-guided tour of the fort.

Dodge City is prepared for all the tours you’ll need to learn all about their town’s history.

You have the options for a trolley tour or a walking tour. The trolley tour can be booked in the Vistors Center and is open every day. Their schedule varies for different reasons, so best to check before you book your ticket. It lasts for one hour with a booklet and a map to guide you.

The walking tour is self-guided, and you can also get your maps at the Visitor Centre. The tour leads you to many historic sites, locations of interest, sculptures, and many more.

If the walking tour is all about history, this tour includes all the famous and infamous people from Dodge City .

The tour takes you right in the Old Dodge City historic district, where statues and medallions can be found. The sidewalks have markings of the folks lucky to be a part of the city’s history.

From Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, and fictional characters like El Capitan. You’ll also see Gospel Hill Churches and Stan Herd murals. All in the Dodge City Trail of Fame!

The Home of Stone is a three-story house that is actually the oldest home in the city.

Back in 1881, when it was built, the Home of Stone was part of the town’s more elegant homes. That reputation remains today as the only limestone house around. The house is preserved to look as it was in 1881 and is also a part of the National Register of Historic Places.

There is a gallery inside that pays homage to Ford County women. You can visit the home from June through August.

Take a break from the history and jump in the fun here at Long Branch Lagoon Water Park ! The water park is full of fun water adventures, from slides, lazy rivers, and more! 

Some fun things to do are:

• Cowboy Creek, their 720-foot lazy river
• Wrangler Rapids, a wave pool
• Dalton’s Plunge, a thrilling boomerang slide

The Kansas Teachers’ Hall of Fame is dedicated to teachers, both from the past and the ones we have now.

Inside you’ll find donor plaques, a memorial book, the Hall of Fame gallery, and even a classroom from the 1800s. It’s a unique spot and the first in the US. After exploring the gallery, visit the Gunfighters Wax Museum in the same facility.

The city has more than 20 parks in the town, and the largest of them all is Wright Park.

If you’d like a relaxing afternoon surrounded by nature, this is the place to go. You’ll find Wright Park Zoo , where there are more than 45 animals to see. There’s also an off-leash dog park in a contained area. Lastly, several memorials are here, including the Liberty Garden.

The monument is dedicated to the events of September 11, 2001. The zoo is temporarily closed.

This distillery has been around since it was just a lone campfire and a makeshift bar. It’s the first craft distillery in western Kansas, and they bring that legacy in their craft today.

They are open for tours every Friday and Saturday and are limited to only 20 people. Or you can just try some of their handcrafted bottles straight from their farms.

A pretty historic landmark can be found just six miles from the city and a mile from Fort Dodge. The Coronado Cross was built for Spanish explorer, Francisco Vasquez de Coronado.

This spot is where he trekked his journey to find the “Seven Cities of Gold” way back in the 1500s. The cross is 38 feet high.

Another unique thing here is for all those with a need for speed! Here at Dodge City Raceway Park, adrenaline junkies and racing fans can watch the racing season from April through September. The 3/8 mile dirt track features High Horsepower Weekly Racing, Driver’s Appreciation Night, and Sprint Car Nationals.

The arts aren’t lost to a city that may be all about the Wild West.

Here in the Second Avenue Art Guild , they want to show people what the arts can do. Their works are all so different and diverse. Local artists showcase their works on ceramics, paintings, crafts, and more.

They have a monthly Friday event where you can even socialize with the guild and browse their gallery.

Located six miles away from the city, this trail system is about 11 kilometers and is family-friendly.

It winds through the forest surrounding the lake and is cared for by the locals.

Although it’s best not to use the trail in the summer since it’s not maintained then.

The city is known for their delicious beef, but they also have unique restaurants you absolutely must try! We recommend Central Station Bar & Grill , Prime on the Nine , and Casey’s Cowtown Club .

Some of the best places to stay at are Best Western Plus Country Inn & Suites, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, and La Quinta By Wyndham Dodge City.

You can enjoy some day trips around Dodge City with Wichita, Hutchinson, and Oklahoma City.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dodge City is known for its history as a frontier town in the late 1800s. It was a stop on the Santa Fe Trail and was known for its lawlessness and wildness. The town was eventually tamed by lawmen such as Wyatt Earp and Bat Masterson, who helped bring order to the area. Today, Dodge City is known for its western heritage and its annual Dodge City Days festival, which celebrates the city’s history with rodeos, parades, and other events. The city is also home to several museums, including the Boot Hill Museum, which is dedicated to the history of the Wild West. Other attractions in the city include the Wright Park Zoo, the Santa Fe Trail Center, and Fort Dodge, a military post that was established to protect the Santa Fe Trail.

Dodge City, Kansas is worth visiting for those interested in the history of the Wild West and the American West. The city has several museums and historical sites, as well as annual events like the Dodge City Days festival. Other attractions include a small zoo, a water park, and a racing complex. However, if you’re not particularly interested in these things, then you may want to consider other vacation options.

• The Top Things to Do in Manhattan, Kansas

things to do in dodge city ks, what to do in dodge city kansas, things to do in dodge city, kansas, things to see in dodge city kansas, things to do in dodge city, things to do in dodge city kansas , fun things to do in Dodge City, KS, Things to do in Dodge CIty for kids, free things to do in Dodge City , dodge city vacation, free things to do in dodge city, ks, dodge city kansas attractions, dodge city attractions

• Things To Do
• Best Restaurants
• Street Food
• Best Burgers
• Best Italian
• Best Breakfast

15 best things to do in Dodge City, Kansas

Please ignore Marshal Matt Dillon’s advice. For 20 seasons, the TV show  Gunsmoke  brought the Wild West town of Dodge City to viewers. Because of the show’s influence, American culture considers Dodge City the Wild West’s most wicked town. Gunsmoke Marshal Matt Dillon ordered numerous criminals to “Get out of Dodge.” You should get into Dodge and enjoy our 15 best things to do in Dodge City, Kansas.

If you use our affiliate links, including Amazon Associates and Stay22, to make a purchase, we might earn a small commission for our time and website costs (at no additional cost to you).  These links are always disclosed. 

If you’re a  Gunsmoke  fan and have never visited Dodge City, prepare for a surprise. The real Dodge City doesn’t look like the TV version. The studio filmed the show in Kanab, Utah, instead of Western Kansas. Even though the show’s producers didn’t film it in Dodge, the city has plenty of historical sites and original buildings to show its guests. 

Related: Dodge City is one of our  12 best Kansas places .

Table of contents : Law and order | Name game | Trail of Fame | Boot Hill Museum | Western Cattle Trail | Teachers Hall of Fame | Coronado Cross | Fort Dodge | Home of Stone | Nuevo México | Visitors Center | Dodge City arts | 9/11 Memorial | Raceway Park | Boot Hill Distillery | Dodge City Brewing | Boot Hill Casino | Dine in Dodge

Law and order in historic Dodge City? Not so much.

While the real Dodge City landscape isn’t like the television show, the need for law and order was paramount in Old Dodge City, as it was in the TV show. Unfortunately, law enforcement wasn’t available in the cowtown at the confluence of the Santa Fe Trail and the Great Western (Texas) Trail. Lawlessness reigned when cowboys brought longhorn cattle from Texas to the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Trail Railroad. The combination of Fort Dodge soldiers, cattle drive cowboys, and railroad workers meant that Dodge City soon became the  Wickedest Little City in the West .

The city of 21,000 people 150 miles west of Wichita is now a tamer place, but its rich history remains a drawing card. Ask Doc Holliday to show you.

The Dodge City, Kansas, name game

Three men are  candidates  for the “Dodge” in “Dodge City,” Henry Dodge, Grenville Dodge, or Richard I. Dodge. Henry Dodge camped near present-day Fort Dodge in 1835 during an expedition from Fort Leavenworth to the Rocky Mountains. He later became Wisconsin Territory’s first governor and later served as the state’s U.S. Senator. Fort Dodge, Iowa, bears his name. 

Colonel James H. Ford ordered Grenville Dodge to establish a fort on the Santa Fe Trail. He ordered troops to establish the fort, but the troops he sent said he skimped on their provisions. Therefore, they named their encampment Camp Dodge in mockery. The temporary camp later became a permanent fort. Grenville Dodge became famous as the Union Pacific Railroad’s Chief Engineer while the UP built the Transcontinental Railroad.

Roxie’s reliable report : Dodge City is the county seat of Ford County, named for General Ford — not former President Gerald Ford.

Related: Grenville Dodge platted North Platte, Nebraska , on the Transcontinental Railroad.

Colonel Richard I. Dodge was Fort Dodge’s Commandant when the railroad reached “Buffalo City.” When the town company applied for a post office, the post office refused to accept the name. Colonel Dodge was the town company’s President, so his name went on the town. However, the colonel wanted people to believe the city took its name from the nearby fort.

1.  Follow the Dodge City Trail of Fame

Dodge City is grateful for  Gunsmoke . The  Dodge City Trail of Fame  walking tour in Downtown Dodge City honors  Gunsmoke,  plus more TV and movie stars, Western heroes, and Dodge City dignitaries.  Gunsmoke ’s biggest stars are on Gunsmoke Street.  Dennis Weaver  was the first honoree. He portrayed Chester Goode for nine seasons on  Gunsmoke  (ad) before leaving to star on the TV show  McCloud (ad). His medallion and handprints are on Front Street.

Of course, real-life Dodge City residents Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson, and Doc Holliday appear on the trail. 

Roxie’s reliable report : “Big Nose” Kate Elder was Doc Holliday’s significant other. Her nickname wasn’t a comment on her facial structure. Instead, it meant she was a glutton for gossip or “nosy.”

Public health pioneer Dr. Samuel Crumbine worked in Dodge City. His story is in my book Secret Kansas: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure . Buy an autographed copy in our shop.

Roxie’s reliable recommendation : Ride the Dodge City Trolley for the one-hour  Historic Trolley Tour  during the summer months. It’s a perfect orientation to Dodge City as you return to the 1870s. Destinations include the Long Branch Saloon, Gospel Hill, the “deadline,” Front Street, and more. Visit Fort Dodge on the path of the Santa Fe Trail. 

2. Survive a (fake) shoot-out at the Boot Hill Museum

In 1874,  John T. Lytle  drove the  first herd  of longhorns to Dodge City. Lytle didn’t stay in Dodge; he continued his journey to Fort Robinson, Nebraska. Lytle’s route soon became one of the busiest American trails. At Dodge City, cattle owners sent their livestock east on the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad. Or, like Lytle, continued north.

Dodge City was the first city the trail cowboys had seen for weeks. With full wallets, they wanted to enjoy life. Businesses, some of them unsavory, mined the cowboys’ wallets.

Related: Abilene was a notorious cowtown before Dodge City existed.

The  Long Branch Saloon  was one of Dodge’s most famous establishments, and  Gunsmoke  recreated it for Matt Dillon and Miss Kitty (Amanda Blake). The original saloon was considered a higher-class establishment than many of Dodge City’s saloons.

However, its status didn’t preclude it from controversy. When voters chose a law-and-order city government, the saloon’s allies fought back. The pressure to overturn ordinances banning gambling and prostitution came from the state governor and the railroad. The saloon lasted through the end of the cattle drives, but a disastrous 1895 fire destroyed Front Street, including the saloon. 

Return to Dodge City’s cowtown days

At the  Boot Hill Museum , head back to Dodge City’s glory days as the Queen of the Cowtowns, including the recreated Long Branch Saloon. The museum owns over 60,000 artifacts telling Dodge City’s history.

Summers are the best time to visit because the museum’s (G-rated) activities are available. Options include can-can lessons at the dance hall, gunfights, the Long Branch Variety Show, country-style dinners, and the Beatty & Kelley Ice Cream Parlor. The Rath General Store is open all year.

Roxie’s reliable recommendation : Across the street, gamble with  Doc Holliday . But beware. Doc has covertly placed his hand on his pistol, so don’t consider cheating!

3. Join longhorns and cowhands on the Great Western Cattle Trail

El Capitan , the giant longhorn, looks south over W. Wyatt Earp Blvd., watching for the next large longhorn herd arriving from Texas. Look for trail markers next to the huge bull at the Dodge City Raceway Park entrance and the Point of Rocks west of the Dodge City Iron Cowboys sign on Highway 50. See live longhorns in Longhorn Park at W. Hwy. 50 and Airport Road.

Roxie’s reliable recommendation : See the longhorns’ successors at the  Cattle and Feedlot Overlook  on Highway 50 east of Dodge City. Fair warning: Prepare for the smell of money.

4. Honor teachers at the Kansas Teachers Hall of Fame

The  Kansas Teachers Hall of Fame  has honored more than 400 teachers since its inception. It’s the first teachers’ hall of fame in the United States. Curiously, the Hall of Fame and the  Gunfighters’ Wax Museum  share the same building. (Maybe that’s not so curious. I worked as a substitute teacher for eight years and sometimes felt like I’d dropped into the chaotic Old West.)

Roxie’s reliable report : The Western Frontier’s first school stood at First Ave. and Gunsmoke St., where the AT&T Building currently stands.

Related: The National Teachers Hall of Fame is in Emporia .

5. Join Coronado’s search for mysterious Quivira

Pueblo-dwelling indigenous people sent Don Francisco Vásquez de  Coronado  on a  fruitless search  for gold deep into Kansas. Coronado crossed the Arkansas River near Dodge City during his wanderings on June 29, 1541. The  Coronado Cross  marks the site. Father Juan de Padilla held Mass on the hills above the river, the  first Christian service  held in the interior of the North American continent.

In June 1975, the Ford County Historical Society installed a 38-foot-high pressed  concrete cross  at the crossing six miles east of Dodge City on Highway 400.

Roxie’s reliable report : Padilla would die in 1542 when his indigenous parishioners objected to him leaving them. A similar cross near Lyons, Kansas, commemorates his death.

6. Guard the Santa Fe Trail at Fort Dodge

In 1864, the army established Fort Dodge, where the  Santa Fe Trail ‘s Dry and Wet Routes  intersected . Because it carried traffic from both trail branches, many teamsters camped there. When the native peoples learned that, the camps became their target. The fort’s troopers protected trade. After the Civil War, the army used the fortification to prepare for campaigns against the natives.

Two soldiers, Leander Herron and James Fegan , received the Medal of Honor for separate actions around the fort.

During the 1878 Northern Cheyenne Exodus, troops from Fort Dodge confronted Cheyenne warriors at the  Battle of Punished Woman’s Fork . Their commander, Col. William H. Lewis, died from his battle wounds. Lewis was the last soldier to die on a Kansas battlefield. The troopers  continued to chase  the Cheyennes but did not catch them until they had reached Nebraska. Their failure enabled the  Last Indian Raid  in Kansas.

In 1890, Fort Dodge became the  Kansas Soldier’s Home , six miles east of Dodge City. The dignified buildings named for famous military heroes are far different than the fort’s original dugouts.  Visit  the library and walk the self-guided tour.

Related: Fort Dodge and neighboring WaKeeney both have Kansas Veterans Cemeteries.

Roxie’s reliable recommendation : Visit clearly defined Santa Fe Trail ruts at the  overlook  nine miles west of Dodge City. Imagining the creaking wagon trains is easy.

7. Explore Dodge City’s oldest building, the Home of Stone 

The elegant Mueller-Schmidt House is Dodge City’s only limestone house, and it’s the city’s oldest building still on its original site. The contractor quarried the stone along Sawlog Creek near Dodge City. Its first owner, John Mueller, was originally a boot shop owner. The store’s success enabled him to invest in a saloon and become a cattle rancher.

Unfortunately, he lost 75,000 head of cattle in a January 1886 blizzard, and a fire destroyed his boot shop. In a cruel irony, Mueller could have sold at least one of his herds for $75,000 on the day before the blizzard struck. The Muellers then returned to St. Louis in 1890. 

Blacksmith Adam Schmidt purchased Mueller’s home and moved in with his family. His children Heinrich and Elma lived there into the 1960s. They sold the house to Ford County, and it became a museum in 1965.

Because only two families lived there, the house is mostly like it was in the late 1800s, except for indoor plumbing and electricity. Some of the original wiring is still operational.

Look for the beautiful walnut spiral staircase and Heinrich’s homemade Uncle Sam costume that he wore in the 1919 parade welcoming home Dodge City’s World War I veterans.

Roxie’s reliable report : The kitchen, where the family ate informally, is in the basement, down a steep, narrow set of stairs. I pitied those who had to serve formal dinners from the kitchen.

8. Visit Dodge City, Nuevo México

Including Old Glory,  five flags  have flown above Dodge City, Kansas. The  Adams-Onís Treaty  defined the United States-Mexico border after the Louisiana Purchase. The boundary stair-stepped northwest from the Gulf of Mexico to where the 100th meridian crossed the Arkansas River. United States territory was north of the border, and Spanish territory was south. Therefore, Dodge City south of the river used to be Spanish and then became  ​ Mexican territory. When Texas gained its independence, the new republic also claimed the area.

Cross the Second Ave. Bridge to enter the former Mexican state of  Nuevo México  (New Mexico to Anglos). During the early 20th century, the railroad imported Mexican workers who lived in the  Mexican Village  south of the railroad tracks.

Roxie’s reliable report : Kansans pronounce the Arkansas River as  Ar-KAN-zus , not the name of that other state.

9. Cross time barriers at the Dodge City Visitors Center

Roxie’s reliable report : The Santa Fe railroad depot visitor center’s grounds include markers explaining the 100th meridian’s role. Look for the sundials showing Central and Mountain Time. When the nation  established time zones  in 1883, the 100th meridian was the Central-Mountain Time boundary. Straddle the meridian at the marker near the sundials. The depot is one of many Dodge City buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.

Roxie’s reliable report : The 100th meridian traditionally divides the wetter Midwest from the arid Western plains.

10. Celebrate the arts in Dodge City, Kansas

The unique domed former Carnegie Library in the heart of Dodge City is now the  Dodge City Area Arts Council ‘s headquarters. Two galleries showcase monthly exhibitions of local artists’ works. Opening receptions occur each month’s final Friday, and the council encourages patrons to purchase the exhibitors’ art.

Second Avenue Art Guild

A group of area artists formed the  Second Avenue Art Guild  in the historic downtown district to create more awareness of the visual arts.

Roxie’s reliable recommendation : Look for the murals in  Eisenhower Park  and Stan Herd’s four-story  stagecoach mural . It’s one of seven Herd murals in Dodge City.

11. Commemorate 9/11 in Dodge City

Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day? Most Americans remember their precise location and activities when they heard about  9/11’s events .

In Dodge City, the  Twin Towers  still stand in  Liberty Garden . Each 110-inch tower replica stands in a reflecting pool, an inch for each of the tower’s stories. A four-foot piece of twisted steel from Ground Zero stands on the flagpole’s base. The garden also protects parts of the  Pentagon’s limestone  and sandstone from Shanksville, Pa., where  Flight 93  crashed.

Roxie’s reliable recommendation : Cool off in the nearby Long Branch Lagoon Water Park  during the summer.

12. Dare to do dirt at Dodge City Raceway Park

Dodge City Raceway Park is the state’s premier dirt track in Kansas. The park seats 3,500 people and hosts numerous motorsports events. If you love the roar of engines, DCRP is where to be. The track hosts International Motor Contest Association races, Sooner Late Models, the United Rebel Sprint Series, flat-track motorcycles, and a National Tractor Pulling Association event. Each season finishes with the three-day Steve King Memorial sprint car and midget class races.

Roxie’s reliable report : The Steve King Foundation supports dirt track drivers, pit crew members, racing officials, operations personnel, and immediate families of those who suffer severe illness, injury, or death.

Email address

Just to make things easy, we don't sell or share your information.

I have read and agree to the terms & conditions.

13. Drink to Dodge City on Booze Hill

Boot Hill Distillery  stands where Boot Hill Cemetery used to be. Farmers turn their crops into high-quality whiskey. We appreciate the straight wheat whisky and the barreled gin. Make sure to spend some time in their tasting room. Try their delicious Amaretto sour.

Related: The first Boot Hill Cemetery was in Hays .

Before you enter the distillery, examine the monuments at  Boot Hill Monument Park  in front of the distillery. A pair of yoked oxen commemorate the patient animals who pulled the wagons on the Santa Fe Trail. Pioneer dentist O.H. Simpson modeled his Cowboy Sculpture on cowboy and U.S. Marshal  Joe Sughrue .

Buy an autographed copy of 100 Things to Do in Kansas Before You Die from our shop.

Drink Dodge City at Dodge City Brewing

Down the hill, drink Dodge City, Kansas, brews at  Dodge City Brewing Co . Try the 1872 Lager, the Sundance Gose, and the Spruce Street IPA. Accompany your brews with a Pizza with No Name.

Roxie’s reliable report : Actor and Dodge City native Dennis Hopper commissioned La Salsa Man, a former Muffler Man now wearing a sombrero and a serape while carrying a food tray. The giant stands near the brewing company.

14. Trust your luck at Boot Hill Casino

You won’t have to leave the  Boot Hill Casino  if you don’t want to. Play slots, table games, and more. Plus, you can attend  events  at the United Wireless Arena and stay at the on-site  Hampton Inn & Suites . Check the casino’s  partner deals . RVers should camp at  Riverside RV Park .

15. Dine in Dodge

You have to eat at  Casey’s Cowtown Club . No visit to the Queen of Cowtowns is complete without a steak at Casey’s. Mexican food lovers should try  El Charro Mexican Restaurant . Bring home some of their  house-made salsa . Refresh yourself with a Captain Cranberry cold brew at  Red Beard Coffee . Eat, drink, dance, and enjoy vintage railroad décor at the  Central Station Bar & Grill .

More to explore

Soldiers from Fort Scott passed future Dodge City on their way to the Mexican War. Pawnee Rock west of Great Bend was the Santa Fe Trail’s halfway point. Some say that Coronado turned back toward Mexico City after he climbed Coronado Heights in Lindsborg . Garden City , the largest city in Southwest Kansas , is an hour west of Dodge City. Read more about Kansas and the Midwest .

Please pin this post.

Enjoy this blog? Please spread the word :)

Get Out Of Dodge - Or Not! What To See In This Wild West Town

Dodge City is one of the most iconic cowboy Wild West towns and is a must for anyone passing through today.

Quick Links

Dodge city - the embodiment of the wild west, the reputation of dodge city & fights, attractions in dodge city.

Welcome to Dodge City, Kansas - a favorite of Western movies and one of the most iconic of Wild West towns (like Tombstone, Arizona, where the famous Gunfight At The O.K. Corral took place). The experience to "get the hell out of dodge" hails from Dodge City, Kansas, and comes from the many Westerns filmed there. The movies often depict Dodge City as a lawless frontier town with the sheriff trying to keep law and order and telling the criminals in town to "get out."

Today visitors are greeted by a laid-back Kansas town - a stark contrast to what it was once like. It is well worth visiting and has plenty of family-friendly attractions. Perhaps the most iconic landscape of the Wild West is the Sonoran Desert, with the famous cactuses and being close to the border with Mexico.

" In its heyday, Dodge City epitomized the “Wild West.” Daily gunfights arose in the main street, which was lined with saloons and brothels. "

Expedia.com

Dodge City today has a population of around 28,000 and is one of the most famous towns in American culture for its history as a wild frontier town. It has been immortalized many times in the film as representative of the Old West.

• Population: 28,000

The settlement of the area around Dodge City dates from 1847 when it was still a part of Mexico, but the actual city dates from 1871. A fort was built there to provide protection for travelers making their way along the Santa Fe Trail. After the Civil War, the American Frontier Wars began to heat up and Fort Dodge was built. Soon the railroad arrived, and Dodge City thrived on the cattle trade.

• Founded: 1871
• Heyday: 1883-1884
• Cattle: Dodge City Was A Cattle Trading Town

Soon Dodge City became a boomtown with thousands of cattle passing through its stockyards. The peak of the cattle trade was 1883-1884. It even earned itself the nickname "Queen of the Cowtowns."

Related: Think You Could Survive Cowboy Days In The Wild West? Here's What They Had To Eat

No town matched Dodge City's reputation as a frontier settlement of the Wild West. It even had more gunfighters working there at one time or another than any other town in the West. One can learn all about that and more with the Dodge City Trail of Fame .

In 1883 the Dodge City War broke out. The conflict was a showdown between Luke Short and his supporters and the Dodge City mayor, who tried to force Short to close the saloon and leave town (aka get the hell out of Dodge). While it was a bloodless conflict, it produced one of the most iconic photos of Western gamblers and gunfighters of the West.

• Dodge City War: A Bloodless Showdown Between The Mayor And Luke Short

After a few years, the cattle trade moved on, and Dodge City became a sleepy Kansas town.

In its day, Dodge City had the typical collection of gambling halls, brothels, and saloons. Some of the most notable were the Long Branch Saloon and the China Doll brothel. It even had a bullfighting ring with Mexican bullfighters would perform.

Related: Wild West Ghost Towns: 25 Images Of Forgotten Places In The Desert

Dodge City has plenty of museums, landmarks, and historical sites. The downtown is promoted as historic Old Dodge City and has plenty of Western-themed attractions.

One of the things to do is to take a trolley ride around the historic district or to take the Dodge City Trail of Fame walking tour.

• Boot Hill Museum: Exhibits The Frontier Days Of Dodge
• Cowboy Hall of Fame: Tells Stories of The Area's Most Famous (and Infamous) Frontiersmen
• Long Branch Saloon: Rebuilt To Look Exactly As It Once Did
• Boot Hill Cemetery: Captures The Violence of The Wild West
• Dodge City Roundup Rodeo: Cowboy Performance With Roping Contests, Horse Shows, & More

Boot Hill Cemetery reminds one of the violence of Dodge's history - it is so named because many of the men buried there died with their boots on. Boot Hill Museum has plenty of artifacts as well as partial reconstructions of downtown Dodge City.

Plan one's trip with the official Visit Dodge City website and delve into the rich Old West heritage of the United States.

26 Best & Fun Things to Do in Dodge City (KS)

Are you searching for the best & fun things to do in Dodge City?, this city sure has some fun attractions and activities to give you memorable vacation.

Dodge City was named after the nearby Fort Dodge, and it is known to be the county seat of Ford County, Kansas, USA.

Things to do in Dodge City cuts across exploring some of its unique cultural attractions. This city is known to be famous in American culture, having its history as an Old West frontier town.

Like other cities of Kansas, you are sure to have an amazing time visiting this city.

For a fun time in Dodge City, you can decide to tour the city, making stops at some of its points of interest such as Carnegie Center for the Arts, the Giant Coronado Cross, Mueller-Schmidt Home of Stone, Gunfighters Wax Museum, and more. You can also decide to cool off at the Long Branch Lagoon Waterpark.

There are also some nearby attractions that are worth a visit, such as the historic Fort Dodge.

For a memorable time in Dodge City, here are the top fun things to do in Dodge City, KS.

Things to Do in Dodge City

1. see el capitan.

Most artworks are named by the creator, this was not the case of this longhorn steer statue which currently stands at Wyatt Earp Boulevard. It got its name from a naming contest made in its honor.

Boot Hill Museum in the 1970s chose to honor more than 4,000,000 cattle which took to the trail from Texas to Dodge City between 1875 to 1885.

They commissioned an Arizona sculpture artist by the name Jasper D’Ambrosi to design a longhorn steer statue which was to be placed in Dodge City.

He saw the creation of El Capitan (The Captain from Spanish translation), which tells of leadership of the animal, which led other animals to the end of the journey.

After his trip, he appears lanky and lean, yet strong as many of the steers made numerous trips in its leadership position.

The Spanish name also was fitting to this sculpture as it is known that Spanish explorers brought the first longhorns to our continent.

Do not miss to have a sight of this Dodge City attraction during your visit. It makes one of the best things to see in Dodge City.

Address: 510 N 2nd Ave, Dodge City, KS 67801

2. Boot Hill Distillery

“Born from a barrel, Forged in the dust, Crafted by artisan distillers, from soil to sip.”

Those are the driving words of Boot Hill Distillery as they aim to continue Dodge City’s legacy of a city built with ashes of campfire and the footprints of a bar.

Boot Hill Distillery uses locally grown ingredients of high quality to produce the best the in-house distillery for your consumption.

They are open every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday between 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and tours are offered on Fridays and Saturdays at 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM, and 5:00 PM.

You can join any of their tours for a $10 fee, and you are highly recommended to make a reservation on their website as each tour is limited to only 20 persons.

Address: 501 W Spruce St, Dodge City, KS 67801

3. United Wireless Arena

One of the top fun things to do in Dodge City is spending some quality time at United Wireless Arena.

United Wireless Arena is a 17,000+ square foot facility that hosts sporting events, concerts, family shows, trade shows, motorsports, and lots more.

Having a siting capacity of more than 3,000, this arena hosts some of the big shows and events in the area.

Visiting this arena between November and December every year, you will have the opportunity to participate in the open ice skating held here.

This is one of the best places to catch a show or a game in Dodge City, perfect for your bucket list.

Address: 4100 W Comanche St, Dodge City, KS 67801

4. Learn History at Boot Hill Museum

Would you like to dig into the history of Dodge City?, take to exploring the Boot Hill Museum .

Boot Hill Museum is a history museum in Dodge City aimed at preserving the history of the Old West area and Dodge City.

A visit here will meet you with over 20,000 artifacts that are on display in this museum. You will find within the collection armor and original guns.

A section in the museum is dedicated to fun where you can get to learn history through watching simulations of saloon shoots and gunfights.

The name Boot Hill was coined from the popular title given to cemeteries as the fact that many of the men who died had a violent death, and died with their boots on.

The museum construction dates back to 1992 after experiencing a fire outbreak. This saw a bit of make-over to the entire structure.

There are also shops built around the museum which still have their old-time look as a way of reminiscing about old times.

A visit here will open you to history, definitely one of the top things to do in Dodge City for history lovers.

Address: 500 W Wyatt Earp Blvd, Dodge City, KS 67801

5. Explore the City with Dodge City Trolley

During your visit to Dodge City, do not miss an exploration of the area with the famous Dodge City Trolley

This brings a fun time roaming the city with a little of the old-time feel.

Dodge City Trolley service runs every day of the week from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm, and they operate from June to August every year.

However, in May and September, the also operate having their operation time to be from 8:30am to 5pm.

You can also opt-in for a walking tour or a driving tour through the city, hitting some of the top Dodge City attraction spots. You can book the driving tour at the Visitor’s Center Bureau.

Would you prefer a self-guided tour of Dodge City? There is a CD available to help you achieve that, also purchase a map to aid your tour.

During any of these tours, you will have the opportunity to meet 77 points of interest in Dodge City during your exploration.

This makes what to do in Dodge City for some exploration, quite a perfect addition to your bucket list of fun things to do in Dodge City.

Address: 400 W Wyatt Earp Blvd, Dodge City, KS 67801

6. Carnegie Center for the Arts

Carnegie Center for the Arts is a dedicated art center that makes one of the top attractions in Dodge City for art lovers.

This art center was formally a library which was turned into an art center featuring huge and round galleries of art.

Carnegie Center for the Arts is located in the downtown area of Dodge City, and its building is quite a historic one in the area.

Visiting this center, you will meet a two-story building housing numerous artifacts and showpieces which are on display for you.

Also, visit its gift shop which feature art pieces and paintings from local artist, your interest might catch one of these artworks.

The gift shop is also a perfect place to pick some souvenirs to take back from your visit to the city.

Are you an art enthusiast, and would you love a fun time admiring some works of art? Carnegie Center for the Arts is a perfect place to visit during your trip.

Address: 701 N 2nd Ave, Dodge City, KS 67801

7. Giant Coronado Cross

One of the historical points of interest in the area to stop by during your visit to Dodge City is the Coronado Cross.

The Giant Coronado Cross is hailed for its historical significance because of the traditional story it tells.

This Cross tells the story of a Spanish nobleman named Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, who left his hometown with a small army in 1540 to search for the City of Gold which he heard so much about.

After a very long journey, they crossed the Arkansas River and came to the point which is today Fort Dodge.

It was known that they were accompanied by Father Juan de Padilla, who took to holding the first thanksgiving service here on a nearby hill. It was known to be the first of its kind held here after 100 years after the arrival of pilgrims to the area.

To honor this memory, a permanent memorial was built here by the Ford County Historical Society, which saw the construction of the Coronado Cross.

The Coronado Cross dates back to 1975, featuring a tower height of 38 feet. It has been standing since its construction.

Take to visiting this landmark if you are in the area, a worthy historical attraction for your bucket list.

Address: 11666 US-400, Dodge City, KS 67801

8. Buy at Dodge City Farmers Market

Would you like to shop for organic products in Dodge City?, hosted every Saturday morning in the downtown area of Dodge City is the farmers market which answers to your needs.

Here you will meet seasonally grown vegetables and fruits as well as homemade products available for purchase.

This is also an excellent place to visit in Dodge City if you seek an outdoor walk with the smell of fruits such as pineapple, cherry amongst others, wafting the air. You can also have a mini breakfast by purchasing some of the homemade baked foods.

Depending on the weather conditions between June to fall, there are some art and craft shows set up in some shops in the area during mornings and noons, you can take to shopping these items.

This is one of the best ways to spend your day, consider an addition to your bucket list.

9. Gunfighters Wax Museum

Wax museums make a fun way to spend some time exploring wax statues of some of your favorite famous individuals in the process, taking some incredible photos.

Gunfighters Wax Museum brings all the fun of a wax museum and more for a memorable exploration.

This Wax museum is home to numerous life-like wax statues of famous personalities such as Billy the Kid, Buffalo Bill, Calamity Jane, Festus, Belle Starr, Doc Holliday, and many more.

This museum is near the Kansas Teachers Hall of Fame, and tickets can be purchased together at a minimal cost.

Exploring this wax museum is one of the unique things to do in Dodge City with the family, kids under the age of five can visit the museum for free.

10. Explore Fort Dodge

One of the best things to do near Dodge City is an exploration of Fort Dodge, an unincorporated community near Dodge City.

This community provides Kansas veterans who served in the US Army a nursing facility.

Initially, it was established to protect travelers and railroad workers who used the Santa Fe Trail from the Plains Indians in the area.

It served as an outpost on the Santa Fe Trail between 1865 to 1882, and today, with its population of 165, remains unincorporated providing nursing to Kansas war veterans. It as well acts as a retirement facility.

During your visit, take to exploring its historic library and the historical buildings in the area for a fin time.

11. Dodge City Raceway Park

Dodge City Raceway Park hosts several sporting events throughout the year where racing cars compete against themselves for fun.

Some of the events hosted here include the world of outlaws and sprint car nationals. Come and get a view of this dirt track as cars zoom by.

Visiting this raceway is a fun way to spend some family time during the summer, eating snacks and having a fun time.

This makes what to do in Dodge City for race lovers, quite a recommended addition to your bucket list of things to do in Dodge City for fun.

12. Fun at Boot Hill Casino and Resort

One of the best places to visit in Dodge City for some luxurious vacation time is the Boot Hill Casino and Resort .

Boot Hill Casino and Resort is a popular tourist attraction in Dodge City and it is a highly recommended place to visit for some fun time in the city.

Here you can get to try your hands at gambling. It just might be your lucky day.

The structure housing the Boot Hill Casino and Resort still has its old look as a tribute to the Old West area.

Entertainment is one of the top priorities here, also hit some of your favorite arcades and have a fun mealtime in their top-class dining area.

You do not have to worry about a rush on Table games such as roulette as there are about 700 slots available for your game time.

For fun things to do in Dodge City, add this to your checklist of places to visit in Dodge City.

13. Explore Dodge City Trail of Fame

Amongst the top fun things to do in Dodge City is joining the Dodge City Trail of Fame.

Dodge City Trail of Fame is an established walking tour through Dodge City, meeting you with some of the best attractions in Dodge City as you walk.

On this walk, you will meet with statues and gazillion medallions on both sides of the trails, dedicated to some of the famous individuals of Dodge City.

You will also meet some dedicated to infamous citizens of this area who once walked the lands.

Some medallions were constructed in honor of famous TV stars who have brought Dodge City to the world through their TV shows and movies.

Do you have more time for exploration, take a self-guided tour with information from the Visitor Information Center. If you are visiting in groups, you can take a free guided tour through the area.

This is one of the best free things to do in Dodge City for fun, it’s a great way to spend some outdoor time in the area.

14. Honor Teachers at Kansas Teacher’s Hall of Fame

How does visiting a museum which honors teachers sound?

After spending some time exploring the Gunfighter’s Wax Museum, you can continue your fun museum time at the Kansas Teacher’s Hall of Fame.

This museum was set up in honor of teaches who are part of the significant development of our nation, training children to achieve great heights.

It is a one-of-a-kind museum dedicated to famous teaches featuring donor plaques, a Hall of Fame gallery, and information of inducted members of the Hall of Fame.

You can also participate in some of the educational activities conducted in the facility, which is a fun way to learn.

Do not miss out on exploring the Kansas Teacher’s Hall of Fame during your visit to Dodge City. It is one of Dodge City activities that will give you a fun-filled day.

Address: 603 5th Ave, Dodge City, KS 67801

California has some of the best cities in the United States to explore, here is a list of  fun things to do in Fresno ,  things to do in Santa Cruz  .and  things to do in Monterey  for a fun exploration

15. A Reflection Time at Liberty Garden

The Liberty Garden was built to stand as a symbol of remembrance and peace to lives that were affected by the 9/11 tragedy.

Located inside Wright Park, a historic park in the area, Liberty Garden holds respect for all the souls involved.

The Garden is open to the public as a reminder of sacrifice and honor, it is known to hold the Pentagon limestone that traveled far away and back to its homeland.

During your tour, take to notice the 4-foot section of steel brought from the World Trade Center. It is placed below a US flag as a symbol of reverence.

Planning a road trip in South Carolina? We have made a list of things to do in South Carolina , and  things to do in Florence for a fun road trip.

16. Animal time at Wright Park Zoo

One of the top things to do in Dodge City with kids is a visit to Wright Park Zoo, Children love some time with the animals, and in this zoo, they get to experience some fun time.

Wright Park Zoo is quite a vast zoo waiting to give you a fun time at absolutely no cost. Hence one of the best free things to do in Dodge City.

Outside each cage, there is informational placard of the animals within. You can also take to visiting the aviary, which houses a one-of-a-kind albino peacock.

During a visit to this zoo, some of the animals you get to see include leopards, monkeys, and Emus. Would you want to see some of the feline family? You can get to see the cougars, bobcats, and Tigers.

This answers what to do for a fun time in Dodge City. Consider a visit to this zoo as one of your Dodge City activities.

17. Cool Off at Long Branch Lagoon Waterpark

Opened in May 2016, Long Branch Lagoon Waterpark is a place to cool off and have some outdoor fun in Dodge City.

This waterpark spans 27,000 square feet and features a Western theme, giving the best of fun and adventure to its visitors.

Some of its features include a Wrangler rapids Wave pool which is a perfect section for those interested in devilry, and you can also take to have some relaxation floating in a lazy river tagged The Cowboy Creek.

There is also the Dalton’s Plunge where you can take a plunge or take the kids to the foot splash (a shallow pool and a play area).

To get to the peak of the fun, you can take to playing water basketball, drop slides, or enjoy the diving towers as some of your activities here.

Are you planning a trip to Dodge City during the summer, do not fail to add a visit to Long Branch Lagoon to your bucket list of places to visit in the city.

18. Don’t Miss the Mueller-Schmidt Home of Stone

One of the things to see in Dodge City during your trip is the Mueller-Schmidt Home of Stone. It is an over the edge architectural beauty.

Mueller-Schmidt Home of Stone has its structure made entirely of stone, and it still holds its place as one of the top attractions in Dodge City.

You will find this structure on top of a hill, surrounded by lawns and gardens, bringing the feeling of being placed out of a postcard.

This structure is known to be one of the oldest still standing in Dodge City, having to stand quite some refurbishment, and its simplistic beauty still marvels architects.

Visiting this home, you can take a walking tour of the building, bringing the opportunity to admire its parlor, bedrooms, and kitchen constructed in 1881.

The house is open to visitors from June to August, so do schedule your visit to fall within the timeframe. If you are visiting out of season, you will have to schedule an appointment.

Visit this Dodge City attraction which is quite an architecture to behold for unique things to do in Dodge City.

19. Central Station Bar and Grill

After a long day of exploration comes the need to have some Bar time, enjoying some of the best cocktails and wines. Central Station Bar and Grill got you covered.

Central Station Bar and Grill is quite the place to enjoy a selection of great tasting drinks, including cocktails and wines.

You can decide to pair it up with some of the best food and starters, such as barbequed pork ribs, pork chops, and more.

After your meal, you can decide to hit the dance floor to have your body move to the beat as you enjoy a fun evening.

Central Station Bar and Grill is recommended as one of the cool things to do in Dodge City at night.

20. The Long Branch Saloon

Long Branch Saloon was known in this area as one of the best watering holes from 1874 to 1885, and they as well did provide gambling and live entertainment to its visitors.

In 1885, the original Long Branch Saloon was gut by fire. However, a new Long Branch Saloon is now open for your visit at Boot Hill Museum in the City.

This new saloon was built modeling the interior of the popular TV drama, Gunsmoke and its exteriors models the original Long Branch Saloon building as seen in its photographs.

The furnishing was made with period pieces that date back to the 1800s. This includes a pair of golden eagles owned by Chalkley Beeson, the original owner of Long Branch Saloon.

Have a fun time at Long Branch Saloon, it is worth every moment spent.

Address: The Long Branch Saloon, Boot Hill Museum, 500 W. Wyatt Earp Blvd, Dodge City, KS 67801

21. See Cowboy Statue On Boot Hill

One statue ionic to Dodge City is the Cowboy Statue On Boot Hill, and during your tour, get to have a view of this art.

This statue was made by a local dentist named O.H. Simpson. You can locate this statue in front of the Old City Hall, now referred to as Boot Hill Distillery.

Take to notice its inscription on this statue which reads “On the ashes of my campfire, this City is built.”

As you explore Dodge City, do not miss taking a photo of this statue, quite a fun way to remember your visit to Dodge City.

22. Coffee at Red Beard Coffee

Located in the Downtown Historic District, Red Beard Coffee is your favorite coffee spot in Dodge City.

Red Beard Coffee brings you an excellent atmosphere for coffee time, with the fabulous aroma of coffee wafting the air.

Here, the baristas are hailed to be very friendly and knowledgeable, getting you the perfect coffee to get your taste buds craving for more.

They offer the regular coffee drink and offer quite a range of non-caffeinated such as hot chocolate, teas, juices, and sodas.

You can request Dairy-free options, and they also serve children’s lattes.

Address: Red Beard Coffee, 319 Gunsmoke St, Dodge City, KS 67801

23. Broadway at Depot Theater Company

Looking for what to do in Dodge City?

The Depot Theater brings you a fun theater experience to keep you entertained.

Depot Theater Company is a premiere Live Theater in the Southwest area of Kansas. Since its inception, it has been giving both locals and visitors to this area the beat of theater entertainment.

This theater was initially founded in 1984 at the Boot Hill Museum Complex. In 1996 the 1889 Santa Fe Depot was donated by Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad to the City, and there was a plan to restore the building.

This restoration saw the new home for Depot Theater Company after eight years of repair and in July of 2004, the theater moved into their new home.

In their new home, the first production was “Anyone Can Whistle,” and they have since taken to give to the public Broadway-style entertainment.

A visit to this theater is a great way to have a fun theater experience, do consider to add to your bucket list of places to visit in Dodge City.

24. Dodge City Brewing

Dodge City Brewing is located in the center of the town’s historic district, making it the first brewery in the Southwestern part of Kansas.

The brewery was founded in 2017 as one of the best companies in the town due to the BJCP certification and brewing methods.

Their taproom offers about eleven handmade beers produced directly from the brewe1ry in different firms, such as a Baltic Porter, an Imperial Bock, Tripel-style Belgian beer, and cream ale.

Dodge City Brewing also offers deliciously made pizza straight from the oven using fresh sauce and dough.

The beautiful interior design of the company would blow your mind and leave you amazed with the live music.

25. Second Avenue Art Guild

Although the city is known as a wild west town, it still upholds its cultural heritage. The Second Avenue Art Guild showcases its local art and the significance of culture through its artists.

 Second Avenue Art Guild depicts a significant part of their themes and sites in their work, such as paintings, crafts, ceramics, and more.

The organization coordinates a gathering on Friday night on a monthly basis where visitors get to interact with the members and brew through the collection of art.

26. Ford County Lake Trail Ride

An 11-kilometer trail chain, Ford County Lake Trail Ride, is found within six miles away from the town, making it an excellent place for families.

The route is located near the bottom of the lake winding through the old cottonwoods before going through the CRP to an open land.

Ford County Lake Trail Ride is being adequately taken care of by the people living In the area as it winds through the woodland of the lake. During the summer season, keeping off from the lake is highly advised.

Explore other cities in Kansas, check out our list of things to do in Lawrence and things to do in Topeka  for a fun time

Plan to visit Dodge City

Like we have seen, Dodge City is not shy of attractions and activities to give you a fun vacation time.

Take to explore these top attractions and activities in Dodge City, and you can make things easier by joining any of the guided tours listed in this article.

Start planning your trip to Dodge City today, don’t forget to pin this article for an easy guide through Dodge City as you make the trip.

THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Dodge City

Things to do in dodge city.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Adventurous
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Boot Hill Museum

2. Home of Stone

3. The Long Branch Saloon

4. Santa Fe Trail Tracks

5. Cowboy Statue On Boot Hill

6. Kansas Teachers' Hall of Fame

7. El Capitan

8. Dodge City Trail of Fame

9. Coronado Cross

10. Cattle Feedlot Overlook

11. Dodge City Zoo

12. Boot Hill Antiques

13. Kansas Heritage Center

14. united wireless arena.

15. Boothill Casino and Resort

16. Fort Dodge

17. Liberty Garden

18. Carnegie Center for the Arts

19. Long Branch Lagoon

20. Longhorn Park

21. Western State Bank Expo Center

22. Gunfighters Wax Museum

23. Dodge City Convention & Visitors Bureau

24. dodge city legends park, 25. dodge city skate park, 26. jcpenney, 27. walmart supercenter.

28. Depot Theater Company

29. Mariah Hills Golf Course

30. dodge theater.

What travellers are saying

• Boot Hill Museum
• Boothill Casino and Resort
• Santa Fe Trail Tracks
• Home of Stone
• Dodge City Trail of Fame
• Dodge City Zoo
• Liberty Garden
• Longhorn Park
• Dodge City Skate Park
• The Long Branch Saloon
• Cowboy Statue On Boot Hill

10 Offbeat Things to Do in Dodge City, Kansas

Back in the days of the Wild West, the cowtowns of southwest Kansas were infamous. Hardworking cowboys and rowdy outlaws converged to help foster towns full of saloons, dance halls, gambling parlors and more. Though times have changed, there are still lots of exciting and offbeat things to do in Dodge City, Kansas .

Known as the Queen of Cowtowns, Dodge City was officially incorporated in 1872. Like any true Old West legend, Dodge City’s history begins with booze (literally). After Colonel Richard Dodge banned the sale of alcohol at the nearby Fort, George Hoover tied a rag to his wagon wheel and measured exactly five miles outside the fort. On that spot, he opened the saloon that gave Dodge City its start.

In the 1950s, the popularity of Dodge City’s Wild West lore had a resurgence with the airing of the radio serial “Gunsmoke.” This popular series ran for more than 20 years and eventually became a TV of the same name. Even if they’d never been to Kansas, thousands of viewers were now captivated by the story of the community’s early days.

Today, Dodge City remains true to its western roots. Here you’ll find plentiful historic sites, incredible eateries , engaging museums and so much more. Step back in time with a visit to the new Old West, and discover 10 exciting things to do in Dodge City, Kansas.

Disclosure : This post is sponsored by the Dodge City Convention & Visitors Bureau . However, all opinions are my own.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Table of Contents

The Best Places to Stay in Dodge City, Kansas

Best Downtown Option :  Holiday Inn Express & Suites Dodge City is a newer property with plenty of amenities located only a five minute walk from some of the city’s most popular attractions.

Closest to the Arena & Casino Resort : Hampton Inn & Suites Dodge City   is conveniently located for travelers visiting the Boot Hill Casino & Resort or United Wireless Arena.

Things to Do in Dodge City, Kansas

Explore the boot hill museum.

The best way to immerse yourself in the history of Dodge City is with a visit to the Boot Hill Museum . Located on the original site of Boot Hill Cemetery, this interactive museum highlights the glory days of the Queen of the Cowtowns. Starting in the main museum building you’ll learn about the indigenous peoples who lived in this area. From there, you’ll meet the early explorers and Wild West icons who made Dodge City infamous.

Afterwards, you’ll wander outside to a replica of Front Street to see what Dodge City looked like in its earliest days firsthand. Wander a recreation of Boot Hill Cemetery, sip a cold sarsaparilla in the saloon and even witness a gunfight between outlaws.

One of my favorite parts of the Boot Hill Museum was how interactive it makes Dodge City’s history. In addition to the live reenactors you’ll encounter throughout the museum complex, the Boot Hill Museum has done a great job incorporating technology into its exhibits.

Pick up a shot glass from the bar to learn about founding of Dodge City from George Hoover himself. Or wander into the Historic Santa Fe Depot to learn about Harvey Houses from one of the famed Harvey Girls just as a train of passengers arrives.

Why is it called Boot Hill?

In 1872, two cowboys camping on the Dodge City hillside had a gunfight. One of them died, but his identity was unknown. So, he was wrapped in a blanket and buried where he fell with his boots still on. And so Boot Hill was born.

For six years of its early history, Dodge City had no official cemetery. People who died and had family to help pay for their plot were buried at the cemetery at Fort Dodge. But those who didn’t were buried where it was most convenient. Quickly, Boot Hill became the most famous burial ground in the Wild West, despite the fact that it was only used until 1878. While the remains of gunfighters and outlaws laid to rest here have since been moved, the legend of Boot Hill lives on.

Boot Hill Museum, 500 W. Wyatt Earp Boulevard in Dodge City, KS

Tour the mueller-schmidt house (aka the home of stone).

If you’re interested in historic homes, you won’t want to miss the Mueller-Schmidt House , also known as the Home of Stone. John Mueller built this stately limestone home between 1879 and 1881.

Mueller was a boot maker and cattle rancher who was a prominent figure in Dodge City’s early history. But misfortune fell upon the family after a series of fires that razed Mueller’s shop and a blizzard that wiped out his ranch. So in 1890 Mueller was forced to sell his prized home.

Local blacksmith Adam Schmidt purchased the Home of Stone and moved in with his family that same year. His two children, Heinrich and Elma, never married and continued to live in the home until the 1960s. At that time, Elma sold the home to the county and it became a museum in 1965.

Because only two families lived in the Home of Stone, the house remains largely as it would have been when it was originally built. In fact, many of the home’s original furnishings are still on display including walnut chairs and a loveseat as well as a horsehair tapestry.

Today, the home is the only remaining native limestone house in Dodge City. It’s also the oldest building in Dodge City still located on its original site. The home is open for tours from Memorial Day through Labor Day, or by special appointment. If you’re visiting Dodge City, this is a great way to learn about the families who helped build the community and see how they lived.

Mueller-Schmidt House Home of Stone, 112 E. Vine Street in Dodge City, Kansas

Say hello to la salsa muffler man.

Stop by the  La Salsa Man  to snap a photo and learn about this unique tribute to one of Dodge City’s famous native sons. Did you know that Actor Dennis Hopper of “Easy Rider” fame grew up in Dodge City?

Hopper was also a big fan of kitschy roadside giants. So he had two of his own Muffler Men created, a Mobile man and the La Salsa Man that toured the country with Hopper’s art show.

Artist Bob “Daddy O” Wade created the La Salsa Man for Hopper using an adapted soda jerk Muffler Man. Does that name sounds familiar? It’s probably because Wade was also responsible for the La Salsa Man located along the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, California.

After he passed away in 2010, the Dodge City Area Arts Council received both of Hopper’s Muffler Men. In 2013, the legendary giants arrived in Dodge City, and today, you can find the La Salsa Man just up the street from Dodge City Brewing .

La Salsa Man, 3rd Avenue & W. Vine Street in Dodge City, Kansas

Dine at delicious restaurants.

You’ll definitely work up an appetite exploring the Old West in Dodge City. Thankfully, there are plentiful places to enjoy a delicious meal in this community. From craft breweries and coffee shops to classic steakhouses and fusion fare , you’re sure to find a place to satisfy what you’re craving at one of the restaurants in Dodge City, Kansas.

Hunt for Antique Treasures

Take a piece of local history home with a visit to one of Dodge City’s local antique shops. If you’re exploring downtown,  Boot Hill Antiques is a must-stop shop for anyone who loves the thrill of antique hunting. This sprawling shop spans multiple floors and is brimming with potential treasures. Next, head north of town to  Dodge City Antique Mall . This shop is on the smaller side. But it has some truly unique booths filled with decor, home goods, apparel and more.

Boot Hill Antiques, 510 N. 2nd Avenue in Dodge City, Kansas

Dodge city antique mall, 1701 n. 14th avenue in dodge city, kansas, snap a photo with el capitan.

Pay tribute to Dodge City as the Queen of Cowtowns with a visit to  El Capitan . You’ll find this life-size longhorn statue in the heart of historic downtown. The bronze sculpture by artist Jasper D’Ambrosi commemorates the decade of Texas cattle drives that passed through Dodge City between 1875 and 1885.

Fun fact: Oftentimes, the steer leading the drive would make multiple trips back and forth. Those steers were appropriately called El Capitan.

El Capitan Longhorn Statue, 510 N. 2nd Avenue in Dodge City, Kansas

Sample spirits at boot hill distillery.

Even if you’re not typically a sampler of spirits, your visit to Dodge City should absolutely include a stop at Boot Hill Distillery . Built on the site of Dodge City’s original Boot Hill, this small-batch distillery has an incredible tasting room and connection to the area’s rich local history that you won’t want to miss.

Boot Hill Distillery, 501 W. Spruce Street in Dodge City, Kansas

Visit the historic santa fe depot.

Opened in 1898, Dodge City’s Historic Santa Fe Depot  was the largest rail depot ever built in Kansas. While the community played a vital role in cattle production and transportation, it was also one of the last significant stops before the more undeveloped west.

The Historic Santa Fe Depot was also home to one of the many Harvey House Hotels that doted the West at the time. These railroad hotels provided quality accommodations for those riding the rails, whether they needed a place to stay overnight or simply a warm meal.

Today, the station has been renovated to resemble how it would have looked in the 1920s. Much of the space now houses offices and the Depot Theater. But the depot still serves Amtrak passengers traveling cross country. Even if you aren’t catching a train, it’s absolutely worth peeking into this historic space.

Historic Santa Fe Depot, 201 E. Wyatt Earp Boulevard in Dodge City, Kansas

Take a Historic Walking Tour

This western town has had its fair share of famous residents and visitors. So what better way to get to know some of them than by taking a walking tour to experience the Dodge City Trail of Fame among other notable sights. Keep an eye out for medallions and handprints of Hollywood icons like Burt Reynolds, Dennis Weaver and more. I also enjoyed the custom pole art banners you’ll find around downtown. Each of these metal cutouts depict a different historical event or figure in Dodge City’s history.

Pick up a copy of the Dodge City Historic Walking Tour brochure for yourself at the Dodge City Visitor Information Center.

See the View at the Cattle & Feedlot Overlook

While Dodge City’s Wild West heyday has passed, this Kansas community is still a huge beef producer. And you don’t have to go far to see it firsthand. Just off of Dodge City’s main drag, you’ll find a scenic overlook. From that vista, there are cattle yards and feed lots as far as they eye can see. This is a great spot to get a feel for how Dodge City’s Cowtown past connects to its agricultural present.

Cattle & Feedlot Overlook, 11347 E. Wyatt Earp Boulevard in Dodge City, Kansas

Let's be social.

Want even more offbeat adventures, roadside attractions and world's largest things? Follow Olio in Iowa on your favorite social media platforms, and tag #OlioOnTheRoad when you have quirky adventures of your own.

Share Your Thoughts

I would love to hear from you! Have you visited a Midwestern cowtown? What are your favorite things to do in Dodge City, Kansas?

Related Posts

As the Queen of Cowtowns, founded because of the local demand for booze, it’s no surprise that you’ll find delicious restaurants in Dodge City, Kansas. Plus, this community is home to some seriously talented brewers…

Leave a comment Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Fans give thumbs up to Lions' draft pick, Mayor Mike Duggan teases breaking attendance record

Detroit — Lions fans applauded the team's latest draft pick on Friday, cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr., hopeful he can help take the team to the "next level."

Even for fans who weren't very familiar with the Missouri player, many said they trusted Brad Holmes. Some even had a mantra: "In Brad we trust."

"It fills a need we have on defense, and I think he'll really help us," said Paul Zantac of Flat Rock.

Zantac was one of roughly 230,000 people who converged on downtown Detroit for the second day of the NFL Draft, putting the city on track to potentially break the record for draft attendance.

Barry Sanders/Mike Duggan intro

Lions fans exploded into chants of “Barry” as legendary running back Barry Sanders took the stage with Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan to announce the 61st pick. 

"It’s a great time to be in Detroit!" said Duggan, who predicted that the city would break the record for attendance at the NFL Draft.

When Rakestraw's name was announced, fans in the crowd cheered, even if some weren't totally familiar with Rakestraw.

Metro Detroit native Gary Fournier, 50, said by picking Rakestraw, the message was clear: in Brad Holmes we trust. 

"We were sick of watching the secondary get burned last year, it was our only weakness," Fournier said. "

Sydney Fournier, 21, agreed.

"I think we need to build up our defense so it's a great start to that," Fournier said. "We had our cornerback in the first round and another cornerback in this round so I think we're gonna be doing real great this season."

Cade Dunn, 20, attended the draft with them and said he expects a Super Bowl win next year.

"I just trust in Brad Holmes, if he wants a corner I want a corner," Dunn said. "We just got a corner but, he's a stud. I'm hoping that it'll be great."

Fournier, who attended the draft on Thursday and Friday, said he'd never seen so many people downtown. 

"The city's alive, the electricity here is like nothing I've ever experienced," he said. 

At Capacity

With thousands flocking downtown to the draft footprint at Campus Martius, the NFL sent an alert that they'd reached capacity just before 7 p.m. and fans would be diverted to other viewing areas. The draft also reached capacity Thursday.

"The only time I've ever seen crowds like this is at Opening Day, when you're coming out of the stadium," said Jestin Jansen of Ypsilanti who came with friend Chad Sweet of Saline and their families. "Otherwise, it's unheard of."

Jennifer Haynes of Warren and Amber Comment of Shelby Township came downtown and were just south of the draft theater at Campus Martius, sitting in a swing in the median. Comment said she didn't usually spend a lot of time downtown."Being down here today has made me want to come downtown more," she said.

Tribute to Wolverines

At the official start of the draft, the University of Michigan football team was honored after winning a National Championship. The team was introduced with a video from quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who was drafted Thursday by the Minnesota Vikings.

The team walked onstage with their trophy to several choruses of "The Victors." They were met with loud applause, and only a few scattered "Go Green" cheers.

Fans from all over

Friday's crowd didn't appear to be as tightly packed into the draft footprint as Thursday but Honolulu blue was clearly the dominant color. More than 80% of fans downtown on Friday were decked out in Lions gear, but there were also NFL fans from Chicago, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Los Angeles.

For Atlanta fans William Schroeder, 25, and Bradley Moye, 25, football has been part of their lives since they were kids. The pair flew in from Georgia on Thursday and said they've been planning the trip for months. It's their first NFL draft and first time in Detroit.

"It's so gorgeous," Schroeder said. "I love the pride here and the culture is amazing. The food is amazing too. ... I want to come back here during the summer time."

The camaraderie among fans really stood out to Moye, and Schroeder said Detroit set a high benchmark for future drafts. 

Aaron Ortega, a.k.a Birdman, is a diehard Eagles fan but lives out in California now. This is his third draft and said all the Detroit fans have been supportive and helpful so far. 

The Detroit Lions have a huge underdog story, Ortega said, adding that he could feel how anxious the city is for a Super Bowl win. 

"The pulse of the city, of what's been going on with the team - you can feel it," Ortega said. "The NFL is here so, it's just you can feel the passion in the city."

The big crowds congested some area roadways and some complained of expensive parking, but many visitors said they felt welcome in Detroit. Detroit police, meanwhile, said Friday afternoon that there were no incidents to report.

Given the crush of people Thursday, tourism officials on Friday acknowledged they are still requiring the use of OnePass QR codes to get into certain draft areas.

Family affair

For some fans, the second day of the draft was a family affair. For others, it was a tradition.

Maureen Lewis, 59, of Warren brought her grandson Thomas, 4, wearing Lions gear as they walked down Woodward."There are lots of people here and some of them have numbers like mine," Thomas said, pointing to his Aidan Hutchinson shirt.Maureen said she liked seeing everyone having a good time downtown."It's nice to see Detroit how  the people who live here see it," she said. "There were some rough years there, but the Detroit we're visiting has been really nice and welcoming. We've had a great time downtown."

Wind speeds, and NFL, shut down Dodge Fountain (for now)

Detroit has spent months and millions of dollars renovating the city's historic Dodge Fountain in Hart Plaza. Renovations started in October to have it finished in time for the draft.

But on Friday, the city of Detroit posted on its Facebook page that the fountain would again be turned off. Why? The NFL requested it due to wind speeds.

"Due to current wind speeds, the dodge fountain is shut down at request of the NFL," said a post Friday on the city of Detroit's official Facebook page. "Don’t worry, the fountain will be back up and running for all to enjoy once the draft is over."

The work of modernist artist Isamu Noguchi, the fountain is a stainless steel ring held 24 feet in the air by two cylindrical legs over a black granite pool. Its 300 water jets spray water up and over the ring and cascade water down in a curtain.

No Ubers from Canada

Dietra Allison, Columbus, 63, is a founding member of Steel Aftermath, a local Steelers fan club in Ohio. She and two fellow club members came up to Detroit for the draft. 

Allison had previously been to the 2019 draft in Nashville which she said was smaller and fewer people than Detroit's.

She used to travel to Detroit to watch Tayshaun Prince play for the Pistons, but he left the franchise in 2013. Since then she's noticed new buildings pop up and said the city looks a little cleaner.

"It's exciting," Allison said. 

Allison was staying across the Detroit river in Canada but got stuck there on Thursday because no Ubers would cross the border, she said. To avoid missing another day of the draft, she plans to stay in Metro Detroit for the rest of the time.

"We drove down here after we left the border and we've been down here ever since," Allison said. "It's a lot more people now than it was when we first arrived." 

First-time visitors weigh in on Detroit

For many, the draft marks their first visit to Detroit.

Liz Hernandez, who is from Cleveland and was wearing a Browns jersey, had the day off on Friday so she decided to take advantage of it."Honestly, I'm having so much fun," she said. "I had today off so I decided to come up and stay with my friend who lives on the west side. Parking was a little expensive, but everything else has been cool so far."She said she was going to try to be near the draft stage later, but if it's too crowded, she'll go back to her friend's place and watch everything on TV.

Diehard Bears fans Mile Gilmartin, 45, and his son Mike Jr., 10, meanwhile, traveled from Chicago to see their teams' first round picks. The father-son duo is staying in Dearborn and said the 15-minute drive went smoothly. After parking on the outskirts of downtown, Mike Jr. racked up 23,000 steps during the first day of the draft.

Neither had been to Detroit before and Mike Sr. said he loved the architecture and that the Lions fans had been particularly welcoming. 

"We felt very welcome here... as you'd expect in the Midwest," Mike (senior) said. 

After getting shuffled around to different entry points Thursday afternoon, when the Draft footprint hit maximum capacity, Mike and his son wanted to arrive downtown early on Friday to try out some of the activities. Mike Jr. had already competed in several passing contests available to fans at Hart Plaza. 

"We had an awesome time, and we made it in, and we got that we got we got the draft picks that we wanted," Mike (senior) said. 

Mike Jr., who carried a homemade sign that read "Our next luck-man Caleb Williams", was already asking to go to next year's draft. 

Earlier Friday, lines stretched down Woodward Avenue to take photos inside the draft clock and buy NFL swag. Kids played catch in front of the spirit of Detroit while crowds began making their way towards Camous Martius.

The Monroe Street Midway area behind the Draft Theater was slowly filling with fans a few hours before round two started. Many milled around drinking and eating, exchanging dirty looks with rival fans before breaking into smiles and conceding friendly fist bumps.

Hart Plaza bustled with fans picking up merchandise, with the longest lines for the Detroit Lions tent. Lions legend Barry Sanders drove down Jefferson on a golf cart and was met with throngs of fans cheering him on and chanting his name.

LA Rams season ticket holders Dan and Gay Ryan take their team's mascot seriously, wearing matching Ram masks to every game and the draft this year.

The pair flew out from Los Angeles and are staying with relatives in Detroit. They've never been and have been using the Q Line to get around.

"It's a lot nicer than we thought it was and it feels safer than we thought it would be," Gay Ryan, 56, sad.

They were two of 14 lucky inner circle fans that got to watch the first round of the draft from inside the theater.

"It was amazing, the energy was so high it felt like we could've stayed up all night," Gay Ryan said. "Everybody loves football and so you can talk to anybody and there's this common denominator and everyone's really friendly."

400,000 on Thursday

The city on Thursday set an NFL record for first day attendance at more than 275,000, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced from the draft stage. The prior record was more than 200,000.

Visit Detroit officials said they are hoping to set a new three-day NFL draft attendance record.

Detroit's draft also is on pace to break the three-day attendance record, which was set in Nashville, Tenn., at 600,000.

Detroit police officials estimated the overall crowd in the city during Thursday at 400,000 before they decided to shut down entry into the draft footprint at 6:30 p.m. As a result of the hordes of people, league officials decided early in the day to suspend the use of QR codes that people received when they registered for the free registration entry into draft spaces and activities.

"For the NFL to expedite entry into the venue, we did not scan (the) OnePass QR code, but OnePass is still required to access all of the games and attractions inside Draft Experience presented by Rocket Mortgage," said Chris Moyer, a spokesman for Visit Detroit. That same protocol would continue Friday, he said.

Tourism officials urged those attending the Draft Experience to still download the app, as it's still needed once inside the gates. More than 500,000 downloads by people attending the draft had already occurred as of early Friday afternoon.

Officials closed down entry into the main draft footprint area at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, exercising the NFL's right to shut off access when capacity was reached. Prior to the draft, city officials set up spillover areas and large TV screens for fans in areas such as Capital Park and Grand Circus Park if maximum capacity is reached again Friday.

The draft is set to resume at 7 p.m. Friday with teams making their second and third round selections. The Detroit Lions only have a selection in Round 2 at No. 61. The team traded its third round pick to the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday to move up in the first round from No. 29 to No. 24, where the Lions chose Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold.

All draft towns different

Sarasota, Fla. native Dan Branch found himself in Detroit proper for the first time Friday afternoon. He had previously traveled to Michigan to watch the Super Bowl in Pontiac's Silverdome in the early 1980s.

He is also staying downtown, after flying in Wednesday, and thought the city is modern and clean. Detroit is his seventh NFL draft, although he said they're hard to compare with each other.

"They're great, they're all different," said Branch, 59. "None of them are the same. The layouts are different."

Detroit's food is 'best kept secret'

Tennessee Titans super fan Sam Dean, aka Mr. First Down, showed up for Day 2 of the draft in a cowboy hat and feathered sky blue jersey.

He's held season tickets for the Titans since 2013 and prior to Detroit had only attended the NFL draft when Nashville hosted it in 2019. Nashville set the record for three-day draft attendance.

He drove the 10 hours from Nashville and was not disappointed.

"I just need eight more food trucks of Mom's Spaghetti," Dean, 38, said, referring to Eminem's popular restaurant downtown.

Dean, who is staying downtown, had also sampled Buddy's Detroit style pizza for the first time.

"The best kept secret about Detroit is the cuisine, the food here is excellent," Dean said. "It's heavy, but it's excellent."

Dean said he felt bad for fans who couldn't get in Thursday night when the draft footprint hit capacity, and wished it could have been expanded to accommodate the demand.

Corktown sees Honolulu Blue

Fans in their Honolulu blue jerseys were out early Friday afternoon in Corktown, the city's oldest neighborhood adjacent to downtown, ready for Day 2 of Detroit’s draft weekend.

Area restaurants and bars like The Yard on Michigan Avenue expanded hours and offered special drinks for the event.

With many coming to Detroit from out of state for the draft, The Yard benefitted from its proximity to The Godfrey hotel, said Ben Potter, director of operations at the bar that features ax throwing, a board game lounge and an in-house food truck. Thursday was busier than usual at The Yard, and Potter expects Friday and Saturday to be even busier.

“It’s really exciting to have the draft here,” Potter said. “It’s going to expose a lot of people that maybe had the wrong idea about our city to just the incredible vibrancy that our city’s currently existing in and the amazing community energy that we have here.”

[email protected]

[email protected]

I visited Dollywood's sister theme park in the Ozark mountains. The hidden gem's attractions and food were just as good as Disney's.

• I visited Dollywood's sister theme park, Silver Dollar City, in the Ozark Mountains in Missouri.
• I was blown away by its high-quality entertainment and coasters, amazing food, and friendly staff.
• I've been to theme parks all around the world , and this is one of my favorites. 

One of my favorite hidden-gem theme parks is Silver Dollar City, nestled in the Ozark Mountains in Branson, Missouri.

It's a sister park to one of my other favorites, Dollywood . Both are owned by Herschend Family Entertainment, though Silver Dollar City opened first in 1960.

The park is a true hidden gem. First of all, it's an incredible value. Its highest-tier season pass currently costs under $300, and a one-day park ticket is under $100. For context, daily access to only one Disney park usually starts at $150 — and the most basic seasonal pass to Disney World is typically over $1,400.

The park itself is just great, too. I've visited theme parks all over the world and this now ranks as one of my favorites. Here's why I fell in love during my recent visit.

The park leans heavily into its old-school mountain-town theme

Themed to resemble an 1880s mountain village, Silver Dollar City had an authentic feel thanks to the local, multigenerational craftsmen who work in the park throughout its shops and streets.

The atmosphere felt both immersive and transportive as I discovered unique shopping opportunities, like hand-carved furniture, glass-blown home décor, and homemade candy.

Demonstrations were a big part of my experience, and I got to watch people altering leather, carving wood, and blowing glass — all things I'd never seen done in a theme park before.

Even the park's main guide, The Pathfinder, was themed.

It's designed to look like an old-school newspaper and contains a map, showtimes, and information on current events.

It's also built on top of a cave, which visitors can tour

The park is built on top of one of the oldest attractions in the area, Marvel Cave. Theme-park admission includes a tour of the caves, which was incredible.

We traveled 300 feet down into the limestone cave for a stunning view of the Cathedral Room, one of the largest cave rooms in the country.

The park is also home to some of my favorite roller coasters and a lot of unique attractions

The park blends its history with the future in the form of precedent-setting roller coasters .

My favorites include Outlaw Run, one of the steepest wooden coasters in the world, and Time Traveler, one of the steepest, tallest, and fastest spinning coasters in the world.

There are also unique attractions at Silver Dollar City that I haven't experienced anywhere else — Grandfather's Mansion was one of my favorites.

Grandfather's Mansion is a classic fun-house-style walkthrough attraction that's been at the park for decades. It was pure fun playing with my senses through different rooms in the mansion, including an upside-down room and an off-balance room.

Related stories

But above all, my favorite attraction is Fire in the Hole . The current reiteration pays homage to the original over-50-year-old indoor dark coaster. In its newer version, the $30 million attraction combines the nostalgia of the original with the technology of today.

The ride is of a high quality I don't see often outside of Disney or Universal parks.

The food is fantastic and unique

I'm a big foodie — especially at theme parks — and I was happy this park's eats lived up to the hype.

Silver Dollar City has the usual theme-park offerings, like hamburgers and hot dogs, but also offers many unique bites like its famous cinnamon bread and hand-twisted pretzels.

One of my favorite eateries on the property was Rivertown Smokehouse, which served some of the best barbecue I've ever had .

Visitors could watch staff smoke and carve food right in front of them in the open-air kitchen. I really enjoyed the smoked turkey and succotash and their accompanying sauces.

I also liked stopping at Eva & Delilah's, the bakery located by the park's exit, to pick up homemade treats on the way home.

The entertainment was outstanding

Tons of shows and events were happening at Silver Dollar City during my visit. The park brings in national acts throughout the year for different musical festivals — and access to these performances is included with regular park tickets.

I really enjoyed the park's iconic Silver Dollar City Saloon comedy show, which has been entertaining guests for over 50 years.

During my visit, the park was also offering a Broadway-style musical production of A Dickens' Christmas Carol. Housed in a full-scale theater, the show blew me away and was comparable to national productions I've seen.

I was also impressed by An Old Time Christmas, the theme park's seasonal event . It was unlike any Christmas event I've experienced at a theme park.

In addition to having seasonal foods and shows, the park had millions of lights and hundreds of decorated trees. It felt incredibly festive, and I loved walking around.

Every staff member I interacted with in the park was incredibly friendly and kind

I've visited theme parks all over the world, but I've yet to meet staff members as friendly as the ones at Silver Dollar City.

Many of the longtime employees were almost like characters in themselves, with throngs of guests waiting to meet and chat with them.

A highlight of my visit was meeting June Ward, who heads up the park's candy store, Brown's Candy Factory. She's worked at the park for over 50 years.

My visit was comparable on all levels to Disney, and I can't wait to return

Silver Dollar City checks all the boxes for me: high levels of theming, great attractions, fantastic food, and friendly staff.

I loved all the rides, especially the roller coasters, but I especially enjoyed exploring the shops and eating unique bites. This is a really special place that's different from any other park, and I plan to return year after year.

With its location in the touristy area of Branson there's so much to do locally — including seeing Dolly Parton's Stampede dinner show — that it makes for a great theme-park vacation far more unique than the typical visit to Disney.

Watch: How Sesame Street stays relevant to every generation, according to the brand's marketing head

• Main content