The larger-than-life cowboy legends of the Old West were born on the frontier plains and in the cattletowns of Kansas. Wichita grew from a cattletown to the largest city in the state and few towns capture the spirit of the American cowboy like Dodge City. The Old West still lives in many other Kansas communities as well - Abilene, Newton, Caldwell and Ellsworth all keep the cowboy culture alive year-round!
As you arrive in Caldwell you are greeted by "Ghost Rider" silhouettes that dramatically commemorate the Chisholm Trail as it enters Kansas. These "Ghosts" will remind you of the great cattle drives from 1866 to 1886, when millions of Texas longhorn cattle were driven through on their way to legendary railheads.
Relive the cowtown days through 19 historical markers and before riding out of town, enjoy a great burger at the local gathering place, the Hitchin' Post.
Caldwell to Wichita - 63 miles (101 km) east on US-81 & north on I-35
Wichita
Mosey on up the rail to Wichita where a pictorial display teaches you about the Chisholm Trail at the Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum. Take some extra time to also learn about Wichita's aviation and manufacturing history.
Try on a pair of boots or get completely outfitted at Sheplers, the world's largest western wear store, and customize your cowboy hat at Hatman Jack's. Now all you need is a horse!
Celebrate the city's western heritage at the Old Cowtown Museum, an 1870's living history museum. This historic 17-acre open-air museum re-creates Wichita and the southern plains from 1865 to 1880 and will give you a true taste of the myths, truths and romance of the "Old West" and America's frontier.
The perfect ending today is an evening of cowboy entertainment at the Diamond W Chuckwagon Supper. Enjoy all-you-can-eat barbecue and the songs of the American Cowboy performed by the Diamond W Wranglers.
Follow the Trail into Newton and discover how it came one of the most notorious and violent towns from the cattle business in its one-year reign as a prominent cattle town. Swales from more than 1 million head of cattle are still visible in the Trails Park at Kauffman Museum.
Stroll through a restored "buggy carriage factory" that is now an art gallery. At The Carriage Factory Art Gallery you can admire the works of various Kansas artists or buy gifts from the gallery's gift shop, located in a renovated historic building.
Before leaving town, grab a bite to eat at the Prairie Harvest, an independently owned market and deli that showcases Kansas products, baked items and seasonal produce.
Newton to Abilene - 89 miles (142 km) north on I-135 & east on I-70
Abilene
Ride a six-mile course on an excursion train. The Smoky Valley Railroad portrays an Iron Horse view of the area. This historic train operates using a vintage diesel-electric locomotive, a century-old wooden sided passenger/diner, open air observation cars and a caboose.
A visit to the Seelye Mansion provides a glimpse into the life of A.B. Seelye, a patent medicine entrepreneur. The 25-room Georgian mansion was built in 1905 and depicts the turn-of-the-century medicine business.
Before turning in for the night, enjoy a family style fried chicken dinner at the Brookville Hotel. The Brookville Hotel traces its roots back to the 1870s, when the railroad spread its tracks across the prairie to meet the expected rush of longhorn cattle from Texas along the Chisholm Trail.
As the first city of the great cattle towns on the Chisholm Trail, Abilene's history is featured at the Dickinson County Heritage Center. Discover the history of the wild frontier complete with dance halls, gaming rooms, and 32 saloons, and relive the wild and woolly days of Tom Smith and Wild Bill Hickok and the cattle drives to Abilene at the end of the Chisholm Trail.
Before hitting the trail again, stop for lunch at Mr. K's Farm House Restaurant. Famous for its warm hospitality and country-style menu, this eatery sits on the Chisholm Trail and was one of Dwight D. Eisenhower's favorites. Abilene to Ellsworth - 63 miles (101 km) west on I-70 & southwest on K-156
Ellsworth
Head west to Ellsworth, a town known as the wickedest town in the west. The Historical Plaza Walking Tour boasts 17 interpretive signs and demonstrates daily life in Ellsworth when Texas drovers paraded their wild Texas Longhorns through the streets.
Stop by C & R Old West Trading Post for an authentic shopping experience. From Antiques to Western wear for men, women and children, the Trading Post has it.
For a little home-cooking, stop at Paden's Place Restaurant & Bar, featuring a diverse menu and specializing in chicken fried steak dinners.
Ellsworth to Dodge City - 124 miles (198 km) southwest on K-156 & US-56
Dodge City
A stop in Dodge City wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Boot Hill Museum. Order a sarsaparilla over the very same Long Branch bar that the cowboys leaned on and watch a gunfight on Front Street. During the summer, demonstrations, stagecoach rides and the famous Long Branch Saloon Variety Show are all part of the Old West atmosphere.
Experience the cowboy way of life at Moore Ranch. At this working longhorn ranch you can help gather cattle by horseback, roundup horses, learn to rope, brand cattle and cook in a Dutch oven.
After your ranch experience, enjoy one of Kansas' famous steaks among the beautiful stained-glass collection at Casey's Cowtown Club.
Retire your weary body at the Boot Hill Bed & Breakfast. Built in 1927, it overlooks the Boot Hill Museum and Wyatt Earp Boulevard. It offers modern comfort with five spacious bedrooms with bathrooms and unique features. Bed ready for breakfast in the morning as they offer the "Best Breakfast in the West."
