At Fort Hays State Historic Site, limestone buildings that housed the U.S. Army during the 19th century pierce a quiet prairie backdrop. To imagine it as a supply depot during the American Indian Wars, watch the site’s short film Clash of Cultures before embarking on a tour of artifacts and weaponry. The journey into the past continues at Sternberg Museum of Natural History, where geologic specimens and freshwater creatures fascinate. See the famous “fish-within-a-fish” fossil (a 6-footer inside a 14-foot specimen) but beware: A moving dinosaur may lurk around the corner.

Drive downtown to The Paisley Pear Wine Bar, Bistro and Market for a salad or sandwich with a boozy beverage. (The wine slushies are a big hit.) After your meal, fill a basket with Kansas-made products for the road. Prefer more international flavors? Las Hefas serves artfully plated cuisine from Central and South America. Standouts include pupusas, arepas and made-from-scratch tortillas, plus tequila flights.

Along and near the brick streets of downtown, 27 bronze plaques comprise the self-guided Historic Hays Walking Tour, providing a glimpse of local life and its characters (such as Gen. George Armstrong Custer and “Buffalo Bill” Cody) from the 1860s to the 1880s.

Last stop: In Veterans Memorial Park, see one of the 49 boxcars that France filled with gifts and sent to America as thanks for the food provided by the U.S. during World War II.

Mark Your Calendar

Tap into the region’s rich German history at Oktoberfest Hays, featuring live music and bierocks (yeast rolls stuffed with beef and cabbage) at Municipal Park September 26–27.

Find a robust mix of historical treasures and modern experiences in the 2025 Official Kansas Travel Guide.