Hays
· US

Hays

Hays, Kansas, United States

Located in the heart of the Midwest, Hays, Kansas is a charming city that offers a blend of history, culture, and outdoor adventures for visitors to enjoy. Situated along Interstate 70, Hays is easily accessible and serv…

#Hays#Kansas#United States#Midwest#College Town
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Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Hays.

Top Hotels in Hays

Top Flights to Hays

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Hays.

Tours

Visit the Sternberg Museum of Natural History

Explore exhibits on fossils, dinosaurs, and the natural history of the region.

Explore Fort Hays State Historic Site

Learn about frontier military efforts and life in the late 1800s at this historic site.

Shopping

Discover Downtown Hays Shopping

Shop local boutiques, antiques, and specialty stores in downtown Hays.

Outdoor

Enjoy Frontier Park

A local park featuring buffalo, walking trails, and picnic areas.

Adventure at WaKeeney Mini Golf

Play mini-golf at WaKeeney, just a drive from Hays, for family fun.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers
Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Hays.

Currency
$ | USD | US Dollar
Population
As of the latest estimates, Hays, Kansas, has an approximate population of '21,000'.
Languages
English, English
Average weather
Hays
Jan
cold
4°-7°
Feb
cold
7°-5°
Mar
cloud
13°0°
Apr
sun
19°5°
May
rain
24°11°
Jun
hot
30°16°
Jul
hot
33°19°
Aug
hot
32°18°
Sep
sun
28°13°
Oct
clear
21°6°
Nov
cloud
13°0°
Dec
cold
6°-5°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Hays.

What people love

Hays, Kansas, located in the United States, offers several pros for travelers to enjoy. Some of the benefits of traveling to Hays include:

  1. Historic Sites: Hays has a rich history dating back to the Wild West era. Visitors can explore historic sites such as Fort Hays, which was a frontier military post in the 19th century.

  2. Outdoor Recreation: Hays is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities. Visitors can explore the nearby Wilson Lake State Park for hiking, fishing, and camping activities.

  3. Cultural Attractions: Hays is home to several cultural attractions, including the Sternberg Museum of Natural History and the Ellis County Historical Society. These attractions offer insights into the region's natural history and heritage.

  4. Local Cuisine: Hays boasts a vibrant food scene with a variety of restaurants offering local and international cuisine. Visitors can savor authentic Midwestern dishes and explore the local dining scene.

  5. Community Events: Hays hosts various community events throughout the year, including festivals, concerts, and farmers' markets. These events provide opportunities to experience the local culture and connect with the community.

Overall, traveling to Hays, Kansas, offers a mix of history, outdoor activities, cultural attractions, local cuisine, and community events for visitors to enjoy.

What to know

Hays, located in Kansas, United States, is a relatively small city with a population of around 20,000 residents. While Hays has its charm and attractions, there are some potential cons to consider when traveling to this destination:

  1. Limited public transportation: Hays is a small city, and public transportation options may be limited. Renting a car or relying on rideshare services may be necessary for getting around.

  2. Seasonal weather extremes: Hays experiences all four seasons, with hot summers and cold winters. Travelers should be prepared for potentially extreme weather conditions depending on the time of year they visit.

  3. Limited dining and entertainment options: While Hays has a variety of restaurants and bars, the options may be more limited compared to larger cities. Visitors seeking a bustling nightlife scene or diverse culinary experiences may find Hays lacking in this regard.

  4. Distance from major cities: Hays is located in a more rural area of Kansas, and major cities like Wichita or Kansas City are several hours away by car. Travelers looking for a wide range of activities and amenities may find Hays to be somewhat isolated.

  5. Limited tourist attractions: While Hays has some interesting sites such as the Sternberg Museum of Natural History and Fort Hays State Historic Site, it may not offer as many tourist attractions compared to larger cities or more popular travel destinations.

Overall, while Hays has its own unique appeal, travelers should consider these potential cons when planning a trip to this destination.

Hays, Kansas, is a city with a rich history that dates back to the mid-19th century. Here is a detailed history of Hays, Kansas, including significant events, historical figures, and important landmarks:

Early History

  • Founding: Hays was founded in 1867, during the construction of the Kansas Pacific Railway (now part of the Union Pacific Railroad). The city was named after Fort Hays, which was established nearby in 1865 and named for General Alexander Hays, a Union Army general killed in the Civil War.

  • Fort Hays: The fort played a crucial role in the protection of settlers and the railroad against Native American tribes during the Indian Wars. It was active until 1889 and had a significant impact on the region's development.

Development and Growth

  • Wild West Era: In the late 19th century, Hays was known as a wild and lawless frontier town, frequented by notable figures such as Wild Bill Hickok, who served a brief stint as sheriff in nearby Ellis County.

  • Volga Germans: In the 1870s and 1880s, a significant number of Volga Germans settled in the area, attracted by the land opportunities. Their cultural influence remains strong in the region.

  • Railroad Significance: The Kansas Pacific Railway contributed significantly to Hays' growth. As a railhead, it became a crucial point for commerce and trade.

20th Century Developments

  • Education: Fort Hays Normal School was established in 1902, later becoming Fort Hays State University, a major educational institution in the region.

  • Economic Changes: Hays evolved from a frontier town into a center of agriculture and education. The discovery of oil in the mid-20th century also contributed to its economy.

Historical Figures

  • Wild Bill Hickok: Known for his gunfighting skills and law enforcement work, Hickok spent time in Hays, adding to its Wild West reputation.

  • Buffalo Bill Cody: Another iconic figure of the American West, Cody performed in Hays and contributed to its frontier legacy.

Landmarks

  • Fort Hays State Historic Site: Preserves the remnants and history of the original military fort. It is a significant tourist attraction and educational resource.

  • Sternberg Museum of Natural History: Located on the campus of Fort Hays State University, the museum is known for its collection of fossils and exhibits on natural history.

  • St. Joseph's Church: A historic church built by the Volga German community, highlighting the architectural and cultural contributions of these settlers.

  • Downtown Hays: The historic downtown area features buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, showcasing the city's architectural heritage.

Modern Hays

  • Today, Hays is a hub for education, healthcare, and commerce in western Kansas. It retains its historical charm while continuing to develop as a vibrant community.

Overall, Hays, Kansas, is a city with a storied past that reflects the broader history of the American frontier, marked by its transformation from a wild west outpost to a modern regional center.