Those seeking a true wild west experience will love all that Dodge City, Kansas has to offer. Dodge City is located in one of 22 counties in Southwest Kansas that are part of Wild West Country, and as such, has plenty to offer for the western lover.
I loved my visit to Dodge City. I’ll admit, going into my visit, I did not know much about the area or the history of the Wild West region. However, thanks to fantastic museums and local knowledge, I learned so much and can’t wait to go back and explore even more. If you’re looking for your next weekend getaway, plan your weekend in Dodge City.
Continue reading to learn more about why Dodge City is internationally recognized as the epitome of the wild west, and to learn some of the best things to do during your visit.
My visit to Dodge City was hosted by Kansas Tourism and Visit Dodge City, but as always, this post and all opinions are 100% my own.
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How to Get to Dodge City:
Dodge City is in southwest Kansas at the intersection of four U.S Highways: 283, 56, 50, and 400.
While Dodge City does have a small regional airport (DDC) which offers daily service to Denver International Airport (DEN) via United, I recommend driving to Dodge City (and flying into Wichita if needed).
You will most likely need a car during your visit to the area because of the distance between attractions, and flights and rental car prices will likely be more favorable out of a larger airport.
Where to Stay in Dodge City:
Dodge City is a popular Southwest Kansas stop, and as such, has several hotel and other lodging options for your stay.
I stayed at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites during my visit and I highly recommend it. The hotel is well-kept with clean rooms, an indoor pool and fitness room, and has a great continental breakfast.
Best of all, the hotel is located across the street from the Boot Hill Museum and within walking distance to restaurants.
However, if you are loyal to another hotel brand or looking for other options, use the map below to see what Dodge City hotels are available.
What to Do in Dodge City:
Boot Hill Museum
500 W Wyatt Earp Blvd, Dodge City, KS 67801
One of the most popular museums and attractions in Dodge City and Wild West Country is the Boot Hill Museum.
Located on the original site of the Boot Hill Cemetery, this interactive museum explores the American Indians who first lived on the Plains. It continues to follow the story of those who laid claim to the land on the Santa Fe Trail, and ends with how Dodge City came to be.
The museum is open year-round and is definitely a highlight of the town. Depending on the entrance pass you purchase, your ticket can include access to a daily gun fight reenactment, dinner, and fun variety show too.
While you can visit the museum in any season, hours vary during the non-summer months when school is in session. Call ahead or check their website before visiting to confirm hours and the attractions available for the day.
Long Branch Lagoon
111 4th Ave, Dodge City, KS 67801
Both kids and adults will love Dodge City’s western-themed outdoor waterpark. Open Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day, the waterpark is the perfect spot to spend a hot summer day and escape the Kansas heat.
With over 27,000 square feet of water surface, you can enjoy popular park attractions like Fort Splash, the Cowboy Creek Lazy River, and the Gunslinger.
Entry is very reasonable at $6 for adults and $4 for children and seniors. The waterpark also offers season passes.
Mueller-Schmidt House – Home of Stone
112 E Vine St, Dodge City, KS 67801
The lone limestone home in Dodge City, the Home of Stone is an elegant and simple home that is the oldest home on its original site in the city. Another unique fact is that the home has only been owned by two families in its time – John Mueller and Adam Schmidt.
The house was sold to Ford County, along with all of its furnishings, in 1965. Today, you can tour the home and see the original furniture, place settings and home decor that the original owners had when they occupied the property.
It’s such an elegant home and it’s fun to see how things have changed, and also stayed the same, over the course of more than a century.
There is no fee to visit the house and you can do so April through August. Winter hours are available by appointment.
Boot Hill Distillery
501 W Spruce St, Dodge City, KS 67801
When you combine history with cocktails, you’re sure to have a great time. Located in the historic Dodge City Municipal Building on Boot Hill Cemetery, Boot Hill Distillery is a local favorite.
Boot Hill is a soil-to-sip distillery, using locally-grown grains for their distilling process. There’s history both in the distilling process and in the building where the distilling occurs.
Hop on in for a delicious cocktail made with house liquor. I enjoyed the Summer Spritz cocktail – a mix of fresh juices, vodka, and a splash of wine. Others with me enjoyed a fun mocktail and gin-based cocktail.
Tours of the distillery are available on Fridays and Saturdays at 4pm and 6pm. Tours are $10 and include a tour glass and a 6-sample tasting. The tours are very informative and are a great way to learn not only about Boot Hill’s distilling process, but also about the history of the location and the building of the distillery.
During the warmer months, enjoy your cocktail on the large patio out back where you’ll often enjoy local live music.
The tasting room is open Wednesday through Saturday from 3pm until 11pm.
Gunfighters Wax Museum
603 5th Ave, Dodge City, KS 67801
The Wax Museum is located above the Kansas Teachers Hall of Fame (same entrance) and has several exhibits sharing stories of the famous western personalities of the region. You’ll learn about the history of Boot Hill and some of the region’s most famous people, such as Bat Masterson, Davey Crockett, and Buffalo Bill.
Each exhibit has a sheet a paper where you can read the story behind the exhibit. However, there is also an audio tour available using the Zappar App and associated QR code.
While the museum is not very large, it’s a fun way to learn about the local historical celebrities.
Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children (entrance to both the Kansas Teachers’ Hall of Fame and the Wax Museum is included). The museum is open from May 15th through September 1st. It is closed during the off-season.
Kansas Teachers Hall of Fame
603 5th Ave, Dodge City, KS 67801
Dodge City is home to the Kansas Teachers Hall of Fame, which is the first of its kind in the United States. The Hall of Fame is dedicated to early and present-day teachers and includes a First Teachers’ Hall of Fame and Teacher Day recognition.
I loved the back room that featured school desks from throughout the years, along with classroom materials and technologies. You can see items like projectors, computers, and weekly readers from 50 years ago to present day.
Perhaps my favorite part of the Hall of Fame is the Pleasant Hill schoolhouse which you can tour inside. I even got to ring the school bell!
Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children (entrance to both the Kansas Teachers’ Hall of Fame and the Wax Museum is included). The museum is open from May 15th through September 1st. It is closed during the off-season. Since hours do vary, I recommend calling ahead before visiting to ensure they are open.
Dodge City Brewing
701 3rd Ave, Dodge City, KS 67801
A great spot to eat and hang out with friends and family is Dodge City Brewing.
This family-friendly spot is known for its handcrafted beers and delicious brick-oven pizza. You’ll find up to 11 handcrafted beers available during your visit and several pizza offerings (along with other menu items).
If you visit on a Thursday, you can try their rotating special! Check their Facebook page before you visit to find out what the special is or be surprised when you arrive.
Along with a large bar and indoor dining area, Dodge City Brewing also has great outdoor seating and picnic tables.
Dodge City Brewing is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Conclusion:
Are you ready for your wild west getaway? You’ll have a blast in Dodge City and learn so much about the cowboy lifestyle. And if you have more time, consider exploring more of Southwest Kansas – the region is full of western adventures and I have a whole post on the region to guide you.
