Dodge City, Kansas, is a city inspired by the Wild West. This small city was once a frontier cow town and it has a rich history, which attracts travelers from around the world. It is located 150 miles (241 kilometers) west of the town of Wichita and is in southwest Kansas. An interesting fact to note is that Dodge City was either called home or visited by such notables as Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, Big Nose Kate, and Clay Allison. Did you know that this now historic and must-see town used to have a reputation for being the most wicked town in the Old West? The minute you enter Dodge City you will see that it is a town that is rich in its western history. Continue reading our list of the best things to do in Dodge City, Kansas.
1. El Capitan Longhorn Statue
One of the top attractions in Dodge City, the El Capitan Longhorn Statue stands as an iconic symbol of the city’s rich Western heritage. Towering at 26 feet (7.92 meters), this magnificent bronze statue pays tribute to the legendary longhorn cattle drives that once traversed the region during the height of the Wild West era.
Positioned at the gateway of Dodge City’s historic downtown district, the statue captures the spirit of the Old West and the cattle industry that played a significant role in shaping the city’s history. As visitors stand before the imposing sculpture, they are transported back in time to the days of cowboys and saloons, immersing themselves in the romanticized lore of the frontier.
The El Capitan Longhorn Statue remains a must-see attraction for travelers seeking to connect with Dodge City’s storied past and immerse themselves in the spirit of the Wild West.
El Capitan Longhorn Statue
Address: 510 N 2nd Ave, Dodge City, KS 67801, United States
2. Score some good finds at Boot Hill Antiques
Wondering what is there to do in Dodge City, Kansas? Head to Boot Hill Antiques, which offers a captivating journey into the past with its eclectic collection of vintage treasures. Housed in a charming historic building, this antique shop is a haven for collectors and history enthusiasts alike. Visitors can explore a wide array of antique items, including vintage furniture, old books, retro clothing, and unique home decor pieces. The shop’s carefully curated selection showcases the rich heritage of the region, making it a delightful place to discover rare and one-of-a-kind artifacts.
As you wander through the aisles, you’ll find yourself transported back in time, relishing the nostalgia and stories that each item carries. Whether you’re seeking a special memento from the past or simply love the thrill of antiquing, Boot Hill Antiques promises an enchanting and rewarding experience in the heart of Dodge City’s storied history.
Boot Hill Antiques
Address: 509 N 2nd Ave, Dodge City, KS 67801, United States
Website: Boot Hill Antiques
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 5:30pm; Sun: 1pm - 4pm (closed on Mon)
3. Boot Hill Museum
Booming tourism in Dodge City, Kansas, over the past years has led to the popularity of Boot Hill Museum, which is one of the most famous attractions. It showcases the history of Dodge City and features historical artifacts, like original guns. Apart from the exciting interior exhibits, the museum also features performances, which include simulated gunfights and saloon shows. Fun for the whole family!
Boot Hill Museum
Address: 500 Front St., Dodge City, Kansas, KS 67801
Website: Boot Hill Museum
4. The Mueller-Schmidt House Museum - Home of Stone
This Dodge City historical site is a limestone house located at the top of a hill and is close to downtown. Why is it so special? Because this is the oldest building still on its original site, in Dodge City, as well as the only limestone house left in Dodge City. It is now a museum that offers tourists a look into upper-class life in the late 1800s, with knowledgeable tour guides to tell you all about the history of the house and area.
Did you know that this historic house has been owned by only two families? One such owner was John Mueller, a bootmaker who came to Dodge City to open a store. His business thrived to the point that he decided to invest his hard-earned money in a saloon. He then became a cattle rancher. Unfortunately, due to a blizzard in Dodge City, he lost all his cattle. More bad luck came when his successful boot shop got utterly destroyed in a fire. Because of these misfortunes, he and his wife returned to St. Louis, Missouri.
The second owner of the home was a man named Adam Schmidt. Schmidt had two unmarried children who lived in the home until 1960. They sold the home, along with all its furnishing to Ford County in 1965 and that is why the Ford County Historical Society curates it for the county. Just a note: the Home of Stone is open for viewing from June to August. As for the remainder of the year, it is closed, but there is the option of making an appointment to tour the house if you like.
The Mueller-Schmidt House Museum - Home of Stone
Address: 112 E Vine St, Dodge City, Kansas
5. Santa Fe Trail Tracks
This historic trail in Dodge City is noted on the National Register of Historic Sites. It is a great place to stop and hike since wagon wheel rut formations from the nineteenth century can be spotted here all along the exciting trail. That is why this place is also known as the Dodge City Ruts. Finally, an interesting historical fact is that a road bridge was built across the Missouri River to connect eastern markets to the Dodge City cattle trail and Colorado coal mines and that is what inspired the growth of Kansas City, Kansas, USA.
Santa Fe Trail Tracks
Address: West Highway 50, Dodge City, Kansas
Website: Santa Fe Trail Tracks
6. Cattle Feedlot Overlook
Found on Wyatt Earp Blvd, this is another great place to stop as it also has great views of the city. The overlook is located at one of the entrances to the city and is something worth seeing. Explore the local history and be sure to read the storyboard that explains why the cattle industry was so important to Dodge City, Kansas.
There are a lot of cows here and it is said that 6000 cattle per day are processed through this facility. Basically, if you have never been to a feedlot, it is something to see, at least once in your life.
Cattle Feedlot Overlook
Address: 11347 E Wyatt Earp Blvd., Dodge City, KS 67801
7. Dodge City Trail of Fame
The Doge City Trail of Fame is very similar to the famous Walk of Fame in Hollywood, California. This historic trail is actually small compared to the Hollywood attraction, but it honors famous and infamous people, who at one time resided in Dodge City. TV and movie star Burt Reynolds is one of those people. It is one of the most interesting things to see in Dodge City.
This is a trail worth walking through since there are lots of monuments around. Signs and markers help guide you through the trail and some kids will enjoy searching for the markers. The steam engine and coal car are also nice attractions at this place. People who have visited this place suggest bringing a camera to capture the place where such people as Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson, and Doc Holliday, passed through.
Dodge City Trail of Fame
Address: 100 W Wyatt Earp Blvd, Dodge City, KS 67801
Website: Dodge City Trail of Fame
The following content is contributed by Trip101 writer, Barry
8. Carnegie Center for the Arts, DCAAC
This arts center is housed in the 1907-built Carnegie Library and is today known as Carnegie Center for the Arts, DCAAC. Dodge City is known for its old Western architecture and so this building stands in good company; the library is actually listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Carnegie Center for the Arts is known for being Dodge City’s center of artistic displays, offering space for local artists to showcase their work. The second story is where the exhibitions take place. It’s a circular space that’s perfect for this purpose. And if you’d like to buy a souvenir, you can head over to the on-site gift shop where local artisans sell their pieces.
Carnegie Center for the Arts, DCAAC
Address: 701 N 2nd Ave, Dodge City, KS 67801, United States
Website: Carnegie Center for the Arts, DCAAC
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 12pm - 4pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
9. Historic Dodge City Santa Fe Depot
Back in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Dodge City Santa Fe Depot served as the city’s railway hub. Its Roman-like architecture made it stand out, a feature that’s enchanting to date. Among the buildings, there was a hotel and a restaurant, which took on the name Harvey Houses, named after the proprietor, Fred Harvey. And there were also railroad offices and a passenger depot. These buildings were rehabilitated to their original state, and today house business offices as well as a passenger waiting area. But most people come here to visit The Depot Theater Company’s vast theater space where live performances are held. You might also want to explore the entire complex and admire the original fixtures from the 1900s.
Historic Dodge City Santa Fe Depot
Address: 201 E Wyatt Earp Blvd, Dodge City, KS 67801, United States
Website: Historic Dodge City Santa Fe Depot
Opening hours: 6pm - 11:10pm (daily)
10. Dodge City Trolley
Adding a distinct charm to Dodge City tourism, Dodge City Trolley offers rides that take you around historic sites from the Old West era. Get a sneak peek into the lives of the locals during the 1800s, while on this tour. The ride lasts about an hour and it takes you past historic sites like Gospel Hill and Longbranch Saloon, but the highlight remains the Santa Fe Trail. If you’re not familiar with this, the Santa Fe Trail was the very first commercial trail in the country that was ultimately rendered obsolete when the railroad was completed. You’ll get to learn everything about this important trade highway when you take the Dodge City Trolley Tour. A CD and map are also provided if you prefer a self-guided tour.
Historic Trolley Tours
Address: 500 W Wyatt Earp Blvd, Dodge City, KS 67801, United States
Website: Dodge City Trolley
Opening hours: Tue: 10am & 2pm; Fri - Sun: 9am, 10:30am, 1:30pm & 3pm (closed on Mon, Wed & Thu)
Price: 5 USD onwards
11. Boot Hill Distillery
Boot Hill Distillery stands on what used to be Boot Hill Cemetery back in 1873. However, in 1878, the bodies were transferred from here to the municipal cemetery and a schoolhouse was built on the land. Later on, the schoolhouse was also brought down, leaving room for the construction of the Municipal Building that housed a courtroom, a police department, a jail, and judge’s chambers. Today, the distillery takes pride in this rich history. But you’ll probably visit, not for the history lesson, but to enjoy their popular drinks. Visit The Tasting Room where you’ll get to try out their craft spirits that are produced entirely on-site.
Boot Hill Distillery
Address: 501 W Spruce St, Dodge City, KS 67801, United States
Website: Boot Hill Distillery
Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 3pm - 10pm (closed from Sun - Tue)
12. Kansas Teachers' Hall of Fame
Find out about the teachers who have made a lasting impact on the local community. The Kansas Teachers’ Hall of Fame offers this information; it was started to honor this noble profession. In addition to donor plaques, there are also photos of more than 400 teachers as well as their stories. This unique museum also showcases teaching resources used in the past, including desks from early classrooms. If you love books then you’ll enjoy poring through the collections found here. The Kansas Teachers’ Hall of Fame is a great place to spend a couple of hours and gain loads of knowledge through their educational activities.
Kansas Teachers' Hall of Fame
Address: 603 5th Ave, Dodge City, KS 67801, United States
Website: Kansas Teachers’ Hall of Fame
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sun)
Price: 4 USD onwards
13. Wright Park Zoo
When Dodge City got two black bears and raccoons way back in 1926, the idea was to place them in enclosures within Wright Park to display to the public. This was the birth of the zoo which today boasts a population of about 126 animals that originate from every continent on the planet. Although it is among the smallest zoos in the state, it still welcomes more than 60,000 visitors annually, in part for its history and partly for its animals. It might take you about an hour to explore the entire facility but you’ll certainly find something fascinating that will make it worth the visit.
Wright Park Zoo
Address: 71 N 2nd Ave, Dodge City, KS 67801, United States
Website: Wright Park Zoo
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm
14. Dodge City Raceway Park
Aside from historical sites, Dodge City has some modern thrills as well. Dodge City Raceway Park is one such destination, appealing to lovers of racing. The park’s dirt track has attracted numerous racing events over the years, including the World of Outlaws event as well as Sprint Car Nationals. There’s hardly ever a dull moment at Dodge City Raceway Park making this a great place to spend an afternoon. Make sure you check out the calendar of events on their website to know what to expect when you visit.
Dodge City Raceway Park
Address: 11322 110 Rd, Dodge City, KS 67801, United States
Website: Dodge City Raceway Park
15. Long Branch Lagoon
How about an entire day of fun for the whole family? Long Branch Lagoon offers just this and more. A western-themed waterpark, this spot is still quite new; it opened in 2016. There’s plenty to keep you entertained here - from the sedate lazy river named Cowboy Creek to the thrilling Wrangler Rapids wave pool. Water cannons are available as well. However, the park’s most popular attraction is Doc’s Plunge, a waterslide with twists and turns that will exhilarate even the least enthusiastic visitor. If you’re looking for more conventional activities, you can enjoy a leisurely swim, exciting water basketball, or sunbathe on the poolside deck. Dodge City’s Long Branch Lagoon is a great place to simply chill out and have fun.
Long Branch Lagoon
Address: 111 4th Ave, Dodge City, KS 67801, United States
Website: Long Branch Lagoon
Opening hours: Mon: 12pm - 7pm; Tue: 12pm - 10pm; Wed: 12pm - 7pm; Thu: 12pm - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 7pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm
Price: 5 USD onwards
16. Dodge City Brewing
Dodge City Brewing’s name might mislead you into thinking that it’s only about beer. Certainly, beer is their specialty, offering a wonderful selection of craft beer, but more on this in a moment. Nestled in the heart of the historic district, this spot is also known for its pizza, freshly baked to perfection. But you must try the beer here too! The owner, Larry, is a BJCP Certified Beer Judge and has been brewing for years. So, yes, you’ll get only the best. The beer beautifully pairs with the pizza; this is why Dodge City Brewing is loved by locals. Some of their best drinks are the Spruce Street IPA and Pete’s Brown Ale which go down well with their Cowtown Queen pizza or their A Pizza With No Name.
Dodge City Brewing
Address: 701 3rd Ave, Dodge City, KS 67801, United States
Website: Dodge City Brewing
Opening hours: Wed - Fri: 5pm - 9pm; Sat: 11am - 9pm; Sun: 11am - 8pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Last, but not least
Still wondering if Dodge City, Kansas, is worth visiting? We hope our well-curated list will put all your worries to rest. If you like movies, especially old Western ones, this small and unique town is the place for you. Even if you are not into that, this is still a place that should be visited and explored by all. The town is full of interesting historical sites and museums and truly has something for everyone. Make a trip to Dodge City today and surprise yourself.