17 Dodge City, Kansas Activities That Changed How We Saw the Wild West
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Dodge City exceeded my expectations when I visited Kansas. I’ll be honest, I didn’t know a lot of what had happened in the wild west town, and finding things to do filled me in on both the sensationalist and important history.
Located in the center of Kansas, Dodge City was an important stop along the Santa Fe Trail. It was home to gunfights and sheriffs. Rich in lore and history, it feels as if you stepped back in time to meet the likes of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday.
Trust me, like most people, Kansas gets overlooked as a “flyover” destination. But visiting here checked things off the bucket list I didn’t know I had!
⏳ TL: DR – The best things to do in Dodge City KS:
1. Boothill Museum
2. Long Branch Saloon Variety Show
3. Boothill Distillery
If you’re planning a road trip through Kansas and looking for family-friendly things to do in Dodge City, this guide shares exactly what to see, eat, and explore with teens in tow.
I worked with Travel Kansas and poured my in-depth knowledge into the research so you don’t have to.
Let’s get to it.
What to Do in Dodge City, Kansas
This city is a great destination for families, offering plenty of historical and cultural attractions. Families can visit the Boot Hill Museum, an iconic landmark that tells the story of the Wild West.
Dodge City also boasts a remarkable collection of Western art and historic sites, which includes over 80 points of interest, statues, and sculptures from Old West towns across America.
I expected a quick photo op with a cowboy statue and maybe a dusty museum. It was so much more and places like the Boot Hill Museum I could have explored longer.
1. Boot Hill Museum
As one of the most iconic historic sites in Dodge City, the Boot Hill Museum immerses visitors in the rich legacy of the Wild West.
I expected Boot Hill to be a quick walkthrough, but we ended up staying for nearly two hours. My daughter loved the re-enactments, and my son got weirdly into the antique gun collection. It sparked a great conversation later that night about how history isn’t always neat and tidy.
I was really impressed with the gunfight reenactment and the detailed museum, which included a variety of artifacts from its storied Wild West history.
The Beeson Gallery portion of the museum is very well done with life-size storefronts and interactive storytellers (via motion-activated screens) that tell the storied history of Dodge City, from Native Americans to the Wild West.
The city is steeped in rich history. Founded in 1871 at the junction of the Santa Fe Trail and the Great Western Cattle Trail, it quickly became home to cowboys, buffalo hunters, merchants, gamblers, and more. This wildness was so notorious that it earned the nickname “The Wickedest Little City in America”.
Lawmen such as Wyatt Earp and Bat Masterson were brought into town to help bring some order to its lawlessness. Although the Wild West eventually faded away, it’s kept its reputation alive with museums and reenactments. Today, visitors can experience a taste of what life was like back in the late 1800s when they visit historic sites like Boot Hill Museum and the Long Branch Saloon.
All of this history is included in the museum admission.
In addition to the museum, outside, you can visit an authentic Front Street of Dodge City in its Wild West heyday. In fact, some of these are original buildings from the 1880s. Additionally, the museum is located on the original site of the Boot Hill Cemetery, and you can walk the rustic graveyard behind the storefronts.
The authentic storefront recreations were particularly captivating; it was like taking a step back in time! From visiting the general store to tipping a cold sarsaparilla, back at the Saloon, the living history museum was the highlight of my trip.
My favorite highlight is the gunfight reenactment between the lawman and the outlaws of the town. Keep an eye out for these historical reenactors in town. The outlaws roll up from one end of the street where the lawmen try to keep the peace.
According to our guide, it’s different every time she’s seen it.
2. Long Branch Variety Show at Boot Hill Museum
After a rousing gunfight, it’s time to enjoy a show at the Long Branch Saloon, a long-standing staple of Dodge City tourist attractions.
This is a separately ticketed event at the Boot Hill Museum and includes dinner and entertainment.
I had a wonderful time at the Long Branch Variety Show at Boot Hill Museum. The singing and dancing by Miss Kitty and her can-can girls were incredible. She had everyone in the audience engaged, and they all had huge smiles on their faces.
Miss Kitty comes into the audience often and, in fact, singled me out as her competition. I will be forever known as Miss Ruby to my traveling partners!
It was amazing to see such a long-running show still running after all these years! I highly recommend this show to anyone looking for live entertainment with an old-fashioned feel. It’s definitely worth the price of admission!
3. Boot Hill Distillery
Boot Hill Distillery is an iconic stop for travelers visiting the area.
The establishment was built in 2009 and opened up to visitors a year later. For those who want to explore the city’s rich history, Boot Hill Distillery offers a unique experience thanks to its location on one of the oldest hills in Dodge City.
The story goes that Boot Hill is where the outlaws were buried. It is in fact right next to the Boot Hill Cemetery and Boot Hill Museum.
The name came from the fact that the graves were so shallow, you could still see their boots.
The distillery is known for making small-batch spirits from locally sourced ingredients. In fact, they are one of the few distilleries that maintain their own grains, giving you a true soil-to-sip experience similar to a farm-to-table.
For those interested in learning more about Boot Hill Distillery’s history, samples of their spirits are available for tasting and can also be purchased onsite.
Don’t hesitate to stop in here with your family as the kids can certainly learn some history about the building, which once served as a school, and then a city hall.
4. Fort Dodge
Fort Dodge is a must-see for travelers looking for an intriguing glimpse of the Wild West. Located on the Arkansas River, Fort Dodge was built by the US Army in 1865 to protect travelers going west along the Santa Fe Trail.
Visitors can explore preserved buildings and artifacts from that time period, and enjoy stunning views of lush prairie grass and rolling hills.
Today, the site is used for retired Kansas veterans, but the historic library and self-guided walking tour is maintained by the Ford County Historical Society.
5. Historic Dodge City Walking Tour
Travelers who embark on the Historic Dodge City Walking Tour will be taken on a journey through time.
The self-guided tour will introduce visitors to the colorful and vibrant history of Dodge City, with multiple locations of interest, original sites, storyboards, pole art banners, and the Dodge City Trail of Fame medallions and sculptures. Stop into the visitor center in downtown, for a map of the sites.
The Dodge City Trail of Fame is a part of the walking tour. It commemorates the infamous citizens, as well as notable movie and television stars who have portrayed them. Yes, if you’re a fan of Gunsmoke or other popular Westerns, you may see a few of these statues as well.
The walking tour is one of those attractions where you can take your own time and see the highlights.
6. Historic Dodge City Trolley Tours
Touring by a historic trolley is a great way to explore the city and get your bearings.
On the tour, you’ll be taken back in time to 1870s.
You’ll visit the original locations of the Longbranch Saloon, Gospel Hill, the “deadline”, Front Street, and more. Learn about Fort Dodge, follow the path of the Santa Fe Trail, and hear some entertaining stories along the way.
Meanwhile, you’ll be able to mark off important locations that you may want to visit later in your trip – all while having a leisurely ride around town on the Dodge City Trolley.
7. Dodge City Roundup Rodeo
Want an exciting experience in a town built by cattle? Head over to the rodeo!
Dodge City’s Roundup Rodeo attracts hundreds of rodeo-goers each year, looking for an exciting night out.
With shows occurring over the summer months, this is a perfect way to spend a balmy evening, cheering on cowboys and cowgirls alike as they compete in events such as bronc riding and steer wrestling.
In addition to these classic rodeo events, visitors can also enjoy Xtreme Bulls nights with 50 bull riders competing for the grand prize.
Whether you are looking to watch the show or even participate yourself, the Roundup Rodeo is a great way to experience this long-standing tradition in Dodge City with a fun and casual atmosphere.
8. Santa Fe Trail
The Santa Fe Trail is one of the most iconic and historically significant trails in the United States. This is one of the free things to see in Dodge City, Kansas.
Adventurers can explore remnants of its past along with wagon ruts that are still visible to this day. It’s a great place for travelers to understand what the Trail was like back in its heyday as they hike along the dusty path.
Historical markers show the Santa Fe Trail ruts, and the National Park Service has a mobile narrated tour of the Santa Fe Trail.
9. South Dodge Drive-In Movies
How about a drive-in movie? I know this is something we don’t get to do very often, and my kids enjoy the novelty of it.
South Dodge Drive-in Theater, located in the heart of the city, is one of the last remaining drive-in movie theaters in the area.
If you want to experience a unique and nostalgic form of entertainment, this is your chance.
Take a road trip with friends and enjoy watching a movie from the comfort of your car – it’s like having an outdoor private screening! Grab some snacks and drinks, get cozy, and watch one of the classic movies being shown at South Dodge Drive-in Theater this summer.
10. Dodge City Raceway Park
Located in southwestern Kansas, this 3/8 mile dirt track hosts thousands of racing fans each season and boasts an impressive racing schedule.
Everything from modifieds to sprint cars can be seen on the track, so there’s something for everyone.
Plus, the atmosphere around the raceway is lively and friendly – making it an ideal spot to spend an evening out with friends and family. And best of all, tickets are highly affordable – you can have a great time without breaking the bank!
11. Mueller-Schmidt House Home of Stone
The Mueller-Schmidt House of Stone is a renowned landmark in Dodge City, Kansas, standing proudly atop a hill northeast of the town.
Built in 1882 by German immigrants Anna and August Mueller-Schmidt, it was meant to be one of the most impressive homes in the area.
The House stands as an example of German masonry craftsmanship, with fine limestone blocks making up its sturdy structure. Its elegance lies in its simplicity; no other building in Dodge City can claim such clear lines and solid construction as that of the Mueller-Schmidt House.
Today, the Mueller-Schmidt House stands tall, surrounded by trees and shrubs planted by the original family, as a testament to what strong work ethic and stone-building artistry can achieve.
Visitors can appreciate its impeccable craftsmanship while also admiring its historical significance. The Mueller-Schmidt House is indeed an impressive site!
12. Gunfighters Wax Museum
A surprising favorite among Dodge City tourist attractions, the Gunfighters Wax Museum is quirky, educational, and oddly captivating.
Located in the heart of downtown, this unique museum showcases life-size wax figurines of famous Western personalities such as Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson, Doc Holliday, Davy Crockett, Buffalo Bill, Miss Kitty, Frank and Jesse James, Billy the Kid, and many more.
All these characters come to life in an incredibly realistic way, and you can even take pictures with them! It’s definitely worth taking a stop off at the museum when you’re passing through Dodge City.
13. Dodge City Days
If you love festivals, you’ll love Dodge City Days, happening every summer in late July.
Enjoy a parade, barbecue, arts & crafts, classic car show and the pinnacle event, a rodeo.
Each year the Dodge City Roundup puts on a spectacle of bull riding, bronco riding, cattle roping, and barrel racing. If you’ve ever wanted to witness a rodeo, the home of the old wild west is the place to do it.
Nearby Attractions
These are Kansas tourist attractions close to Dodge City and worth it if you’re going to spend more than one day in the area.
- Cattle Feedlot Overlook – It may not sound like much, but this is a great road trip stop to learn about the importance of the cattle industry in Kansas. You can learn more about Agritourism and why it’s important here.
- Big Basin Prairie Reserve, just south of Dodge City, is one of the most beautiful places for outdoor enthusiasts. With its rolling hills, breathtaking views, and wide open plains, this area provides an abundance of opportunities for adventure.
- Gypsum Hills Scenic Byway is an 80-mile-long stretch of beautiful scenery in Kansas. It truly shows off that Kansas is not just flat prairie. It takes you through the historical Gypsum Hills and gives you a peek into the area’s past while providing stunning views of the present.
- M.T. Liggetts Political Sculptures is a unique art installation piece in Mullinville, Kansas. You can’t miss this on your drive from Wichita to Dodge City. Be sure to stop in the visitors center here, just off Highway 54, and learn about the man behind these farcical metal sculptures.
The Big Well
The Big Well in Greensburg Kansas was a surprisingly interesting thing to do in near Dodge City.
The Big Well is the largest hand-dug well in the world. Built in 1887, it became a major tourist attraction sometime in the mid-1900s.
The real story is the city of Greensburg. This town was devasted by an EF-5 tornado in 2007. It leveled 95 percent of the city.
However, rather than call it quits, the town decided to build back in a way that honored its name with green energy. All the new buildings are certified by LEED and renewable energy. The Big Well museum shows the history of the town as well as details of what a tornado could do.
Where to Eat in Dodge City (and Nearby Garden City for a Surprise Culinary Bonus)
Let’s be honest—finding a good meal after a long day of sightseeing with teens is a top priority. Fortunately, Dodge City has several solid options to refuel, and if you’re up for a short drive, nearby Garden City might just surprise you with its variety of international cuisine.
Family Favorites
Central Station Bar & Grill
A local favorite, Central Station offers a Western-themed atmosphere with a menu featuring steaks, burgers, and salads. It’s a great spot for families to enjoy hearty meals in a lively setting. centralstationdc.com
I Don’t Care Family Restaurant & Sports Bar
Despite its quirky name, this establishment is known for its welcoming environment and diverse menu. From comfort food classics to lighter options, there’s something for everyone. The sports memorabilia and casual vibe make it a hit with both kids and adults.
Dodge House Restaurant
Located within the historic Dodge House Hotel, this restaurant offers a buffet-style dining experience with a range of American dishes. It’s a convenient option for families staying nearby or anyone looking for a traditional meal in a rustic setting.
A Worthwhile Drive: Garden City for International Flavors
Here’s where things get interesting. About 50 minutes away, Garden City boasts a surprisingly rich selection of international restaurants. If your teens are more adventurous eaters, or you just want something besides burgers and BBQ, this detour is worth it.
We discovered Pho Hoa One on our last trip and were genuinely impressed. Their Vietnamese dishes are fresh, flavorful, and comforting (and it’s quick, which is a bonus when everyone’s hungry). There’s also La Mexicana Restaurant for incredible tacos and enchiladas, and El Zarape offers a blend of Central and South American dishes with bold spices and big portions.
Travel Tip:
If you’re spending a few days in the area, plan a dinner in Garden City as part of a late afternoon trip. Stop at Lee Richardson Zoo or the Finney County Historical Museum beforehand, then enjoy a relaxing meal before heading back to Dodge City.
Best Time to Visit Dodge City
Dodge City, Kansas is a great place to visit any time of year. However, for travelers looking to experience the full range of attractions and activities that the city has to offer, the best time of year is definitely in the summer months.
With an average high temperature of over 80 degrees, you can take advantage of all the outdoor activities Dodge City offers such as fishing, boating, or even horseback riding.
Plus, many attractions are not operational during winter months, so summer is an ideal time to make sure you’re able to get the most out of your trip.
Where to Stay in Dodge City
There are a number of places to stay in Dodge City, including your standard Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn, and the like.
Alternatively, if you are also looking for things to do in Garden City, it makes a great central location for all the activities in Dodge City and southwestern Kansas.
Getting Around Dodge City KS
Getting around is generally best done with a car, as public transport options are limited.
The city itself is quite small, so it’s easy to get from one place to another without too much difficulty.
There are plenty of parking lots and garages available throughout the city for those looking to leave their car during their trip.
FAQs
How many days in Dodge City
You can see most of the Dodge City Kansas attractions in one day
Is Dodge City Kansas Worth Visiting
Yes, it’s a fun and interactive look into the Wild West of Kansas.
What is Dodge City Famous for?
Dodge City, Kansas is known for its history as a Wild West town. It was the destination of countless cattle drives throughout the 19th century and was home to lawmen like Wyatt Earp and Bat Masterson.
What is there to do in Dodge City KS?
Highlights include:
Boot Hill Museum
Boot Hill Distillery
Dodge City Brewing
Dodge City Walking Trail and Dodge City Trail of Fame
What are things to do in Dodge City KS at night?
Check out the Boot Hill Casino for its live gaming tables and the opportunity to test your luck on penny slots, video poker machines and more! There’s also the Carnegie Center for the Arts, located right down Main Street, which hosts regular events like music and comedy performances.
If you’re looking for some delicious food with a side of entertainment, head over to Coyote Creek Saloon where you can enjoy dinner while being entertained by country music bands or karaoke.
What are free things to do in Dodge City, KS
You can also check out the Kansas Historical Society’s El Quartelejo Ruins State Historic Site. This site displays ruins from a Pueblo Indian settlement established more than 300 years ago. For a unique experience, take a stroll around Fort Dodge, an abandoned military fort built in 1865.
Pick up a map at the Visitors Information Center for a self-guided walking tour
What are family things to do in Dodge City?
With attractions such as Boot Hill Museum, the Kansas Teachers’ Hall of Fame, and the Santa Fe Trail Center, there’s something here for everyone. Kids will love exploring Gunsmoke Stables, which offers horseback rides through the famous Dodge City landscape.
Final Thoughts: Dodge City KS Things to do
From its old-fashioned saloons to the rodeos, our Dodge City vacation turned out to be a lot of fun. After spending a few days in this Midwestern town, it’s easy to understand why this place is such an iconic destination for any traveler looking for an exciting adventure!
If you’re looking for some fun things to do in Kansas, Dodge City should definitely be at the top of your list. There are plenty of historical sites and entertainment options that will really make your trip worth your while.
Plus, you get the added benefit of experiencing a little bit of true Americana culture while you’re at it!
Read More:
17 Best Family Vacations in Kansas
Best Things to do in Dodge City
