Restored frontier military post featuring original 19th-century buildings, museum exhibits, and interpretive programs exploring the history of the Indian Wars and the Santa Fe Trail.

How to Get There

From Wichita, KS (160 mi): Take I-135 N to Salina, then I-70 W to exit 157; head south on US-183 Alt for 4 miles to reach the historic site.

Overview

The Fort Hays State Historic Site preserves the legacy of a key military outpost established in 1865 to protect travelers and railroad workers along the Smoky Hill Trail. Located just south of Hays, Kansas, the site includes four original sandstone buildings—officers’ quarters, guardhouse, blockhouse, and powder magazine—alongside a modern visitor center. Exhibits explore the lives of soldiers, Buffalo Soldiers, and frontier families, with artifacts ranging from uniforms and weapons to personal items and photographs.

Visitors can take self-guided or ranger-led tours, view interpretive signage across the grounds, and learn about notable figures like George Custer and Wild Bill Hickok who passed through the fort. The site also hosts educational programs and living history events that bring the 19th-century frontier to life. With its authentic architecture and rich storytelling, Fort Hays offers a compelling window into the military and cultural history of the American West.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for Fort Hays State Historic Site, which are released under the https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/.