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Things to do in Hays KS, include exploring its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and outdoor recreation. As the largest city in northwestern Kansas and home to Fort Hays State University, Hays serves as the cultural and economic center of the region. Visitors can enjoy local art galleries, fine dining, and historic architecture shaped by German-American heritage. Cultural events like Oktoberfest bring the community together, while numerous public parks and golf courses offer relaxing ways to spend an afternoon or evening in this welcoming and lively city.
10 Amazing Things To Do In Hays KS
A trip to Hays offers unforgettable things to do in Hays KS, culture, history, and heritage combined.
1. Visit The Sternberg Museum Of Natural History
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The Sternberg Museum of Natural History is the best place to visit to explore the Earth’s natural history. A visit to this museum will help you learn about evolutionary forces and the impact they have had on Earth as we know it. The Sternberg Museum of Natural History has many interpretive exhibitions, collections, educational programs, along with publications and research, all of which can be explored and enjoyed by a guided tour or a self-guided tour, depending on your preference. The museum hosts permanent exhibits including a fossil gallery, dioramas, and the Earth Science Hall.
Location: 3000 Sternberg Dr., Fort Hays State University
Average Cost: $10 / ₹870 (adults), $7 / ₹603 (children) & $9 / ₹775 (senior citizens)
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
2. Explore The Fort Hays State Historic Site
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Fort Hays State Historic Site is operated by the Kansas Historical Society as a historic park, which has been in operation since the late 1920s. The fort was originally known as Fort Fletcher and was an important border during the American Indian War. You can witness the remnants of the old Fort by paying a visit to the original buildings, including the blockhouse and the guardhouse. You can also explore the officers’ quarters inside the fort, which were part of the original complex. There is also a visitor’s centre, a parade ground, and various sculptures symbolic of the war.
Location: 1472 US Highway 183 Alt, Hays
Average Cost: $6 / ₹520 (adults) & $3 / ₹260 (children)
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM (closed on Mondays & Tuesdays)
3. Discover The Moss-Thorns Gallery Of Art
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One of the best things to do in Hays KS, is a visit to the Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art. Situated in the Schmidt Foundation Center for Art & Design at Fort Hays State University, this gallery has an amazing collection of student art exhibits, travelling displays, and shows by the faculty. You will find paintings, ceramics, sculptures, and much more in this artistic powerhouse. The entrance to the gallery is free, and you can also take part in the guided Gallery Walk, which will give you an opportunity to meet and engage with the artists.
Location: Old Power Plant, 600 Park St, Hays
Timings: 9 AM – 4 PM (closed on Weekends)
4. Wine Break At Paisley Pear Wine Bar
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One of the top highlights when exploring what to do in Hays KS, is visiting Paisley Pear Wine Bar. Featuring over 50 wines, from Sauvignon Blanc to sweet chilled reds, this spot also offers refreshing wine slushies and curated wine and whisky flights for a unique tasting experience. Guests can enjoy gourmet food, including seasonal salads, flatbread pizzas, and homemade desserts, all made from locally sourced ingredients. With a dedicated kids’ menu and outstanding service from friendly staff and owners, Paisley Pear is a perfect family-friendly dining destination in Hays.
Location: 1100 Main St, Hays
Timings: 11 AM – 9 PM (closed on Sundays & Mondays)
Average Cost: $6 – 50 / ₹520 – 4500
5. Enjoy The Oktoberfests
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If you are visiting Hays during the Fall, partaking in either of the two Oktoberfests should be on top of your itinerary of things to see in Hays KS. The two vibrant festivals are a celebration of Hays’ German cultural roots. The celebrations bring the community together through arts, music, and food. The Midwest Deutsche Oktoberfest starts from mid-September, where you can see live Polka dancing combined with Bavarian music, and beer drinking competitions. This Old World tradition is an excellent venue to try out some authentic German cuisine. Volga-German Oktoberfest, combined with the homecoming season of Fort Hays State University, offers a more traditional approach to the festivities.
Location: Municipal Park
Major Attractions: Stein-hoisting competitions, games, and German fares
6. Have Fun At The Hays Aquatic Park
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One of the most fun-filled things to do in Hays KS, is to visit the Hays Aquatic Park. Operated by the Hays Recreation Commission, this summertime destination is a perfect blend of joy, relaxation, and family-friendly activities. The park features a variety of aquatic attractions for all ages, including water games, water slides, a lazy river, and a competition pool. For children, there is also a zero-depth entry pool with play structures and splash features. The park is pet-friendly and also offers a Dog Swim towards the end of the season, in a zero-depth entry pool.
Location: 300 Main Street, Hays
Timings: 12:30 PM – 6:30 PM (closed on Sundays and Mondays)
Average Cost: $5 / ₹430 (entry fee)
7. View The Boot Hill Cemetery
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The Boot Hill Cemetery in Hays holds the title of the original “ Boot Hill”, established in the late 1800s. The cemetery got its name from the fact that most people buried there died “with their boots on”, indicating that they met a violent end. This was a common occurrence during the early tumultuous era of Hays, when people died of calamities, wars, and other misfortunes. The cemetery is, thus, the final resting place of commoners and war casualties alike. As the residential development increased, a lot of graves were moved to the Mount Allen Cemetery.
Location: 1806 Fort St, Hays
Timings: 5:30 AM – 05:30 PM (closed on Weekends)
8. Indulge In The Ellis County Historical Society
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The Ellis County Historical Society Museum is another cultural landmark of Hays. The museum serves as a window to the rich culture and heritage of Ellis County. The well-maintained buildings and interactive exhibits present the historically significant events from the Wild West to World War II. Together, the historic buildings and the museum make up the Ellis County Historical Society. The buildings that are worth visiting include the limestone church, Volga German Haus, and the Younger Harness Shop. You can also visit the Firehouse museum, run in partnership with the Hays Fireman’s Association.
Location: 100 W 7th St, Hays
Average Cost: $6 / ₹520 (adults) & $3 / ₹260 (children)
9. Nature Walk Through Trails
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For all the outdoor enthusiasts, one of the best things to do in Hays KS, is to explore the different walking and biking trails in and around the city. The rich natural tapestry of Hays can be explored through a self-guided walk through these trails. The city of Hays, along with the Ellis County park systems, has developed a lot of trails that are open for visitors. The Big Creek Nature Trail is a 3-kilometre-long path along the banks of the Big Creek. The trail has 14 different interpretive points that display several historic moments, and native flora and fauna.
Major Attractions: Big Creek Nature Trail, HaysMed Fitness Trail
Average Cost: N/A
10. Dining At Gella’s Diner & LB Brewing Co.
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On your trip to Hays, don’t forget to take a little food break at Gella’s Diner & LB Brewing Co., an award-winning microbrewery and diner. The place offers authentic handcrafted brews along with luscious meals. The diner has a retro vibe mixed with industrial elements, blended with historic architecture. The hearty collection of home beers includes the American Wheat Ale, Oatmeal Stout, and American Hefeweizen. In addition to beers, you can also try their signature cocktails, margaritas, and mojitos. The elaborate dining menu includes an array of appetisers, entrees, sliders, steaks, and specialty bowls.
Location: 17 E 11th St, Hays
Timings: 11 AM – 09:30 PM
Discover things to do in Hays KS, with a perfect mix of history, culture, and recreation. Enjoy local cuisine at cosy diners, sip handcrafted drinks, and explore museums and kid-friendly parks. Rooted in German heritage, Hays offers unique cultural experiences and festive traditions. Surrounded by scenic landscapes and welcoming locals, your trip promises lasting memories. Don’t wait, uncover the charm of Hays, KS with TripXL today!
Cover Photo: Richard Gonzales / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
