Hays Attractions
Hays (pop. 20,000) began as a frontier military outpost, Fort Hays, which was abandoned in 1889 but by that time the town was thriving as a railroad and ranching center. It is located in central Kansas and is home to Fort Hays State University.
Ellis County Historical Society Museum
The Ellis County Historical Society Museum in Hays features exhibits and buildings from Ellis County during its untamed days. The original buildings include a Volga German house and a harness shop.
Ellis County Historical Society
100 West Seventh Street
Hays, KS 67601-4429
United States
100 West Seventh Street
Hays, KS 67601-4429
United States
Phone 1 (785) 628-2624
Fax 1 (785) 628-0386
Hours
June 1 to August 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 13:00 | Closed |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
September 1 to May 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | Closed | Closed |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
Always closed on:
New Year's Day (January 1)
Labor Day - USA (1st Monday, September)
Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November )
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24)
Good Friday - Christian (Apr 06)
Labor Day - USA (1st Monday, September)
Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November )
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24)
Good Friday - Christian (Apr 06)
Facilities
Gift shop
Fort Hays State Historic Site
Famous figures such as Wild Bill Hickok, Buffalo Bill Cody, General Nelson Miles, General Philip Sheridan, and Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer were stationed at Fort Hays. Four historic buildings at the Fort Hays State Historic Site have survived including the blockhouse, guardhouse, and two officers' quarters.
Sternberg Museum of Natural History
The Sternberg Museum in Hays recreates the Cretaceous period through dioramas of life-size dinosaurs. A highlight is the collection of fossilized prehistoric flying reptiles. The Discovery Room contains a giant spider model, computer work stations, live animals and hands-on activities.
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 13:00 |
| Close | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 |
Always closed on:
New Year's Day (January 1)
Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November )
New Year's Eve (December 31)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24)
Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November )
New Year's Eve (December 31)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24)
Stone Gallery
The Stone Gallery in Hays is owned by local sculptor Pete Felten who showcases his works as well as other local artists. Displays include limestone, wood, clay and plaster sculptures.
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | Closed | Closed |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
