If you’re looking for a Hays, Kansas getaway that combines fascinating history, dinosaurs, and
Wild West adventure, and plenty to explore, then a Hays, Kansas Weekend Getaway might be just
what you need. A Hays, Kansas weekend getaway is exactly what you need!
Stories, great food, and the charm of a genuine college town put Hays, Kansas on your list.
We recently spent time exploring Hays, and one of the things that surprised us most was just how
much there is to see and do here. Hays isn’t the kind of destination you rush through in an hour or
two. It’s a place where you can spend a weekend digging into history, exploring museums, walking
through downtown, trying local restaurants, and discovering the stories that helped shape
western Kansas. It is truly the perfect weekend getaway!
Located along I-70 in northwestern Kansas, Hays has a fascinating past. The community grew
alongside the railroad and the frontier, and the area was once associated with legendary figures
including Wild Bill Hickok, Buffalo Bill Cody, and George Armstrong Custer. Today, that history is
mixed with museums, art, local restaurants, shopping, and the energy of Fort Hays State
University.
Explore Downtown
The historic downtown area is a great introduction to the community. Hays has preserved many
Stop in at Breaks Eatery and Bar for breakfast! You will not regret it!
Estimated reading time: 11 minutes
One of our favorite things about exploring a destination like Hays is being able to slow down and
actually look around. Don’t just drive through downtown—get out, walk the streets, and look for
the details.
Hays has a self-guided historic walking tour that uses bronze plaques to tell the stories of people
and places connected to the community’s past.
The tour highlights Hays during its frontier years and includes connections to famous figures such
as James “Wild Bill” Hickok, William “Buffalo Bill” Cody, and George Armstrong Custer.
It’s an easy way to get some history while exploring downtown at your own pace.
Save room for dinner because Hays has a surprisingly diverse food scene.
From local diners and breweries to restaurants serving everything from comfort food to
Hit up Thirsty’s Brewpub and Grill for a flavor and atmosphere that is completely unmatched!
And that’s one of the things we loved about Hays: the food isn’t just something to fill the
space between attractions. It’s part of the experience.
After dinner, take a stroll through downtown and enjoy a slower evening before getting
ready for packed Saturday.
Dinosaurs, Cowboys & Kansas History
Saturday is when you’ll really discover how much Hays has to offer.
We recommend starting your morning at one of the city’s most fascinating attractions: the
Sternberg Museum of Natural History.
If you love dinosaurs, fossils, or anything prehistoric, make this one of your first stops.
The Sternberg Museum of Natural History is part of Fort Hays State University and is known for its
extensive natural-history collections, particularly its fossils from the Cretaceous Period.
Millions of years ago, an inland sea covered much of what is now Kansas. The fossils found
throughout the region provide an incredible glimpse into the creatures that once lived here.
One of the museum’s most famous specimens is the “Fish-within-a-Fish,” a fossil showing a large
fish that had swallowed a smaller fish shortly before both were preserved.
And this is one of those museums where you don’t have to be a serious science person to enjoy it.
The exhibits make the prehistoric history of Kansas surprisingly accessible—and there’s plenty to
photograph.
Give yourself plenty of time here. This isn’t a quick walk-through attraction.
After your prehistoric adventure, it’s time to jump forward millions of years and explore the Old
Fort Hays State Historic Site sits just south of Hays and preserves part of the history of the military
post established in 1865.
The fort was created to protect railroad workers and travelers along the Smoky Hill Trail. During its
Today, visitors can explore original buildings and exhibits that tell the story of the soldiers
and civilians who lived and worked here. And here’s a bonus: admission to Fort Hays State
Historic Site is free. This is exactly the kind of stop we love on a road trip—historical,
interesting, photogenic, and inexpensive. Eat lunch at the Paisley Pear Bistro and dinner at
Gella’s Diner for meals you are not soon to forget!
Don’t Skip Boot Hill
If you’re interested in the darker side of frontier history, make a stop at Boot Hill.
Hays developed a reputation as a rough and rowdy frontier town during its early years. Boot
Hill served as a burial ground between 1867 and 1874 for people who died “with their boots
on.” Some of the bodies were later moved to other cemeteries. It’s a small stop, but it helps
bring the stories of early Hays into perspective.
Standing there, it’s easy to imagine just how different this community must have been
Explore Ellis County Churches
One of the things we really recommend when visiting Hays is getting outside the city limits.
Ellis County is filled with historic communities and churches that tell another important part
of the region’s story: its German heritage. The Cathedral of the Plains in Victoria and the
Holy Cross Church in Pfieifer are truly breathtaking, and learning about the struggles of the
They celebrate Ellis County’s historic German heritage, with their ornate architecture,
Coffee, Murals, and Sculptures
Start your day in Hays with a stop at Breathe Coffee House, where you can grab a cup of
coffee and fuel up before heading out to explore downtown.
Once you’re caffeinated, hit the streets and take your time discovering the character of
Don’t forget your camera; between the sculptures and incredible murals, you’ll find plenty of
unexpected photo opportunities around nearly every corner.
Make sure to stop at the Cattleman’s Cafe to get your energy back from all the exploring!
From steaks to some of the largest chicken fried steaks we have ever seen, you will
definitely have a place to settle your appetite.
Where We Stayed: Creekside Resort
After a full day of exploring, head back to Creekside Resort.
Located just south of Hays and convenient to I-70, Creekside offers RV sites and cabin
accommodations.
It’s a convenient option for travelers who prefer something different from a traditional hotel
—and particularly appealing if you’re road-tripping through Kansas with an RV.
The resort also offers amenities beyond simply having a place to park or sleep, making it
Why Hays Should Be Your Next Kansas Getaway
There are places you visit because you’ve seen them all over social media.
And then there are places you visit and realize you should have known about them sooner.
For us, Hays falls into the second category.
It’s a city where the layers of history are everywhere. You can stand in a museum looking at
creatures that lived millions of years ago, walk through the remains of a frontier military
That’s a pretty great weekend.
Hays also makes a fantastic stop if you’re road-tripping across Kansas on I-70. But don’t make the
mistake of treating it as simply a place to stop for gas and stretch your legs.
Get off the interstate. Stay a night or two. Explore. Eat. Walk around. Learn the stories.
You’ll quickly understand why Hays is worth more than just a quick stop.
And if you’re anything like us, you’ll probably leave already thinking about what you didn’t
get to see.
Planning a Kansas road trip? Put Hays on your list. You won’t regret it.
Note: Attraction hours and exhibits can change seasonally, so check with each attraction before your visit.
Plan your trip: The official Hays Convention & Visitors Bureau is a great place to check current
attractions, events, dining options, and visitor information.
