VISITORS GUIDE AND MAP www.VisitHays.com Frontier Park Bison Herd THE FRONTIER TOWN WELCOME Hays City was founded in August of 1867 as the Union Pacific Railway Eastern Division worked its way west. The town was named TO HAYS! after Fort Hays, the army’s military post located south of Big Creek. The U.S. Army established Let us show you around... Fort Hays (founded in 1865 as Fort Fletcher, renamed Fort Hays in 1866) to provide We invite you to experience the many opportunities that protection for settlers and railroad workers our charming community has to offer. You’ll enjoy the from Indian resistance. Fort Hays was named friendliness of our small town whether you’re here for a family in honor of General Alexander Hays, a Union “Wild Bill” Hickok vacation, business trip, sporting event, shopping, or just general killed during the Civil War in1864 at the Battle of the Wilderness. passing through. We have a colorful history as a wild frontier Many of the first citizens of the rapidly growing town were railroad town, and we encourage you to explore our city’s historic workers, desperadoes, and other notorious characters, making the early landmarks and see where history walked the streets. Be sure days of Hays City wild and dangerous. The soldiers from nearby Fort Hays to visit our unique museums and attractions to learn about added to the rowdy atmosphere when they came to town to visit Hays our military past and Volga German heritage. Discover the City’s saloons, brothels, gambling houses, and dance halls. scenic beauty of western Kansas with an outing to Frontier For several months in 1869, James Butler Hickok served as the acting sheriff Park or our walking and biking paths. Enjoy your stay in Hays! after several incidents prompted citizens to form a vigilante committee. “Wild Bill” Hickok, as he became known, apparently was not elected, but served at the will of the vigilantes. The vigilante period from July of 1868 to December of 1869 was marked by 15 homicides. The lawlessness, COMMUNITY PROFILE bloodshed, and feuds that occurred while General George A. Custer and his wife were encamped near Fort Hays prompted Elizabeth Custer to Founded: 1867 Average annual snowfall: 19” comment, “There was enough desperate history in that little town in one Hays population: 21,000 Altitude: 2,004 feet above sea level Ellis County population: 29,000 GPS Coordinates: 38.88° N, 99.31° W summer to make a whole library of dime novels.” Climate: Four distinct seasons Largest employer: HaysMed Average January low temperature: 16° The University of Kansas Health System Average July high temperature: 97° Median household income: $45,502 Average number of sunny days: 237 Median age: 30 Average annual precipitation: 23.5” The information contained in this brochure was prepared as accurately as possible at the time of printing. The Hays CVB is not responsible for information that is incorrectly supplied to our office, omissions, or changes made after the printing of the brochure. This publication does not constitute a contract with the Hays CVB. Business listings or contact information contained in this brochure do not imply a referral or recommendation by the Hays CVB. We suggest calling in advance or visiting our website to verify current information.1-800-569-4505 • www.VisitHays.com • 12/2019 Wild West Festival Find a complete calendar of events at ANNUAL EVENTS www.VisitHays.com. Hays has the good times January April August Hays City Historic Haunted Tours Hays Area Chamber of Commerce High Plains Barbershop Show Herzogfest (City of Victoria) RPM Speedway Fall Nationals Annual Banquet Hays Arts Council Spring Art Walk Hays Arts Council Fall Art Walk Hays Symphony Halloween Fort Hays State University NIRA Rodeo FHSU Tiger Football Autograph Signing Children’s Concert February RPM Speedway Season Points Opener at Big Creek Crossing Night to Shine Hays City Sportsmen’s Club Youth November Hays Symphony Valentines Concert May Outdoor Festival Holiday Open Houses Wedding Showcase at Big Creek Brews on the Bricks KSHSAA 2-1A Football Championship Crossing Hays Aquatic Park opens September Lanternfest KSHSAA 3-2-1A State Wrestling Downtown Hays Market opens Barrels & Bites Championship (runs May–October) Thunder on the Plains Classic Car, Truck, December Spring Craft Fair at Big Creek Crossing and Cycle Show Cathedral Christmas Concert March PGDA Frontier Open Disc Golf Hays Symphony Winter Vespers Concert Vintage Base Ball Triangular at Historic June Tournament Hays Arts Council Winter Art Walk Fort Hays Hays Arts Council Summer Art Walk Rockalooa Music Festival Christmas Past at Historic Fort Hays Special Olympics Kansas Basketball FrostFest Illuminated Parade and Cheerleading Tournament July October Holiday Craft Fair RPM Speedway Mike “Huey” Hughes Wild West Festival Farm to Fork Dinner Follow the Star Craft Fair (City of Ellis) Sunflower Classic Memorial Race Ellis County Fair FHSU Homecoming Polar Express Lighted Train Ride Bazaar on the Bricks Volga German Society Oktoberfest (City of Ellis) Oktoberfest Ellis County Fair Downtown Hays Market 785-621-4171 DOWNTOWN Customers can shop for their weekly groceries, find unique gifts made by local artisans, and enjoy musical talents from local The Bricks in Downtown Hays artists, all within the market’s laid back atmosphere located in the The brick streets of Downtown Hays offer more than meets the eye in Downtown Pavilion at 10th and Main. The market provides vendors a beautiful and unique setting. Nestled inside historic buildings that the opportunity to bring the best from the county to the city every have been brought back to life with recent renovations, you’ll find a Saturday morning from 7:30–11 a.m. from May through October, diverse mix of specialty shops, professional services, boutiques, and weather permitting. Fresh produce, cut flowers, live plants, baked dining options. Whether you’re looking for custom-made fine jewelry, goods, honey, jams, and handcrafted items such as jewelry and soaps award-winning food and beverages, or that one-of-a-kind gift, you’ll can all be found at the market. find it in Downtown Hays. Hays Public Library Explore the historic Chestnut Street District, home to the oldest arts 1205 Main St. • 785-625-9014 council in the state and host to several world-renowned artists and www.hayslibrary.org their studios. The Downtown Hays Development Corporation hosts Hours: Mon.–Thurs. 9 a.m.–8 p.m., Fri. 9 a.m.–6 p.m., many events, including Brews on the Bricks, a celebration of local Sat. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 1 p.m.–5 p.m. and regional craft beer. Check www.downtownhays.com for the latest The Hays Public Library is recognized as a leader for outstanding per event schedule. capita usage. The 39,000 square foot facility has an extensive book collection, dynamic children’s and young adult sections, a beautiful Downtown Visitor’s Center gallery, a bookstore, and an impressive Kansas collection with 1200 Main Street, Suite 102 • 785-621-4171 information about Hays, Ellis County, the Western U.S., genealogy, Hours: Mon.–Fri. 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Volga Germans, and Hays historical walking tours. www.DowntownHays.com Fancy That Brews on the Bricks Simply Charmed SOME OF OUR MANY SHOPPING SHOPPING DESTINATIONS Find something new Antique Mall of Hays Hays Hobby Shop 201 W. 41st St. 1905 General Custer Rd. When it comes to shopping, Hays has what you’re looking for! 785-625-6055 785-639-1644 From locally grown businesses to national retail chains, the Big Creek Crossing Mall Hobby Lobby variety will hit the spot! 2918 Vine St. 3300 Vine St., Ste. 30 785-625-3314 785-628-8276 Trendy boutiques line the streets of Downtown Hays, where you can find everything from formal wear to furniture, Centennial Mall North Ridge Plaza cookware to home décor. For a special souvenir, pick up a 2500 Vine St. 27th St. & Vine St. painting or a piece of handmade pottery by a local artist. Doerflers’ Harley-Davidson Northglen Antiques 1100 E. 43rd St. 2010 Vine St. Shopping centers on the Vine Street Corridor offer apparel, 785-625-2022 785-623-4005 shoes, gift items, cosmetics, sporting goods, hunting outfitters, and specialty shops for crafters and quilters. Be Downtown Hays Oak Plaza sure to check out the new stores in Big Creek Crossing Mall. 785-621-4171 27th St. & Oak St. www.downtownhays.com Precision Valley Golf and Bike North of I-70, you’ll find gifts for that special someone, from Em ‘n Me Antiques Center personalized keepsakes and souvenirs to jewelry and toys. 800 Main St. 1500 W. 27th St. You can even pick up apparel for your next motorcycle ride! 785-650-0260 785-625-4900 Fort Hays State University Tiger With multiple retail options located throughout the Quilt Cottage Spirit Shop community, you are sure to leave Hays with a new treasure! 2520 Vine St. 700 College Dr. 785-625-0080 (inside FHSU Memorial Union) 785-628-4417 Tebo Village 43rd St. & Vine St. Couture for Men Kuhn’s Diamond Jewelers DINING Local Flavor Gella’s Diner & Lb. Brewing Co. Let our restaurants tempt you with options like perfected wood-fired pizza, BAR & GRILLS authentic German fare, and even top-notch sushi. Be sure to try our local breweries or our cozy coffee shops. Brass Rail Golden Q Sip N Spin 114 E. 11th St. 809 Ash St. 209 W. 10th St. LOCAL SPECIALTIES 785-621-7245 785-625-6913 785-625-9292 9th Street Diner Indigo by Jasmine Sake2Me Sushi & Chuck’s The Horseshoe Toby Jugs 230 W. 9th St. 111 W. 8th St. Seafood Grille 507 W.