VISITORS GUIDE & 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 our protection for settlers and railroad workers charming community has to offer. You’ll enjoy the friendliness from Indian resistance. Fort Hays was named in honor of General Alexander Hays, a Union “Wild Bill” Hickok of our small town whether you’re here for a family vacation, general killed during the Civil War in1864 at the Battle of the Wilderness. business trip, sporting event, shopping, or just passing through. We have a colorful history as a wild frontier town, Many of the first citizens of the rapidly growing town were railroad and we encourage you to explore our city’s landmarks and workers, desperadoes, and other notorious characters, making the early days of Hays City wild and dangerous. The soldiers from nearby Fort Hays see where history walked the streets. Be sure to visit our added to the rowdy atmosphere when they came to town to visit Hays unique museums and attractions to learn about our military City’s saloons, brothels, gambling houses, and dance halls. past and Volga German heritage. Discover the scenic beauty of western Kansas with an outing to Frontier Park or our For several months in 1869, James Butler Hickok served as the acting sheriff after several incidents prompted citizens to form a vigilante committee. walking and biking trails. Enjoy your stay in Hays! “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 Founded in 1867 Average number of sunny days: 237 his wife were encamped near Fort Hays prompted Elizabeth Custer to Hays population: 21,500 Average annual precipitation: 24” comment, “There was enough desperate history in that little town in one Ellis County population: 29,000 Average annual snowfall: 14” summer to make a whole library of dime novels.” Climate: Four distinct seasons with Altitude: 2,018 feet above sea level mild and sunny days spring GPS Coordinates: 38.87° N, 99.33° W through fall. Largest employer: Hays Medical Center Average January low temperature: 17° Median household income: $42,897 Average July high temperature: 92° Median age: 30 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 • 07/2017 Wild West Festival Find a complete calendar of events at ANNUAL EVENTS www.VisitHays.com. Hays has the good times January April July October Soup-R-Bowl Food Festival High Plains Barbershop Show Wild West Festival FHSU Homecoming Spring Art Walk Ellis County Fair Oktoberfest February Brews on the Bricks Bargains on the Bricks Sidewalk Sale RPM Speedway Fall Nationals Bridal Showcase Fort Hays State University NIRA Thunder on the Bricks Classic Kansas High School 1A-Div. II Kansas High School 3-2-1A Rodeo Car, Truck, and Cycle Show Volleyball Tournament Wrestling Tournament Farm and Ranch Festival August November March May Fall Art Walk Holiday Open Houses Kansas High School 1A Boys & Seniors Celebration Fort Hays State University Football Kansas High School 2-1A Girls Basketball Tournaments Downtown Hays Market opens Signing & Fashion Show Football Championships Kansas Special Olympics (runs May–October) Youth Outdoor Festival Basketball and Cheerleading December Tournament June September Winter Art Walk RPM Speedway Sunflower Classic Farm to Fork Dinners Wines and Steins Christmas Past at Historic Fort Hays Great Planes on the Plains Fly In Frontier Open Disc Golf Christmas Open House at Ellis Summer Art Walk Tournament County Historical Society Museum German Feast & Polkafest FrostFest Illuminated Parade Holiday Craft Fair FHSU Rodeo 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 artists, The Bricks in Downtown Hays all within the market’s laid back atmosphere located right off Main The brick streets of Downtown Hays offer more than meets the eye in and Fort Streets in the 10th Street parking lot. The market provides a beautiful and unique setting. When you step foot into downtown, vendors the opportunity to bring the you’re welcomed with a sense of community, an appreciation for best from the county to the city every history, and a spirit of innovation. Saturday morning from 7:30–11 a.m. May–October, weather permitting. Nestled inside historical buildings that have been brought back Fresh produce, cut flowers, live plants, to life with recent renovations, you’ll find a diverse mix of specialty baked goods, honey, jams, and shops, professional services, boutiques, and dining options. Whether handcrafted items such as jewelry and you’re looking for custom-made fine jewelry, award-winning food and soaps can all be found at the market. beverages, or that one-of-a-kind gift, you’ll find it in Downtown Hays. Hays Public Library Explore the historical 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. A cornerstone of the district is the Carnegie-inspired Hours: Mon.–Thurs. 9 a.m.–8 p.m., Fri. public library, rated as one of the top five libraries in the nation. 9 a.m.–6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 1 p.m.–5 p.m. The Downtown Hays Development Corporation (DHDC) hosts many The Hays Public Library is recognized events, including Brews on the Bricks, a wonderful celebration of craft as a leader for outstanding per capita beer. Check www.downtownhays.com for the latest event schedule. usage. The 39,000 square foot facility has an extensive book collection, dynamic children’s and young adult Downtown Visitor’s Center sections, a beautiful gallery, a bookstore, and an impressive Kansas 106 W. 12th St. • 785-621-4171 collection with information about Hays, Ellis County, the Western U.S., Hours: Mon.–Fri. 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. genealogy, Volga Germans, and Hays historical walking tours. www.DowntownHays.com Brews on the Bricks Breathe Coffee Shop Be Made, Downtown Hays SHOPPING DESTINATIONS SHOPPING Antique Mall of Hays Hays Hobby Shop Find something new 201 W. 41st St. 1905 General Custer Rd. 785-625-6055 785-639-1644 When it comes to shopping, Hays has what you’re looking for! Big Creek Crossing Hobby Lobby From locally grown businesses to national retail chains, the 2918 Vine St. 3300 Vine St., Ste. 30 variety will hit the spot! 785-625-3314 785-628-8276 Trendy boutiques line the streets of Downtown Hays, where Centennial Mall North Ridge Plaza you can find everything from formal wear to furniture, 2500 Vine St. 27th St. & Vine St. cookware to home décor. For a special souvenir, pick up a Doerflers’ Harley-Davidson Northglen Antiques painting or a piece of handmade pottery by a local artist. 1100 E. 43rd St. 4945 General Hays Rd. 785-625-2022 785-623-4005 Shopping centers on Vine Street offer apparel, shoes, gift Oak Plaza items, name-brand makeup, sporting goods, and specialty Downtown Hays shops for crafters and hunters. Those on a search for antiques 785-621-4171 27th St. & Oak St. will find several stores full of unique vintage pieces. www.downtownhays.com Quilt Cottage Em ‘n Me Antiques 2520 Vine St. In northern Hays, you can find all the supplies you need to 800 Main St. 785-625-0080 plan the perfect party or event. You can even pick up apparel 785-650-0260 SEPHORA Inside JCPenney for your next motorcycle ride! Fort Hays State University Bookstore 2918 Vine St. 700 College Dr. 785-625-7385 With multiple options located throughout the community, (inside FHSU Memorial Union) Tebo Village you are sure to leave Hays with a new treasure! 785-628-4417 43rd St. & Vine St. Doerflers’ Harley-Davidson Glik’s in Big Creek Crossing Rib Picture DINING Local Flavor TK’s Smokehaus 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 visit one of our nationally-recognized breweries or a cozy, locally owned coffee shop. Brass Rail Golden Q Sip N Spin 114 E. 11th St. 809 Ash St. 209 W. 10th St. 785-621-7245 785-625-6913 785-625-9292 LOCAL SPECIALTIES Chuck’s The Horseshoe Toby Jugs Al’s Chickenette Indigo by jasmine Sake2Me Sushi & 507 W. 7th St. 8th & Vine St. 104 E. 7th St. 700 Vine St. 111 W. 8th St. Seafood Grille 785-625-2485 785-625-3103 785-628-3958 785-625-7414 785-259-7213 2306 Vine St.