Trip Planner: USA / Kansas / Hays / Fort Hays State Historic Site

Fort Hays State Historic Site, Hays

4.2

#2 of 8 in Things to do in Hays

Historic Site · Tourist Spot

Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Sergeant John Denny served at Fort Hays from January 1882 to December 1884. He and other African American “Buffalo Soldiers” are part of the rich Fort Hays history that includes names like Generals George A. Custer, Nelson Miles, and Philip Sheridan; Major Marcus Reno; William “Buffalo Bill” Cody; and James B. “Wild Bill” Hickok. Established in 1865 in the land of the Cheyenne and Arapaho, the fort protected railroad workers and travelers on the Smoky Hill Trail. See the soldiers’ clothing, weapons, and personal items, including George Custer’s dumbbell forged by the fort’s blacksmith. Learn more about the soldiers and the people they were protecting when you visit Fort Hays.

Admission:

Adults: $5

Students: $1

Children 5 & Under and Members of "Friends of the Fort": FREE

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Fort Hays State Historic Site reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating

94 reviews

Google

4.5

By sonic1us

Wow, so cool the history!! I believe it was like $7 to get in and it was worth it. Our first time visiting and it was really cool to see the history of a Fort. Watch the 7mins video. Nice souvenir... more »
By 749sierras

We knew the museum was closed but thanks to LOTS of well placed plaques we were able to give ourselves a GREAT self tour. This is a VERY interesting place that gives you a wonderful glimpse... more »

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Google

By Cody Norton

This place is great for spending a couple hours experiencing the life of a pedestrian or soldier in the U.S. army 150 years ago. Many buildings still exist in close to original shape. You can learn about what each building housed by using a kiosk that will tell you about its history. Make sure to come out on special events like Christmas past and reenactments of military life.

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By Joel Whitaker

Small, but well kept, historical site. Lots of great artifacts with knowledgeable staff and volunteers.

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