Ellis County Historical Society

Located at the corner of 7th and Main Streets in downtown Hays, the museum showcases the history of Ellis County. Also located on the museum grounds is an 1879 Stone Church, Younker Harness Shop, Volga German Haus, and Hays Fire Department Museum.

Hays Arts Center Gallery

Historic Fort Hays

Fort Fletcher, later renamed Fort Hays, was established on the Smoky Hill Trail in 1865. After being nearly destroyed in a flash flood in 1867, it was relocated to a site now just south of the city of Hays. Today four original buildings survive along with a modern visitor’s center. The fort is administered by the Kansas State Historical Society.

Historical Downtown Walking Tour

This self-guided tour provides information about the famous and not so famous people who walked the streets of Hays during the 1860’s to 1880’s. Twenty-five bronze plaques mark the route for the walking tour. Each marker tells of the historical significance of the building and individuals like James Butler Hickock, William Fredrick Cody and General George Armstrong Custer.

Hays Convention & Visitors Bureau

Hays provides numerous opportunities to experience a “Small Town America” vacation in a community that offers safe streets, clean air and water, peaceful neighborhoods, and friendly, honest people. The Hays Visitors Center is your one stop shop for information about dining, lodging, and attractions in Hays.

Hays Aquatic Park

The Hays Aquatic Park is the ideal place to cool off and enjoy some summer fun. The H.A.P. is located on approximately 3.5 acres of land and is located at 4th & Main. There are three bodies of water (lazy river, leisure pool, multi-purpose pool) and two water slides. All of the water in the complex is heated. Other features include a concession area, shade deck, several sun decks and a children’s play area which is ideal for making sand castles. The Aquatic Park can handle as many as 3000 visitors, but practical summer operations are around 1000 to 1800 guests.