Get to Know Hays, Kansas

mini horse in a field

Know Before You Go: About Hays

Steeped in Western history, this small Midwest town is home to Fort Hays State University.

There's more to low-key Hays than meets the eye. Steeped in Western history, this small Midwest town is home to Fort Hays State University. Like most college towns, all that youthful talent injects a bit of energy into the local Kansas atmosphere. Head to a restaurant or pub and chances are you'll find fun-loving students from around the globe. Hays welcomes families with prospective students and adventurers at heart as well, so come and stay awhile.

Lemonade Summers, Hot-Chocolate Winters

Arrive in Hays during the summer and you can expect average temperatures in the low 80s, with occasional jumps to the 90s. The humidity can be on the high side in the mornings, too, when that cool glass of lemonade really hits the spot. The most rain falls in July, sometimes nearly 4 inches for the month. Winter can be cold, with average temperatures from December through mid-February in the 20s. Lows at night often get down into the teens. Hays sees an average of 5 inches of snow per month—the perfect time to snuggle up with a cup of hot chocolate and watch the flakes float down.

History and Horses

Discover how Hays was once a wild and nearly lawless town at the Ellis County Historical Society Museum. Although housed in one of the oldest stone churches in Kansas, the society isn't in one of the most popular buildings of that era—the saloons, brothels and gambling halls got way more attention. Embark on a self-walking tour and follow in the footsteps of former sheriff "Wild Bill" Hickok. To learn about military history, check out the Fort Hays State Historic Site, a frequent hangout of Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer. Visit Northglen Antiques and maybe you'll find a bit of history to take home. For the kids, nothing beats a visit to a farm where miniature horses are raised. Blue Sky Miniature Horse Farm, about 10 miles out of town, gives tours and introduces the kids to the tiny horses.

Revitalized College Town

Hays is home to Fort Hays State University. Education plays a big part in the town's economy, as does the tourist trade. When you visit this quiet town, you are contributing to that economic base. Get fuel, eat at the restaurants and see the sights. A revitalization of the downtown core is expanding the retail trade, which is also good news for travelers.

Getting Around Hays

One of the easiest ways to get to Hays is by car. The town sits right off Interstate 70, where it intersects with State Highway 183. While you’ll need a car to get around town, traffic is typically light, and parking is not usually an issue. If you want to fly in, the Hays Regional Airport is just over three miles away. Regional carriers such as United Express and SkyWest offer flights. If you'd rather take Greyhound, the bus station is at the Golden Ox Truck Stop on Vine Street. Hays doesn’t have a city bus service, but you can arrange for a ride with ACCESS Public Transportation through their dispatch service.

Ready to travel? Find hotels in Hays.

Things to Do in Hays

Have a great time learning about “The Wild, Wild Midwest” on your Hays visit.