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Hays, KS

Hays, the largest city in northwestern Kansas, is a regional economic and cultural hub anchored by Fort Hays State University and known for its Wild West history.

About the city

Official Status and Administrative Affiliation

Hays, officially the City of Hays, serves as the county seat of Ellis County, Kansas, United States . It is the principal city of the Hays micropolitan statistical area and functions as the primary economic and cultural center for the northwestern region of the state . The city is located within the state of Kansas, known for its vast plains and agricultural heritage.

Historical Names and Nicknames

Founded in 1867, the settlement was initially named Hays City after the nearby U.S. Army post, Fort Hays . The name was officially shortened to simply Hays in 1895 . While not as widely used today, Hays earned the historical reputation as a quintessential Old West frontier town due to its early years of violence and the notable figures who passed through, including Wild Bill Hickok, Buffalo Bill Cody, and Calamity Jane .

Date of Founding and Age

Hays was founded in 1867 by William Webb and his Big Creek Land Company, who saw a business opportunity with the arrival of the Kansas Pacific Railway . As of 2026, the city is 159 years old. The town grew rapidly after the railroad arrived, absorbing the population of the nearby ill-fated settlement of Rome .

Geographic Location and Coordinates

The city of Hays is located in northwestern Kansas at 38°52′46″N 99°19′20″W . It lies in the Smoky Hills region of the Great Plains, approximately 11 miles (18 km) north of the Smoky Hill River . The center of Hays sits at an elevation of 2,018 feet (615 meters) above sea level . Big Creek, a tributary of the Smoky Hill River, runs through the southwestern part of the city .

City Type and Economic Specialization

Hays is a regional hub with a diverse economy. It is a prominent college town, being the home of Fort Hays State University (FHSU) . The city functions as a major regional commercial and retail center for Northwest Kansas, with a high "trade pull factor" drawing shoppers from a wide area . Historically and currently, its economy is rooted in agriculture and energy production, as Ellis County is the highest oil-producing county in Kansas . Other key sectors include healthcare, manufacturing, and government services .

Population and Demographics

As of the 2020 census, Hays had a population of 21,116 . Estimates for July 2025 place the population at 21,080 . This makes it the largest city in northwestern Kansas and ranks it in the 97th percentile for population among all cities in the state . Hays is classified as a small city but with a high population density for the region . Approximately 8.6% of the population lives in group quarters, such as college residence halls, reflecting its status as a university town .

"City's Calling Card" (Briefly)

Hays is a vibrant college town and a gateway to the history of the American West. Visitors come to explore its frontier past at the Fort Hays State Historic Site, experience the energy of Fort Hays State University, and discover a thriving regional hub with a revitalized downtown, all set in the rolling hills of western Kansas.

Geography

Mountains and Hills

Hays is located in the Smoky Hills region of the Great Plains . While not mountains, these hills are a notable geographical feature, characterized by bluffs, rolling plains, and chalk formations. About 85 miles southwest of Hays, you can find Monument Rocks, a series of large chalk formations that are a National Natural Landmark.

Water Bodies (Rivers, Lakes)

The city is situated near Big Creek, a tributary of the Smoky Hill River, which runs through the southwestern part of town . The Smoky Hill River itself is located about 11 miles south of the city, and the Saline River is roughly 15 miles to the north . While not in the immediate city limits, Cedar Bluff Reservoir is located approximately 20 miles southwest of Hays. This large lake offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and camping.

Climate and weather

Climate Type and General Characteristics

Hays sits near the convergence of two climate types: a humid continental climate (Köppen Dwa) and a temperate semi-arid climate (Köppen BSk) . This results in hot summers with variable humidity and cold, dry winters. Due to its location on the Great Plains, the area is prone to severe weather, including thunderstorms and tornadoes, particularly in the spring and early summer .

Average Temperatures by Month

The climate features a wide range of temperatures throughout the year .

Precipitation and Humidity

Hays receives an average of just over 23 inches (596 mm) of precipitation annually .

Sunny Days and UV Index

Hays enjoys a significant amount of sunshine, typical of the Great Plains. On average, there are about 235 sunny days per year, which is higher than the US average. The UV index in the summer months can regularly reach levels requiring protection.

Seasonality and Best Time to Visit

Specific Weather Phenomena

As part of the Great Plains, Hays can experience rapid weather changes. The area is also susceptible to dust storms, a legacy of the Dust Bowl era that severely impacted the region in the 1930s . Blizzards and ice storms are possible during the winter months.

Landmarks

Fort Hays State Historic Site

The Fort Hays State Historic Site is the city's premier historical landmark. Located on the western edge of Hays, it preserves the history of the frontier military post established in 1865 . The original fort was a key base of operations during the Indian Wars, and notable figures like George Armstrong Custer, Wild Bill Hickok, and Buffalo Bill Cody were stationed there . Today, visitors can explore original fort buildings, including the blockhouse and guardhouse, which now serve as a museum displaying artifacts from the frontier era.

Historic Chestnut Street District

The Historic Chestnut Street District is the heart of downtown Hays. This revitalized area offers a mix of local retail stores, restaurants, art galleries, and service businesses housed in historic buildings . The district is home to The Bricks, a popular gathering spot featuring a microbrewery, and serves as a focal point for community events and nightlife.

Sternberg Museum of Natural History

Located on the campus of Fort Hays State University, the Sternberg Museum of Natural History is a major attraction for visitors of all ages. The museum is world-renowned for its fossil collections, particularly from the chalk beds of western Kansas. Its most famous exhibits include a life-sized replica of a swimming Tylosaurus and "Fischler's Quarry," a remarkable diorama showcasing a prehistoric underwater ecosystem.

St. Fidelis Catholic Church (The Cathedral of the Plains)

While located about 20 miles east of Hays in the town of Victoria, the St. Fidelis Catholic Church, famously known as the "Cathedral of the Plains," is an iconic landmark closely associated with the region. Built largely by Volga German immigrants, this massive Romanesque church is renowned for its stunning size and beauty, dominating the landscape. It was named one of the eight wonders of Kansas.

Transport

Main Airports

Hays is served by the Hays Regional Airport (HYS) , which opened in 1961 . Located just east of the city, it provides public aviation services and commercial flights, connecting Hays to the larger national air travel system. For a wider array of international flights, the nearest major airports are Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) , approximately 134 miles (216 km) to the southeast, and Denver International Airport (DEN) , about 311 miles (501 km) to the west .

Major Highways

Hays is a key junction for interstate and U.S. highway travel in northwestern Kansas.

Public Transportation

The City of Hays operates a public transit system known as HaysLink. It provides curb-to-curb, demand-response bus service within the city limits for all residents and visitors. Additionally, as a university town, the city is well-integrated with Fort Hays State University (FHSU) , with campus shuttles and a layout that is bike- and pedestrian-friendly.

Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions

Professor's Classic Sandwich Shop & More

A cornerstone of Hays' dining scene is Professor's Classic Sandwich Shop & More, a family-owned restaurant with a history dating back to 1976 . Re-opened in 2017 by the Jensen family, it continues the legacy of the original Professor Pittewurst Panaceatic Inn, famous for its unique atmosphere and sandwiches that have been local favorites for over four decades . The building itself has a fascinating history, having been moved from the nearby town of Yocemento in the early 1920s, where it first served as a depot before becoming a meeting place for the American Legion in Hays .

The restaurant is known for its array of healthy options, including sandwiches, soups, and salads . A true point of pride is their use of homegrown ingredients. The Jensen Family harvests raw honey and mushrooms at their own farm in Ellis County, which are not only sold at the restaurant but also featured in their dishes . A signature item is their lemonade, naturally sweetened with this local honey . This farm-to-table approach embodies the family's philosophy that "health is wealth," offering a true taste of the local Kansas land .

Gella's Diner and Lb. Brewing Company

For a taste of modern Hays with a historic twist, Gella's Diner and Lb. Brewing Company is a must-visit. Located in a classic diner setting, it's a popular spot for both its comfort food and its craft beer . A standout dish that combines the two is the Brewben sandwich, their creative take on a Reuben, which features Thousand Island dressing laced with their own No. 6 Oatmeal Stout . This dish perfectly represents the local culinary creativity, blending hearty, traditional flavors with the city's contemporary brewing scene.

Nearby Culinary Landmark: Hays House 1857 Restaurant & Tavern

While not in Hays itself, a short drive to Council Grove (about 90 minutes east) reveals a culinary landmark of immense historical significance. The Hays House 1857 Restaurant & Tavern is recognized as one of the "8 Wonders of Kansas Cuisine" and holds the title of the oldest continuously operating restaurant west of the Mississippi River .

This restaurant is legendary for its award-winning Chicken Fried Steak, which locals swear is the best in the state . The dish features hand-breaded steak, cooked on a flat top and smothered in rich, peppery country gravy . Founded by Seth Hays, the great-grandson of Daniel Boone, the establishment has served travelers on the Santa Fe Trail since 1857 and counts historical figures like Jesse James and General Custer among its patrons . The menu also features other Kansas classics like fried chicken, brisket, and homemade pies and ice cream, all served within walls that are a living museum of American frontier history .

Museums

Sternberg Museum of Natural History

The premier museum in Hays is the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, a facility that offers a journey through time, from the Cretaceous period to the present . A key part of Fort Hays State University, the museum is famous for its breathtaking paleontological displays. Its most renowned artifact is a rare and spectacular "fish-within-a-fish" fossil, a complete Xiphactinus with another large fish inside its stomach, offering a dramatic snapshot of prehistoric life . The museum also brings ancient beasts to life with animatronic displays and regularly hosts traveling exhibits, such as the recent "Animal Armor," which explored the evolution of defensive adaptations over the last 500 million years .

Ellis County Historical Society Museum

For those interested in the human history of the region, the Ellis County Historical Society Museum at 100 W. 7th St. is the place to explore . The museum delves into the lives of the immigrants and settlers who shaped the area. Recent exhibits, like "A Place to Call Home," have explored the settling of Kansas through diary entries, sharing the personal decisions, hardships, and hopes of those who risked everything to build a new life on the prairie .

Nearby Museum: Kansas Barbed Wire Museum

Just a 25-mile drive from Hays in the town of La Crosse is one of the world's most unique museums: the Kansas Barbed Wire Museum . This fascinating museum tells the story of how barbed wire "fenced the West," dramatically influencing 19th-century Kansas and American history. It displays over 2,400 different types of barbed wire, showcasing the ingenuity and industrial boom surrounding this simple yet transformative invention .

Nearby Museum: Walter P. Chrysler Boyhood Home and Museum

Approximately 14 miles from Hays, in the town of Ellis, visitors can step into the early life of an automotive giant at the Walter P. Chrysler Boyhood Home and Museum . The future founder of the Chrysler Corporation helped his father build this limestone home in 1889 at the age of 14. The adjacent museum displays a 1924 Chrysler car, connecting the boy who worked with his hands on the Kansas plains to the man who would become a titan of the American auto industry .

Nearby Landmark: Cathedral of the Plains

While not a museum, the Basilica of St. Fidelis, known as the "Cathedral of the Plains," is a must-see architectural and historical landmark located just 12 miles from Hays in the town of Victoria . Built of native limestone, this massive church was once the largest church west of the Mississippi River and can seat up to 1,100 people, standing as a powerful testament to the faith and determination of the region's early immigrant community .

Art at Fort Hays State University

The cultural scene is further enriched by Fort Hays State University. The Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art, located in the Center for Art & Design, regularly hosts exhibitions featuring everything from faculty work to student thesis shows, such as the MFA Thesis Exhibition in Ceramics . The Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center on campus is another hub for culture, hosting the Encore Series, performances by the Hays Symphony, and other events of national and world-class caliber .

Sport and Athletic Legends

High School and University Sports

In Hays, community spirit is deeply intertwined with local sports, particularly at the high school and university levels.

Recreational Facilities

Beyond competitive sports, Hays offers excellent recreational facilities for its residents and visitors. The city boasts an extensive recreational program and numerous facilities, including full-service gyms, the Hays Aquatic Park, Smoky Hill Country Club, and the Hays Municipal Golf Course . For outdoor enthusiasts, the Bike Hays system provides 21 miles of interconnected paths for walking, running, and biking, making it easy to stay active and explore the city . Additionally, Hays is within a 45-minute drive of two large lakes that offer fishing, boating, and other water sports .

Universities and Academic Institutions

Fort Hays State University (FHSU)

Higher education in Hays is centered around Fort Hays State University (FHSU) , a dynamic and growing institution that serves as a regional center for education, culture, and innovation . With over 13,000 students, FHSU is the fastest-growing university in the Kansas Regents system and is recognized for its entrepreneurship and forward-thinking approach .

The university is a significant part of the community, not just academically but also culturally. The Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center on campus is a premier venue, hosting the Encore Series, the Hays Symphony, and other world-class performances . The Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art provides a space for visual arts, featuring exhibitions from students, faculty, and visiting artists . Furthermore, the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, while a public attraction, is an integral part of FHSU, serving as a research and educational arm of the university .

Healthcare Institutions

Hays Medical Center

The cornerstone of healthcare in western Kansas is the Hays Medical Center (HaysMed) , located at 2220 Canterbury Dr . This major medical facility is one of the top rural medical centers in the United States and a major employer in the region with over 1,000 employees . It is a comprehensive healthcare provider, offering a full range of services including home health, hospice, and palliative care, and accepts various insurance plans including Medicare and Medicaid .

HaysMed is particularly renowned for its specialized cardiac care. It is home to the DeBakey Heart Institute of Kansas, a testament to its commitment to advanced cardiovascular treatment . The hospital has also partnered with the prestigious University of Kansas Health System since early 2017, further enhancing its capabilities and bringing big-city medical expertise to rural Kansas .

The hospital maintains high standards of patient safety and care. Publicly reported data shows strong performance in several areas, including zero incidents of dangerous objects left in a patient's body and zero surgical site infections after colon surgery for a recent reporting period . Patient experience scores are also solid, with high marks for communication with nurses and doctors .

Hays Medical Center Hospice

In addition to its acute care services, Hays Medical Center provides extensive hospice, palliative, and home health services through its dedicated hospice program . This program offers a wide array of support, including bereavement counseling for individuals and families, bereavement camps, and community bereavement programs . The program's comprehensive services cover areas such as oncology, pediatrics, and geriatrics, with a team that includes nurses, therapists, dietitians, and pastoral care providers, ensuring holistic support for patients and their families .

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