What to do and see in Dodge City, Kansas (KS): The Best Free Things to do

March 1, 2022 Jacquiline Delozier

Don your cowboy hat and get ready for adventure Old West style - Dodge City beckons. In fact the city, made famous by the legendary Wyatt Earp and the television series "Gunsmoke," offers so many historically interesting and exciting attractions, it's hard to know where to begin. We have compiled some ideas to help you get started. At the Boot Hill Museum, Old West buffs can experience Dodge City in the 1870s, complete with a recreated saloon and an authentic cemetery. Other attractions offer opportunities to reenact famous gun fights and see wax replicas of notorious cowboys. Historic homes and a fort are also available to tour. No matter where you begin, Dodge City offers fun and excitement at every turn.
Restaurants in Dodge City

1. Boot Hill Antiques

509 N 2nd Ave, Dodge City, KS 67801-4400 +1 620-255-4263 [email protected] http://www.facebook.com/boothillantiques
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 12 reviews

Boot Hill Antiques

2. Santa Fe Trail Tracks

West Hwy 50, Dodge City, KS +1 620-225-8186 http://www.santafetrailresearch.com/
Excellent
27%
Good
45%
Satisfactory
22%
Poor
5%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 147 reviews

Santa Fe Trail Tracks

Listed on the National Register of Historic Sites, these wagon wheel rut formations dating from the nineteenth century can be clearly seen today.

Reviewed By P7665USsharonr - Michigan City, United States

Very interesting site but difficult to actually see the tracks. I still recommend stopping even if you just stretch your legs and take a short walk.

3. El Capitan

Second & Front Streets, Dodge City, KS
Excellent
38%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
24%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 37 reviews

El Capitan

Designed by Jasper D'Ambrosi, this bronze monument commemorates the Texas cattle drives during the 19th century.

Reviewed By derbyfan2016 - Louisville, United States

Beautiful setting to take photos. You can learn a little western history while you are there as well. Several statues up and down this area including Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday and James Arness/Matt Dillon from Gunsmoke fame. Be sure to stop in the Visitor's Center to sign the guest book and pick up your wooden nickel souvenir. Postcards are only 25 cents in there too.

4. Cowboy Statue On Boot Hill

Front Street & Fifth Street, Dodge City, KS +1 620-227-8188
Excellent
51%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
21%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 43 reviews

Cowboy Statue On Boot Hill

With the inscription "On the ashes of my campfire this city is built," this monument pays tribute to the cowboy era and cattle drive.

Reviewed By 808deenab - Lehi, United States

This bronze statue depicting the legendary OK Corral gunfighter Wyatt Earp is a great photo op if you are in Dodge city

5. Cattle Feedlot Overlook

US Hwy 50/56 11347 E Wyatt Earp Blvd, Dodge City, KS
Excellent
28%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
26%
Poor
4%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 99 reviews

Cattle Feedlot Overlook

Visitors can view a large cattle operation in action.

Reviewed By 721henrya - Hays, United States

You have to read the reviews! My faith in the average citizen's sense of humor is restored. I have always admired the cowboy's statue across the road from the overlook, but never had any real desire to stop and smell the excrement. I object less to the odor than the average citizen since I grew up with it and understand it, but feel no need to take it in as a tourist attraction. However, if you had the misfortune of growing up where you didn't get to observe cattle feedlots, then I highly recommend making the stop. It is free, easy, and educational.

6. Dodge City Trail of Fame

100 W Wyatt Earp Blvd, Dodge City, KS 67801-4447 +1 620-561-1925 http://www.dodgecitytrailoffame.org
Excellent
43%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
23%
Poor
8%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 80 reviews

Dodge City Trail of Fame

Reviewed By DGMAC

Able to take a self-guided tour with brochure from the Visitor center. So much fun to take a nice walk along Front Street and find the various statues of notable western historic figures and read a bit of history about Dodge City itself. Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, Marshall Dillon and the bull El Capitan just some of those represented. Backdrop of simple style buildings now serve as small eateries and shops. Be sure to spend an hour or two to see it all.Next door to Boot Hill/museum (great too). We really enjoyed and have already told friends about it should they be passing through.

7. Coronado Cross

East Hwy 154, Dodge City, KS +1 620-225-8186
Excellent
19%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
37%
Poor
11%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 27 reviews

Coronado Cross

Site where the famous Spanish explorer, Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, crossed the Arkansas River in the 16th century while searching for the ?cities of gold.?

8. Carnegie Center for the Arts

701 Second Avenue, Dodge City, KS 67801 +1 316-225-6388 http://www.facebook.com/pg/DodgeCityArts/about/?ref=page_internal
Excellent
11%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
33%
Poor
11%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 9 reviews

Carnegie Center for the Arts

Part of the National Register for Historic Sites, this 1907 building serves as an arts council for local artisans.

9. Boothill Casino and Resort

4000 W Comanche St, Dodge City, KS 67801-8106 +1 877-906-0777 [email protected] http://www.boothillcasino.com
Excellent
36%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
19%
Poor
7%
Terrible
9%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 320 reviews

Boothill Casino and Resort

Boot Hill Casino & Resort features over 700 electronic gaming machines, 18 table games, 5 live poker tables, a 150-seat casual dining restaurant known as Firesides at Boot Hill, Wild Bill’s Beer Bar for a variety of specialty, imported and domestic beers, Cowboy Cafe for a light fare on-the-go, and also offers retail logo’ed items.

Reviewed By michellehA1295GR - Plainville, United States

Fun place to visit. One drawback is the smoke from other patrons, stinks but isn’t a dealbreaker for us and we are former smokers. The restaurant serves good food, the service was acceptable.

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