We admit it – even though we love Kansas, it’s not necessarily the most popular vacation destination. We’re pretty unappreciated by most of the rest of the country, often considered a flyover state with miles of flat plains, farmland, and not much else. Of course, anyone who’s actually been here knows that nothing could be further from the truth. There are plenty of great ideas for a weekend trip in Kansas, and one of the best is the city of Hays. It’s one of the largest cities in the quiet western portion of the state, which tends to have a little less going on than the bustling cities like Kansas City towards our east.
Hays has a population of around 20,000, but it’s got a great small town-like charm to it that makes it feel so much smaller. It’s a college town, as it’s home to Fort Hays State University, so there’s always something going on here, like a festival or event.
Hays Convention & Visitors Bureau/Facebook
You’ll find plenty of great attractions in Hays. One charming little park is the Veterans Memorial Park, which is home to a miniature version of the Washington Monument as well as a Merci Boxcar.
Daniel Segard/Google Local These small train cars were sent to the United States from France after World War II. They were filled with gifts as thanks to America for supporting France with post-war recovery efforts. Kansas Merci Boxcar & Veterans Memorial Park, 15th &, Haney Dr, Hays, KS 67601, USA
The Antique Mall of Hays is one of the best antique shops in Kansas and a perfect place to look for bargains. At over 8,000 square feet of space, there’s a lot to explore here!
J M/Google Local Antique Mall of Hays, 201 W 41st St, Hays, KS 67601, USA
The craft beer industry in Kansas is growing slowly but surely, and Hays has a great brewery in Defiance Brewing Co. Enjoy great beer and a beautiful outdoor space!
Justin Newell/Google Local Defiance Brewing Co. Downtown, 111 W 7th St, Hays, KS 67601, USADefiance Brewing Company, 2050 Old Hwy 40, Hays, KS 67601, USA
For those interested in educational attractions, Hays has those, too! Don’t miss a visit to the Historic Fort Hays Site, where you’ll learn plenty about the area’s rich history.
TIM/Google Local Fort Hays State Historic Site, 1472 US Highway 183 Alt, Hays, KS 67601, USA
Another great attraction for those looking to learn is the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, which focuses on natural history, particularly in the Midwest area.
Sternberg Museum of Natural History/Facebook Sternberg Museum-Natural History, 3000 Sternberg Dr, Hays, KS 67601, USA
If you’d like to enjoy some time outside, the Frontier Historical Park is a great place to do it. This 89-acre park has several preserved buildings, including an old military fort, and also miles of trails.
Charles Soell/Google Local Frontier Historical Park, Old Hwy 40, Hays, KS 67601, USA
Hays is such a great city, with an unexpected amount of attractions! What’s your favorite place for a weekend trip in Kansas? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Hays Convention & Visitors Bureau/Facebook
Daniel Segard/Google Local
These small train cars were sent to the United States from France after World War II. They were filled with gifts as thanks to America for supporting France with post-war recovery efforts.
Kansas Merci Boxcar & Veterans Memorial Park, 15th &, Haney Dr, Hays, KS 67601, USA
J M/Google Local
Antique Mall of Hays, 201 W 41st St, Hays, KS 67601, USA
Justin Newell/Google Local
Defiance Brewing Co. Downtown, 111 W 7th St, Hays, KS 67601, USADefiance Brewing Company, 2050 Old Hwy 40, Hays, KS 67601, USA
TIM/Google Local
Fort Hays State Historic Site, 1472 US Highway 183 Alt, Hays, KS 67601, USA
Sternberg Museum of Natural History/Facebook
Sternberg Museum-Natural History, 3000 Sternberg Dr, Hays, KS 67601, USA
Charles Soell/Google Local
Frontier Historical Park, Old Hwy 40, Hays, KS 67601, USA
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Address: Hays, KS 67601, USA
