Welcome to the Queen of the Cowtowns!
Transcription
Welcome to the Queen of the Cowtowns!
Welcome to the Queen of the Cowtowns! Dodge City truly offers you the original fun, excitement and history of the Old West. While you’re here, whether it’s for just a few hours or a few days, use this handy guide to help you find everything from accommodations to attractions, and fine food to entertainment. We’re ready to give you a chance to Live the Legend that is Dodge City. You’ll be glad you ‘Got the Heck INTO Dodge”! If you have any questions about what to see or do here in the Cowboy Capital, please check out www.visitdodgecity.org, download our Dodge City, Kansas mobile app or stop by the Visitor Information Center located at 400 W. Wyatt Earp Blvd. We’re here to make your visit memorable. We want you to enjoy your visit with us and hope that you’ll stop by to visit Dodge City again. www.visitdodgecity.org History The Santa Fe Trail, opened in 1821 by William Becknell, became a great commercial route between Franklin, Missouri, and Santa Fe, New Mexico, until 1880. Thousands of wagons traveled the Mountain Branch of the trail which went west from Dodge City along the north bank of the Arkansas River into Colorado. For those willing to risk the dangers of waterless sandhills, a shorter route called the Cimarron Cutoff crossed the river near Dodge City and went southwest to the Cimarron River. Fort Dodge was established in 1865 on the Santa Fe Trail, midway between two major Indian crossings on the Arkansas River. It was an important outpost on the Western frontier, offering protection to wagon trains and serving as a supply base for troops engaged in the Indian Wars. Kiowa, Cheyenne and other Plains tribes inhabited the area, and wild game was abundant including vast herds of buffalo. Dodge City was founded in 1872, just five miles west of Fort Dodge on the edge of the military reservation. It quickly became a trade center for travelers and buffalo hunters. The same year, the railroad reached Dodge City, assuring its continued existence and making it a major shipping point. An estimated 850,000 buffalo hides were shipped from Dodge City in the years 1872 to 1874. By 1875, the buffalo were gone as a source of revenue, but the Longhorn cattle of Texas soon took their place. From 1875 to 1886, over 5,000,000 cattle were driven up the Western Trail from Texas to Dodge City. Cowboys from the cattle drives had more than a little influence in establishing Dodge City’s reputation as the wildest town on the western frontier. Such notable lawmen as Bat Masterson and Wyatt Earp became legends in their own time as they fought to bring law and order to the streets of Dodge City. During those first years the population varied according to the season, swelling during the summer with the influx of cowboys, buyers, gamblers and prostitutes. Business houses, dance halls and saloons catered to the Texas trade. The town thrived and its populace of buffalo hunters, railroad workers, soldiers and drifters “settled their differences” in shoot-outs. Lawlessness reigned, creating the need for a burial place, which was Boot Hill Cemetery. For six years Dodge had no official cemetery. Persons dying who had friends, enough money or sufficient standing in the community were buried in the post cemetery at Fort Dodge. Others, penniless or unknown, were buried where it was convenient to dig a hole. Boot Hill Cemetery, now a part of downtown Dodge City, is the most famous burial ground in all western lore, even though it was only used until 1878. Fort Dodge was closed in 1882 and by 1886, the cattle drives had ended. An illustrious period of history was over but the legend lives on in Dodge City’s historic preservation of its romantic and internationally famous past. — Kansas Heritage Center 1-800-OLD WEST Transportation Dodge City Regional Airport is located just east of Dodge City offering service to and from Denver and other locations for connections to the rest of the world. Contact the airport at (620) 225-8170 or check our website for additional information. Crott’s Aircraft Service Inc. also offers charter service. 1-800-475-3553 or (620) 225-6422 Amtrak’s Southwest Chief also makes a stop in the heart of downtown Dodge City. 800-USA-RAIL or www.amtrak.com The Beeline Express Bus routes are available to bring you here and take you on down the road. (316) 201-6700 Getting around the local area is extremely easy thanks to Dodge City Transportation with local bus routes, and multiple choices for local taxi service. (620) 225-8119 or check our website for a list of providers. If you prefer to rent a car, we have many accommodating options, happy to get you on your way quickly. DID YOU KNOW? The Dodge City Cowboy Band played at the inauguration of President Harrison in 1889. They still perform every Tuesday night in June & July at the Wright Park Bandshell. www.visitdodgecity.org DID YOU KNOW? The first herd of Texas cattle reached Dodge City in 1875. . Attractions Start your visit to Dodge City at the Visitor Information Center at 400 W. Wyatt Earp Blvd. You’ll find out all there is to see and do during your visit to Historic Dodge City. Guests can get their ticket for the Historic Trolley Tour there. The tour is a great way to get an overview of Dodge City and let you know what you don’t want to miss. Daily Tours are scheduled Memorial Weekend thru Labor Day. Visit places where history was made including Fort Dodge, the Mueller-Schmidt House, other old west 1-800-OLD WEST locations and cattle stockyards on an hour-long narrated historic site tour. If you happen to come in the off season, be sure to pick up your walking and/or driving tour of historic sites. (800) 653-9378; or (620) 225-8186 Boot Hill Museum & Front Street takes you back in time, giving you a front row seat to all that history. In the summer, witness gunfight reenactments, enjoy Miss Kitty & the can can girls at the Long Branch Saloon with a sarsaparilla, after a great country style dinner prepared at the Museum. Admission Charged. Open year round, daily. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year’s Day. (620) 227-8188 Now you can even sit at the gaming tables just like Doc Holliday, Wyatt Earp and Bat Masterson did. Boot Hill Casino & Resort offers hundreds of slot machines, 18 table games, live poker tables, plus real roulette, real craps, and no ante! Stay and Play with us! We partner with several local hotels on packages that include Free Play, Food and more! And don’t forget to visit the Live Buffalo & Longhorn Exhibit while you’re here! (620) 682-7737 For more than 3 decades, the Depot Theater Company has been the crown jewel in the thriving theatre scene. Offering a state-of-the-art dinner theater, cutting-edge “Side Track” productions, cabarets, a student training division and much more, ‘The Company’ is our very own Broadway on the Prairie. ‘The Company’ proudly invites you to where the bright lights meet the rail. You’ll enjoy delightful plays performed by experienced actors in the beautifully restored Dodge City Santa Fe Depot. A delicious meal in lovely surroundings accompany most productions. (620) 225-1001 Do you have a need for speed? Then Dodge City Raceway Park is the right place for you. DCRP is a 3/8 mile dirt racetrack hosting thousands of racing fans each season and boasts an impressive racing schedule. Featured events include National Sprint tour, Late model shootout, and midgets and winged sprints. Racing season runs April through October. (620) 225-3477 The Dodge City Trail of Fame is marked by more than 30 medallions dedicated to famous Dodge Citians, both historical and fictional where you can revisit the heroes of the past. The Trail also takes you by www.visitdodgecity.org beautiful statuary, an 8’ bronze sculpture of the famous Dodge City Lawman, Wyatt Earp; Doc Holliday at the gaming table (a great photo opportunity), and El Capitan, the longhorn steer commemorating the Texas cattle drives to Dodge City. Guided Tours may be arranged. (620) 253-9231 Enjoy a relaxing picnic in the shade of a huge tree or spend a time of reflection at Liberty Garden, a memorial to the events of 9-11-01, in Dodge City’s largest park, Wright Park. Don’t miss a trip through the Dodge City Zoo, while you’re there. Admission is free and the zoo is open daily except in inclement weather. A dog park is also located in this park. Families can enjoy an afternoon of activities in any of Dodge City’s 19 parks, most with playgrounds, some with walking trails, basketball courts, tennis courts, sand volleyball, practice fields, disc golf, an arboretum, and shelters. (620) 225-8163 The Kansas Teachers’ Hall of Fame is the first one of its kind in the United States. The gallery pays tribute to this noble profession. Visit a preserved one-room school house from the 1800’s. Also at this facility, the Gunfighters Wax Museum, see life-size wax figures of famous western personalities and get a glimpse of the men and women who made Dodge City famous. (620) 225-7311 Long Branch Lagoon Water Park, the new western themed water park opens May 28, 2016. Over 27,000 square feet of surface area full of fun and exciting family aquatic adventure await. Float along Cowboy Creek, the 720 foot lazy river, relax and feel the waves at Wrangler Rapids wave pool. Rip down Dalton’s Plunge, the boomerang slide that will take your breath away and enjoy sprays, water cannons, dumping buckets and more at Fort Splash, the shallow water pool and play structure. And there’s a lot more, a climbing wall, drop slides, diving towers, Olympic sized lap pool, water basketball and the list goes on. The perfect place to cool off with some great family fun. (620) 225-8156 Get a glimpse of how early Dodge City residents lived at the Mueller-Schmidt House. The home is a three-story native limestone house constructed in 1881. This ‘Home of Stone’ still has its original furnishing and a gallery dedicated to the pioneer women of Ford County. (800) 653-9378 Santa Fe Trail Tracks of the original wagon trail 1-800-OLD WEST used by pioneers from 1821 to 1872 are still visible located 9 miles west of town. The area is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites. Stand out on this undisturbed prairie and imagine the courage of our early settlers. Other Things to See There are many other locations of interest while you’re here. Historical story boards tell the stories of the Mexican Village, a city within a city; the importance of the 100th Meridian Marker separating east from west and an important boundary for the Louisiana Purchase; beautiful Gospel Hill Churches, those hearty folks who helped tame the wild and wicked west; and don’t forget to marvel at the huge mural by famed local artist, Stan Herd modeled from a Fredrick Remington painting. If you’re looking for an opportunity for research of local and Kansas history, you’ll find the Kansas Heritage Center a great help. The Center has extensive resources on the history of Kansas, Dodge City and the Old West. (620) 227-1616 The local VFW is very proud of their Southwest Kansas Veterans Memorial, the only veterans Memorial containing both armed forces and reservists. (620) 225-7081 located at 909 13th. And on the east edge of town at the entrance to the airport, take a look at the small herd of longhorn cattle commemorating Dodge City’s role in the cattle drives at the Longhorn Park. A quick trip 5 miles east of town will take you to Fort Dodge & the Kansas Veterans Cemetery. The Fort served as a supply depot and base of operations against warring Indians from 1865-1882. It is now a Kansas Soldiers’ Home. Just another mile to the east you’ll find the Coronado Cross, standing 38’tall, marking the spot where Francisco Vasques de Coronado, a Spanish explorer, is said to have crossed the Arkansas River in search of the fabled “Cities of Gold” in 1541. (620) 227-2121 www.visitdodgecity.org The Art Scene Carnegie Center for the Arts, listed on the National Register of Historic Sites, the restored Carnegie Library building is of unusual classical architectural design and features a variety of art exhibits. Second Avenue Art Guild Dodge City’s newest art gallery and premier artist operated guild. It features original artwork by regional artists working in various mediums. Both of these venues, along with the Depot Theater Company in the Historic Santa Fe Depot, invites you to their Final Fridays. The last Friday of the every month you can participate in Historic Downtown Dodge’s Art Walk with good eats and drinks and visual and performing arts for your entertainment. Movie Theaters Travel back to yesteryear at Kansas’ oldest operating outdoor cinema. First lit back in 1947, the South Drive In, is an old fashioned solo screen Drive-in, with a capacity for up to 300 cars; open seasonally, April thru October on the weekends. (620) 225-4301 Village 8 Theater will surround you in luxury as you’ll be blown away by the reclining seats and state of the art projection screens. With 8 different shows, one is sure to fit your needs. Concessions include adult beverages and the best snacks around. (620) 227-7469 DID YOU KNOW? A good buffalo hunter could make more than $100.00 a day in the 1800s. 1-800-OLD WEST Shopping Dining No trip is complete without a shopping splurge! In addition to familiar retail stores you know, you’ll also find a number of local stores from Downtown Dodge unique businesses to Village Square Mall, Dodge City is home to those one-of-a-kind finds that you’ll treasure. From Western Wear and décor, Antiques and specialty ethnic offerings, you’ll find just what you’re looking for to take home that special memento of your Dodge City visit. For a complete directory of all shopping and dining venues, download our Dodge City, Kansas mobile app or visit our web site at www.visitdodgecity.org Treat your palate to a wide range of dining options. Home to some of the best beef anywhere, Dodge City has a steak in your future. Looking for something more unique? You can explore the many ethnic restaurants-Mexican; Oriental; Italian; down home cooking, steak houses, BBQ and more. Venues range from the best mobile eateries to fine dining. You can even eat in a dining rail car. And don’t forget to visit the Boot Hill Distillery on top of Boot Hill, or the new Guymon Petro Bar & Grill, scheduled to open fall of 2016. No matter your taste, no matter your mood, you’ll love dining in Dodge City. www.visitdodgecity.org 1-800-OLD WEST www.visitdodgecity.org Venues for Events United Wireless Arena and Boot Hill Casino Conference Center a state of the art multi-purpose facility built for the community, hosting a variety of events, located adjacent to the Boot Hill Casino. The Conference Center features 7,000 square feet of flexible space, to accommodate a wide variety of meetings and events. (620) 371-7390 The Arena not only hosts concerts and a multitude types of entertainment productions and sporting events, it is also home to the Dodge City Law Arena Football Championship Indoor Football League’s hottest team, bringing hard-hitting, fast-paced, “so close you can FEEL it” action to Southwest Kansas, as well as a Junior Hockey League. (620) 371-7240 What would the Queen of the Cowtowns be without a quality outdoor arena? Dodge City Roundup Arena is host to rodeo and related events in a big way. The Annual Dodge City Roundup PRCA Rodeo is regularly voted number one by the cowboys themselves and that can’t happen without a great arena. Roundup Arena is home to the Kansas High School Rodeo in April, Little Britches Rodeo in May, Dodge City Days’ PRCA Wrangler Professional Rodeo in August and the Kansas Professional Rodeo Finals in September, as well as a number of roping and timed events throughout the summer and even an outdoor concert or two. (620) 225-2244 The Western State Bank Expo Center is home to the 3i Show, a premier Agri-business trade show as well as many other events. It’s a great facility capable of housing trade shows, equestrian events, farm & ranch shows, equipment and product demonstrations, indoor soccer, dog shows and more. With nearly 170,000 indoor square feet of both concrete (90,000 sf.) and dirt floors (76,500 sf.) and over 1,000,000 square feet of outdoor space equipped with electricity for displays this jewel of a facility is regularly busy with events you won’t want to miss. (620) 338-8284 The Dodge City Civic Center is one of the premiere arenas for Southwest Kansas. This arena hosts USD 443 events, as well as college basketball, 1-800-OLD WEST concerts and other community functions. The Arena hold 2,700 and additional floor seating, locker rooms, concessions and additioal site amenities. (620) 371-1001 Welcome to Legends Park, the premiere softball/baseball tournament location in western Kansas. Each year Legends is host to multiple events attracting hundreds of teams. If you’re looking for a place to bring your team, Legends Park has a lot to offer. With great sight lines, covered seating, huge dugouts, children’s playground, and more. Legends is a great place to play. (620) 225-8155 St. Mary’s Soccer Complex is a top notch soccer complex with great fields, expansive parking and multiple amenities all wrapped into an aesthetically appealing site. The complex features 6 full size game pads; 3 junior sized fields; parking for more than 500 cars; restrooms and concessions; a playground and other site amenities. (620) 225-8155 Located in Wright Park, the Hoover Pavilion is perfect for special events, meetings, and weddings. Seating capacity is up to 250 people with an elevated stage, available tables, and an on-site kitchen. Renovated to early Art Deco styling, the venue gives you a beautiful setting for your event. (620) 225-8160 Dodge City’s newest venue the Long Branch Lagoon Water Park gives a unique opportunity for corporate mixers and meetings. This one-of-a-kind facility will leave your attendees with a lasting memory of their time in Dodge City. DID YOU KNOW? Bat Masterson was elected Sheriff in January of 1878. Bat’s brother, Ed Masterson was shot and killed later that same year following an incident with two unruly cowboys in front of Peacock’s Saloon, south of the railroad tracks. www.visitdodgecity.org Hunting & Fishing Dodge City and Ford County offers outdoor enthusiasts a variety of hunting opportunities including pheasant, quail, deer, turkey and more. Exotic hunts specializing in exotic game from all over the world is also available in Dodge City. With welcoming guides, accommodating lodging hosts and acres of public land, Ford County is a hunter’s haven. If you’re not a hunter, join us on a family friendly photo adventure. Plan your outdoor adventure today and come experience our world-class hunting, beautiful vistas and old west hospitality. For information on season opening dates or other outfitters, please contact the Kansas Dept. of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism local office (620) 227-8609 or go to their website www.kdwpt.state.ks.us/ Horse Thief Reservoir located 20 miles north of Dodge City, where you can enjoy pleasure boating, water skiing, jet skiing, sail boating, windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing and stand up paddle boards. Fishing at this facility offers crappie, large mouth bass, catfish, walleye & bluegill. (620) 357-6240 www.horsethiefres.com 1-800-OLD WEST Recreation Dodge City boasts two of the best golf courses in the state of Kansas. Mariah Hills Golf Course, a public course, has about everything a golfer needs from a bright and spacious clubhouse to a professionally manicured 18-hole, par 71 course. Rolling bluegrass fairways and bent grass greens set against the native beauty of the high plains provide a fun yet challenging experience. (620) 225-8182 The Dodge City Country Club is a demanding 18-hole course that is excellent for all skill levels of golfer. The small greens are fast. The DC Country Club has a reciprocating guest policy. (620) 225-5231 Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities in one of our 19 parks, including picnic areas, shelters, ball parks, walking/bicycling trails, disc golf, a rose garden and more. If you’re looking for a place to be active during your stay in Dodge City, the Dodge City YMCA has daily fees to let you participate in one of their many activities. You can enjoy the indoor pool, gymnasium, weight and fitness room, or the aerobics facilities. The Y is ready to help you on your way to healthy living. (620) 225-8157 www.visitdodgecity.org Festivals & Events January Tournament of Champions Winter Expo Winter Concert Series SPIAAA Tournament February Depot Theater Productions Bridal Show Shrine Circus Dodge City Law Season Begins March Home & Leisure Show April Dodge City Raceway Park Season Begins Depot Theater Productions High School Rodeo May Cinco de Mayo Little Britches Rodeo Walking and Trolley Tours Farmers Market Opens June Boot Hill Museum Events Farmer’s Market Begins Walking & Trolley Tours Main Street Festival July Old Fashioned Fourth of July Events July 4th Boot Hill Museum Events National Day of the Cowboy 1-800-OLD WEST Walking & Trolley Tours Ford County Fair Dodge City Days - A World Class Western Celebration! A Fun Filled 10-Day Celebration, the second largest celebration in Kansas August PRCA Rodeo Cattle Drive Boot Hill Museum Events Walking & Trolley Tours September Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame Induction Octoberfest Kansas Pro Rodeo Finals October 3i Show Haunted Hotel Zombie Paintball Depot Theater Productions Downtown Fall Festival November Pheasant Season Begins Veterans Day Celebrations Ice Skating at United Wireless Arena Craft Bazaars Christmas Chili Fest & Parade of Lights December Ice Skating at United Wireless Arena Depot Theater Christmas Production Breakfast with Santa at Boot Hill Museum Christmas Celebrations For complete listing of yearly events contact: Dodge City Convention and Visitor’s Bureau at 620-225-8186 or www.visitdodgecity.org www.visitdodgecity.org Lodging Breakfast Included Restaurant On-Site Meeting Facilities Bel Air 2000 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd. 620-227-7155 Dodge House Hotel 2408 W. Wyatt Earp Blvd. 620-225-9900 Best Western North Edge Inn 404 W. Frontview 620-371-6441 Hampton Inn & Suites 4002 W. Comanche 620-225-0000 Best Western Plus Country Inn & Suites 506 North 14th 620-225-7378 Holiday Motel 2100 W. Wyatt Earp Blvd. 620-227-2169 Boot Hill Bed & Breakfast 603 W. Spruce St. 620-225-0111 Knights Inn 1612 W. Wyatt Earp Blvd. 620-371-7226 Comfort Suites 2700 W. Wyatt Earp Blvd. 620-801-4545 La Quinta Inn & Suites 2400 W. Wyatt Earp Blvd. 620-225-7373 Days Inn 1610 W. Wyatt Earp Blvd. 620-225-0231 Nendel Inn & Suites 2523 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd. 620-225-3000 Indoor Pool Outdoor Pool Fitness Facility Pets Allowed In-Room Hi-Speed Internet Wireless Internet 1-800-OLD WEST Full Utility Hookup Electric and Water Drinking Water Playground Restrooms Showers Quality Inn 2000 W. Wyatt Earp Blvd. 620-338-8700 Travelodge 1510 W. Wyatt Earp Blvd. 620-227-2125 Rodeway Inn 2200 W. Wyatt Earp Blvd. 620-227-8146 Wyatt Earp Inn 2110 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd. 620-225-2654 Super 8 1708 W. Wyatt Earp Blvd. 620-225-3924 Coming Soon – Holiday Inn Express Campgrounds Blue RV Park 2114 E Wyatt Earp Blvd. 620-255-8916 Stay Suites of America 2320 W. Wyatt Earp Blvd. 620-227-5000 Gunsmoke Campground 11070 108th Rd 620-227-8247 Thunderbird Motel 2300 W. Wyatt Earp Blvd. 620-225-4143 Watersports Campground 500 Cherry St. 620-225-8044 TownePlace Suites by Marriott 2800 W Wyatt Earp Blvd. 620-371-7171 Coming Soon! Dump Station Primative Campgrounds Swimming Beach Store www.visitdodgecity.org Fort Dodge RV Resort 701 Park Street 913-220-2652 1-800-OLD WEST