Western Kansas: Saddle Up to Experience Where Wyatt Earp Became Famous

Wyatt Earp was in Dodge City before Tombstone. And the Dalton Gang called it home once. Western Kansas is the place to be this summer, with several exciting events, festivals, and attractions to captivate your family. There’s something for everyone, young and old, and in between. Whether you’re a history buff, looking for natural scenic beauty, or wanting to satisfy your sense of adventure – Western Kansas has it all.

Dodge City Days

Running from July 26th through August 4th, the 64th annual Dodge City Days commemorates the hardworking individuals who’ve contributed to the town’s rich history and culture. From the pioneers who settled in famous Dodge City and built its community from the ground up -- to the cowboys and cowgirls who herded cattle through its streets – to the farmers who sew and plow the world’s commodities. There’s also a PRCA rodeo event, the Dodge City Roundup Rodeo, featuring Xtreme bull riding, bronc riding, barrel racing, calf roping, and something for the youngsters, too, with Mutton Bustin and a high school rodeo.

Join the Treasure Hunt in Southwest Kansas

Your wild west adventure starts here. Experience Southwest Kansas and its 22 counties to find the hidden treasures in our Treasure Hunt. If you’re one of the top three-point leaders, you’ll win!

Final Friday

Until the end of the year, every Friday is Final Friday in Dodge City, where the downtown comes alive with the best visual, performing, and culinary arts in western Kansas.

Celebrating Parks and Recreation Month

July is Parks and Recreation Month, which is a perfect time to enjoy the outdoors and all that Western Kansas offers. Parks and recreation play a significant role in our community and provide residents with an amenity that enhances their quality of life. It’s a welcome benefit for families looking to find a comfortable place to live. In addition, parks and recreation can drive economic growth. When people visit our community to play in the parks, participate in tournaments, or use our recreational facilities, they typically spend money on local restaurants, fill up their vehicles, and shop. It’s a win-win situation that benefits them and local businesses.

Attractions that Say "You're Not Anywhere but Western Kansas Anymore”

There’s a wealth of beauty and fun to experience in the western part of our state. Here are some things you need to add to your bucket list:

• Dalton Kansas Hideout and Museum, where you can learn about the infamous Dalton Gang.
• Boot Hill Museum, where you can travel back in time to the Old West across a wooden boardwalk, enjoy a delicious country-style dinner, and peruse the impressive 60,000 artifacts housed within the museum.
• Dorothy’s House and the Land of Oz, a museum in Liberal, Kansas, celebrates the famous Wizard of Oz with an immersive experience that combines a colorful recreation of the film with stories of actual life on a 1900s farmhouse.
• Mid-America Air Museum, one of the largest aircraft museums in the country, is in Liberal, Kansas.
• Santa Fe Trail Tracks, where you can see marks left behind by all the wagons that made their way west long ago.
• Wheat Jesus Billboard is a fun billboard and one of the most photographed attractions in the state.
• Cooper Barn, thought to be the largest barn in the state and one of the finest show cattle barns ever made.
• Castle Rock, just southwest of WaKeeney, is a beautiful rock that sticks up from the ground within the backdrop of the surrounding badlands.
• Sandsage Bison Range is the perfect place to get close to these majestic animals.
• Parrot Cove Indoor Water Park in Garden City, is the perfect place to get out of the sun while having fun.
• Arikaree Breaks is the most remarkable natural Western Kansas attraction, featuring a vista of hills and valleys.
• Kearney County Museum is full of history, featuring the Great White House, with artifacts from the early 1900s.

Giving People a Reason to Visit Western Kansas and Stay

Kyla Keller, Western Kansas Rural Economic Development Alliance (WKREDA), notes that “it’s community events like Dodge City Days, which combine history and fun that draw people to the area, and the clean air and wide-open spaces.”

She points out that Western Kansas communities tend to have a sense of community and friendliness that makes you feel like you belong. “People genuinely care about their neighbors and often gather for cookouts, block parties, and community events, creating a strong sense of connection and belonging.”

Another aspect that makes Western Kansas special is that many local businesses are family-owned and operated, and the owners take pride in knowing their customers. “You’ll likely be greeted by name at your favorite coffee shop or hardware store. It’s a personal touch that makes you feel welcome.”

Western Kansas is an incredible place to live, work and start a business. At WKREDA, we focus on issues that affect the economic vitality of our 55 communities. Our committees work on solving problems that impact the daily lives of Kansas residents, which includes providing support to local businesses. To learn more, visit https://www.wkreda.com.