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Location
Best time
Visit on a mild weather day if possible. Multiple reviews mention the exposed plains location creates extremely high wind and cold conditions, which can cut visits short. Spring or fall may be more comfortable than winter for the outdoor walking experience.
Visitor tip
Engage with the knowledgeable staff and volunteers - they provide exceptional insights about the fort's history and can share personal connections to historical figures. Don't hesitate to ask questions for a richer educational experience.
Visitor tip
The barracks are a must-see highlight featuring uniformed mannequins that provide audio narration about soldier roles, plus original solitary confinement cells. This interactive element appeals to all ages and brings the history to life.
About Fort Hays State Historic Site
Buffalo Soldiers heritage site. Historic fort known for its association with the African-American Buffalo Soldiers regiment.
Quick Facts
- Type
- State Historic Site
- Founded
- 1865
- Location
- Four miles south of Hays on Highway 183 Alternate
- Hours
- Wed-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 1-5pm
- Highlights
- Buffalo Soldiers history, Custer memorabilia, historic fort artifacts
What visitors say
The visitor's center was clean and the man there was very nice and informative. Being able to look at and read the history at your own pace was nice. We went in to the two homes and it was interesting seeing the difference in them…
Stopped in to break up a long drive day and this little gem did not disappoint. Informative plaques, all the buildings were open and set up, there were even some interactive properties. Very worth the stop.
This was an unexpected experience. If you love history, it is a must see. Custor lived there when he was a young officer. It is very well preserved although most of tge buildings are gone and much of the land has been turned into a…
From 267 Google reviews Read all reviews
Did You Know?
- Fort Hays features a dumbbell forged by the fort's blacksmith that belonged to General George Custer, representing a unique artifact connecting everyday military life to one of America's most famous (and controversial) military figures
- The site preserves some of the original buildings from the historic Fort Hays, maintained in excellent condition despite most fort structures being gone and portions of the original land converted to a golf course
- Fort Hays State Historic Site focuses on Buffalo Soldiers heritage, specifically the African-American regiments who served at the fort, with exhibits and interactive displays depicting soldier life, barracks conditions, and solitary confinement cells
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