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Saddle up for a legendary road trip through the heart of Kansas’ Wild West on the Kansas Gunsmoke Trail—an unforgettable journey through Abilene, Hays, Dodge City, and Wichita. Each town is steeped in cowboy lore, frontier history, and Old West charm, with Abilene and Dodge City recently named among the Best True Western Towns to Visit.
Stop #1: Abilene – The town that tamed the West
Known as the first Cowtown of the West, Abilene was the endpoint of the Chisholm Trail where thousands of cattle were shipped east by rail. Today, its cowboy legacy lives on through immersive experiences and unique attractions:
- Old Abilene Town – Stroll the wooden boardwalk, catch a gunfight reenactment, and visit a working saloon from the 1800s.
- Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad – Ride a historic train and see the Kansas prairie from a pioneer’s perspective.
- World’s Largest Belt Buckle – Snap a photo with this oversized ode to cowboy culture.
- Dickinson County Heritage Center – Ride an original 1901 C.W. Parker Carousel and explore Abilene’s role in frontier history.
Before heading west, enjoy a hearty meal at a local steakhouse and soak in the town’s trailblazing spirit.
Stop #2: Hays – The wild frontier
Once home to legends like Buffalo Bill Cody and Wild Bill Hickok, Hays blends its gritty frontier past with modern-day vibrance.
- Fort Hays Historic Site – Visit the fort that once housed some of the West’s most famous scouts.
- Boot Hill Cemetery – Reflect on the stories of outlaws and settlers buried in this historic cemetery.
- Downtown Hays – A mix of breweries, western shops, and cowboy history creates a welcoming hub of frontier hospitality.
Stop #3: Dodge City – The wickedest town in the West
No Wild West journey is complete without Dodge City. Known for its lawless past, the town once needed legendary figures like Wyatt Earp to keep order.
- Boot Hill Museum – Walk the recreated streets of Dodge, catch a shootout, and enjoy an old-time saloon show.
- Dodge City Trail of Fame – Follow in the footsteps of real and Hollywood cowboys alike.
- Long Branch Saloon – Step into the same saloon where cowboys swapped stories after long cattle drives.
- Santa Fe Depot & Visitor Center – Learn how railroads helped shape the West in this beautifully restored depot.
Stop #4: Wichita – The cowboy crossroads
As a major cattle drive stop in the 1870s, Wichita earned its place in western history and continues to celebrate its heritage.
- Old Cowtown Museum – A living history town with costumed interpreters, original 1800s buildings, and live gunfights.
- Delano District – Once home to saloons and cattlemen, now a lively shopping and dining area with Wild West character.
- Keeper of the Plains – A striking riverside monument honoring the region’s Native American heritage.
- Sedgwick County Historical Museum – Explore Wichita’s transformation from lawless Cowtown to modern Kansas hub.
Hit the trail and relive the Old West
The Kansas Gunsmoke Trail invites travelers to walk the same dusty streets as legends like Hickok, Earp, and Cody. Whether you’re a history buff, western movie fan, or a traveler looking for something new, this trail is your ticket to the past.
Plan your own adventure along the Kansas Gunsmoke Trail at KansasGunsmokeTrail.com and discover the Best True Western Towns in America.