It’s not called the “Wildest of the West” for no reason. This season, Dodge City, Kan., is getting a whole lot wilder as the city wraps up its 150th anniversary with a bang!

Dodge City’s signature anniversary event, Dodge City Days, is a 10-day celebration paying homage to the Queen of the Cowtowns. If you’ve been meaning to get the heck into Dodge, this is the year to do it.

Dodge City Days starts July 28 with the St. Catherine Hospital kickoff party at Boot Hill Distillery. From there, it’s 10 days of celebrations, events, and a whole lot of Dodge City fun. The schedule of events includes the Final Friday ArtWalk; 20th Annual Bull Fry & Bash; Bull Riding; Central Station Street Dance; Dodge City Days Western Parade; and the most authentic Dodge experience, the Dodge City Round Up Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) Rodeo. For a full list of events, visit dodgecitydays.org/schedule.

Boot Hill Museum

A visit to Dodge City isn’t complete without a visit to Boot Hill Museum, which happens to be celebrating its 75th anniversary this year (I know, one more reason to party). The museum underwent an expansion and renovation in 2020 and features interactive exhibits to explain Dodge City’s history and how it became the Wildest of the West. From full shot glasses waiting for a hand to a bison stampede and an aerial train choo-chooing overhead, this museum has surprises waiting for you around each corner. The “Deputy Pass” gets you access to the entire museum and buildings on the complex, and is available throughout the year.

I highly recommend the “Marshal Pass”; it’s available Memorial Day to Labor Day and includes tickets to the Gun Fight, Country Style Dinner and the Long Branch Saloon Variety Show. Reservations are encouraged for the Marshal Pass. 

After you finish exploring the inside exhibits, take those walkin’ boots outside to the original site of Boot Hill Cemetery.  You can learn about the unfortunate souls that lost their lives in historic Dodge giving an honest glimpse to death in the West. What the grave markers omit, the historical plaques throughout cleverly explain how these pioneers met their fate, such as, “A buffalo hunter named McGill amused himself by shooting into every house he passed. He won’t pass this way again.”

You’ll get to stroll the boardwalk and experience life from a long time gone. Things can get rowdy, so be prepared for a famous gunfight reenactment as rowdy cowboys stir up things with the local law. You get an up-close seat to all the action on historic Front Street. Before you leave, don’t forget to shop around the gift shop. After my visit, I’m the proud new owner of a classic cowgirl hat and colorful poncho, just in time for festival season!

Explore Dodge City

Other must-see attractions in town are the Carnegie Center for the Arts, Dodge City Raceway Park, Dodge City Trail of Fame, and Long Branch Lagoon Water Park, to name a few. Plan your Dodge City itinerary by going to travelks.com/places-to-visit/cities/dodge-city.

For 150 years, Dodge City has captured our hearts and fueled our adventurous spirits. From big Hollywood films to stories shared over generations, Dodge City’s largest-than-life persona has always been grounded by unapologetic authenticity. The Dodge City experience salutes the history-makers, the groundbreakers, and — in true fashion — the drink shakers. Cheers!

Sharples-Terry is public relations and communications manager for Kansas Tourism. Kansas Tourism aims to inspire travel to and throughout Kansas to maximize the positive impacts that tourism has on the state and local communities. For more trip inspiration and to order a free Kansas Travel Guide, head to travelks.com.