Hays, Kansas is a bustling city located between Denver, Colorado and Kansas City, Missouri right off Interstate 70. It is a place rich in history. Wild Bill Hickok served as sheriff here for several months in 1869 when Hays was considered part of the ‘Wild West.’ Hays was a violent place. Between 1867 and 1873 there were thirty homicides in the Hays area. Today it is a junction for travelers, college students, rural folks, and business.

There is a lot to do here. Aside from shopping, Hays has a lot to offer. Restaurants are plentiful in Hays, and new ones seem to appear every few months, as some older ones die out. This is one of my favorite things to do in Hays; dine out.
The college students bring with them their thirst for knowledge, truth, and beer and bring diversity and money to the area.

The downtown historical district is marked with placards, statues, and points of interest signs between the current saloons, shops, and diners. The Historical District, or Chestnut District, near Fort Hays State University is the most charming part of Hays. There are many ways for students to part with their cash on any given day. Walking the streets here while thinking about the history is daunting.

The Sternberg Museum of Natural History is just a short drive from downtown Hays, and is located right off Interstate 70. Dodge City is located about an hour south of Hays, another historically violent town rich in history.

Because of its central location, hundreds of roadside attractions can be reached from Hays’ boundaries, including the world’s largest ball of twine.

Hays appears to be a great place to raise a family; the schools are plentiful, there are hospitals and medical clinics, there are things to do, and despite the frigid winters and burning summers, the weather is nice most of the year. The people here aren’t as friendly as their rural counterparts, yet they still offer their midwestern charm and hospitality to strangers.

Hays has approximately 20,000 people and continues to grow. I believe there are opportunities in cities like this and hope to call it home in the next few years.

${QuickSuggestions} Before visiting Hays it might be good to do a little research on historical areas of interest, but for the most part the Hay's brochures can steer you to many. Although the original bodies in the original Boot Hill have been removed the small hill still stands. This small venture shouldn't be missed if visiting.${BestWay} No public transportation here, but if you are drunk or drinking, at a bar, and you need a ride, on certain evenings there is a free taxi service available. I suppose renting a car is a good option if you are a sober driver. There are several car rentals in town.
From journal Once Wild West