Home of Stone (Mueller-Schmidt House)
Dodge City's only native limestone house from 1881, offering an authentic glimpse into pioneer life with period antiques.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for guided history
Home of Stone (Mueller-Schmidt House)
Best Time
Best for guided history
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dodge City's only native limestone house from 1881, offering an authentic glimpse into pioneer life with period antiques.
"A must-stop to learn the history of the house and the families who lived there."
Donation Basis
Entry is donation-based, so consider contributing to preserve this historic gem. :moneybag:
Walk the Grounds
Even if tours are closed, the exterior and grounds offer a great photo opportunity and historical context. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Limestone Structure
Exterior
Marvel at the only native limestone house in Dodge City, a testament to 1880s craftsmanship and durability.
Period Antiques
Interior
Explore rooms filled with authentic furnishings, offering a vivid glimpse into pioneer family life.
Owner's Bronze Statue
Grounds
Admire the well-crafted bronze statue of the original owner, a tribute to the home's first resident.
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Planning Your Visit
A Glimpse into the Old West
Timing Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Donation Basis
Entry is donation-based, so consider contributing to preserve this historic gem. :moneybag:
Walk the Grounds
Even if tours are closed, the exterior and grounds offer a great photo opportunity and historical context. :camerawithflash:
Things to do in Liberal/Garden City/Dodge City areas
I’m trying to make a tour guide for a project and I would love to know every little nook and cranny of our state so drop them in the comments please!!!!
Friendly Staff
The knowledgeable and personable staff make the visit extra special. Ask them questions! :speech_balloon:
Unroped Rooms
Enjoy walking through the rooms without ropes, offering an immersive historical experience. :housewithgarden:
Anything worth seeing between Denver and OKC?
Tips
from all over the internet
Donation Basis
Entry is donation-based, so consider contributing to preserve this historic gem. :moneybag:
Walk the Grounds
Even if tours are closed, the exterior and grounds offer a great photo opportunity and historical context. :camerawithflash:
Friendly Staff
The knowledgeable and personable staff make the visit extra special. Ask them questions! :speech_balloon:
Unroped Rooms
Enjoy walking through the rooms without ropes, offering an immersive historical experience. :housewithgarden:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Home of Stone for its authentic preservation and the engaging, knowledgeable staff. The unique limestone architecture and the immersive experience of walking through unroped rooms are frequently highlighted as positives. Some visitors noted arriving too late for tours but still found value in exploring the grounds.
"This home is the only original home in Dadge City. It was built to last and nearly all the furnishings are original. Definitely worth viewing both inside and out. The bronze statue of the original owner is well crafted. There is no charge to visit this property, it is on a donation basis."
Marilyn Masaitis
"We arrived too late to take a tour but walked the grounds and took a few photos. The story behind the house and its owners was pretty interesting.
Built in 1881 of native stone, it was the only house in the area. The owner was a German emigrant bootmaker who had served in the Union Army. He did well for a few years until a blizzard wiped out his cattle ranch. His daughter sold it to the Schmidt family who lived there until the 1960s.
Neat statue of Bat Masterson on the front lawn but I don't know of any connection between the house and the man who at one time was the Marshal here in Dodge City."
Jeff Schmidt
"I really loved this. You could walk around the rooms, it wasn’t roped off like a lot of other places. The two ladies there were very friendly and informative. It was fun to learn the history of the house and the families who lived there."
Jennifer Hernandez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Home of Stone (Mueller-Schmidt House) is located in Dodge City, Kansas. While specific public transport details are scarce, it's generally accessible by car. If you're concerned about safety in Dodge City, some Reddit users suggest sticking to well-trafficked areas and reputable hotels.
Information on dedicated parking is limited, but visitors typically find street parking nearby. It's advisable to check for any local parking restrictions before arriving.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no charge to visit the Home of Stone. Entry is on a donation basis, so visitors are encouraged to contribute what they can to support its preservation.
Opening hours can vary, and it's recommended to check local listings or contact the museum directly for the most up-to-date tour times. Some visitors have arrived too late for tours but still enjoyed walking the grounds.
Yes, you can walk the grounds and admire the exterior even if you miss a guided tour. The house itself is also described as not being roped off, allowing for a more immersive experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find period antiques and furnishings that offer a glimpse into how pioneer families lived in the 1880s. The house itself is the only original native limestone residence in Dodge City.
While the historic nature of the house might present some accessibility challenges, walking the grounds is generally easy. Specific interior accessibility details would need to be confirmed with the site.
Built in 1881 by a German emigrant bootmaker, it was the finest house in Dodge City. It later became home to the Schmidt family until the 1960s.
One review mentions a Bat Masterson statue on the front lawn, though notes no known direct connection between the house and Bat Masterson himself.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior of the native limestone house provides a striking backdrop. The bronze statue of the owner is also a good subject. Capturing the unique architecture and historical ambiance is key.
Photography inside historic homes is often permitted for personal use, but it's best to confirm with the staff on-site. The immersive experience of walking through unroped rooms makes it a great place for interior shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a good idea to check tour times in advance to make the most of your visit. The friendly staff are often happy to share stories that can be simplified for younger audiences. Consider it a chance for kids to see a different kind of 'house' than they're used to, sparking curiosity about history.
💰 Budget Travelers
Even if you can't take a full tour, walking the grounds and admiring the exterior architecture is free and still offers a glimpse into the past. It's a great way to add a historical dimension to your trip without significant expense.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architecture and History of the Home of Stone
After facing financial hardship due to a blizzard that impacted his cattle ranch, the original owner's daughter sold the property. It was then acquired by the Schmidt family, who resided there for many decades, until the 1960s. This long tenure by one family contributed to the preservation of its historical integrity and the collection of period furnishings found within. The house's robust construction, using local limestone, has allowed it to endure for over a century, offering visitors a tangible connection to the past.
Visitors often remark on the authenticity of the home, noting that many of the furnishings are original or period-appropriate. Unlike some historical sites, the rooms are often described as being accessible without being roped off, allowing for a more intimate exploration of how life was lived. The friendly and knowledgeable staff further enhance the experience, sharing fascinating stories about the house and its inhabitants.
Experiencing the Home of Stone: Visitor Insights
The ability to walk through the rooms without restrictive barriers is a frequently mentioned positive aspect. This allows visitors to get a real feel for the space and imagine life in the late 19th century. The presence of period antiques further enhances this immersive experience, providing a vivid contrast to modern living.
While the primary attraction is the house itself, the grounds also offer points of interest, including a bronze statue of the original owner. Even if a formal tour isn't possible, exploring the exterior and appreciating the unique limestone architecture is a worthwhile activity. The donation-based entry also makes it an accessible attraction for most visitors.
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