Fort Hays Old West Town Hays Kansas
Step into the Wild West with a hearty Chuckwagon dinner, a lively variety show, and a historic town to explore.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
For the Chuckwagon dinner & show
Fort Hays Old West Town Hays Kansas
Best Time
For the Chuckwagon dinner & show
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into the Wild West with a hearty Chuckwagon dinner, a lively variety show, and a historic town to explore.
"An awesome way to end our trip! Food was delicious, musicians top-notch and entertaining."
📞 Call Ahead for Closing Dates
Season end dates are flexible. Call to confirm when they close for the year, especially in fall.
⏰ Arrive Early for Rides
Get to the park early to enjoy the buffalo shoot coaster and other rides before the Chuckwagon show.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Chuckwagon Supper & Show
Enjoy a hearty cowboy meal served efficiently, followed by a talented musical variety show. A memorable end to any trip!
Historic Buildings Tour
Various locations within the town
Step back in time exploring authentic buildings, including Lt. Dunbar's office. Informative guides share fascinating backstories.
Buffalo Shoot Roller Coaster
Amusement area
A surprisingly fun and thrilling ride that's a hit with all generations. Go early to fit in rides before the show.
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Planning Your Visit
Chuckwagon Dinner & Show Timing
Explore Beyond the Show
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📞 Call Ahead for Closing Dates
Season end dates are flexible. Call to confirm when they close for the year, especially in fall.
⏰ Arrive Early for Rides
Get to the park early to enjoy the buffalo shoot coaster and other rides before the Chuckwagon show.
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Plenty of spots for great photos, including the coffin and historic buildings.
🎶 Enjoy the Live Music
The musicians are incredibly talented and entertaining, with fun sing-alongs for all ages.
Chuckwagon dinner
Tips
from all over the internet
📞 Call Ahead for Closing Dates
Season end dates are flexible. Call to confirm when they close for the year, especially in fall.
⏰ Arrive Early for Rides
Get to the park early to enjoy the buffalo shoot coaster and other rides before the Chuckwagon show.
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Plenty of spots for great photos, including the coffin and historic buildings.
🎶 Enjoy the Live Music
The musicians are incredibly talented and entertaining, with fun sing-alongs for all ages.
💰 Great Value Meal & Show
The $40 price for dinner and a show is considered very reasonable by visitors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Fort Hays Old West Town for its enjoyable Chuckwagon dinner and highly entertaining variety show, noting the delicious food and talented musicians. The historic town exploration and the surprisingly fun buffalo shoot coaster are also significant draws for families and all age groups.
"This was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The food is fantastic and we loved being served cowboy style. The show afterwards is fantastic. Great musicians and entertainers. Our group had a great time! 100% recommended."
Debbie Schwind
"We didn't make it to a Chuck wagon dinner but enjoyed the buildings around Fort Hays. The office where Lt Dunbar gets his orders for Ft Hays is so cool to see. Lots of places on the grounds to take pictures (try the coffin). The buffalo shoot coaster is more fun than it looks! That thing books!"
T L
"We did the Chuckwagon supper and show. What an awesome way to end our trip! They efficiently serve a large crowd in a friendly manner. Food was delicious; we particularly liked the chunky applesauce. The musicians were top notch - super talented and entertaining. We brought our 10 and 12 year olds and they enjoyed the sing alongs. At $40 per person for dinner and a show, we found the price to be quite reasonable. Thanks for a fun time! ~ Erica and Roy from NJ"
Roy Heinrichs
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Fort Hays Old West Town is located in Hays, Kansas. Visitors typically drive to the location. Check local maps or GPS for the most direct route from your starting point.
Yes, ample parking is usually available for visitors. It's recommended to arrive early, especially if attending the Chuckwagon dinner and show, to secure a good spot.
Absolutely! Many visitors enjoy Fort Hays Old West Town as a day trip, exploring the historic buildings and enjoying the rides before heading to the evening show.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Hours can vary, especially for the Chuckwagon dinner and show. It's best to check their official website or call ahead for the most up-to-date operating hours.
Admission typically includes access to the town and rides, with an additional cost for the Chuckwagon dinner and show. The dinner and show combo is often around $40 per person.
While not always mandatory, booking Chuckwagon dinner tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season or holidays, to ensure availability.
The closing date for the season is not fixed and can depend on business. It's advised to call and inquire about their anticipated closing date, as they may stay open longer if busy.
Information on discounts can vary. It's a good idea to check their website or contact them directly to inquire about any available group rates, military discounts, or special promotions.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore a variety of historic buildings, including Lt. Dunbar's office, take photos at designated spots, and enjoy rides like the buffalo shoot coaster.
Yes, families with children of all ages enjoy Fort Hays. Kids love the rides, and the Chuckwagon show often includes sing-alongs that are fun for everyone.
The show is a Wild West-themed variety show featuring talented musicians and entertainers, often including sing-alongs and engaging performances.
Yes, guided tours are available and highly recommended. Guides like Dan are very informative and share interesting backstories of the town and its history.
There are numerous great spots for photos, from the historic buildings to unique props like the coffin. It's a photographer's delight!
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Chuckwagon dinner features hearty, meat-and-potato style meals served cowboy-style. Visitors particularly enjoyed the chunky applesauce.
Reviews consistently praise the food as delicious and the service as efficient and friendly, even when serving large crowds.
It's best to contact Fort Hays Old West Town directly in advance to inquire about vegetarian or other special dietary accommodations for the Chuckwagon dinner.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture memories at the historic buildings, the unique coffin prop, and the general Old West atmosphere. The buffalo shoot coaster also makes for fun action shots.
Generally, photography is allowed in most areas, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific signage or ask staff if you're unsure about photographing inside certain buildings.
Late afternoon and early evening, before and during the Chuckwagon show, can offer beautiful lighting. Daytime is great for exploring and capturing details of the town.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Chuckwagon Experience: More Than Just a Meal
Following the meal, guests are treated to a Wild West-themed variety show. This isn't just background music; the musicians are described as top-notch, super talented, and entertaining. The show often includes engaging sing-alongs that are a hit with both children and adults, making it a memorable way to cap off the evening.
At around $40 per person for both dinner and the show, many visitors find it to be a reasonable price for the value received, making it a highly recommended activity for families and groups.
Stepping Back in Time: Exploring the Historic Town
Guided tours are highly recommended, with guides like Dan providing informative narratives and backstories that bring the history of each location to life. This adds a significant layer of depth to the visit, transforming a simple walk-through into an educational journey.
The town also provides ample opportunities for photography, with unique props and authentic settings that capture the essence of the Old West. From the general store to the jail, each corner offers a potential snapshot of history.
Family Fun: Rides and Entertainment for All Ages
To make the most of the rides, it's advised to arrive early, allowing ample time to enjoy them before the Chuckwagon dinner and show commence. This strategy ensures that everyone gets a chance to experience the thrills before settling in for the evening's entertainment.
The Chuckwagon show itself is also family-friendly, with engaging musical performances and sing-alongs that appeal to a wide age range, ensuring that the fun continues long after the sun sets.
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