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Dodge City, Kansas

Tracks of the original wagon trail used by pioneers from 1821 to 1872 are located nine miles west of town. This site, listed on the National Register of Historic Sites, contains the largest continuous stretch of clearly defined tracks along the entire route of the trail.

The ruts, formed by constant use from freight wagons and other heavily laden wagons, are deep swales that are still visible today. The Santa Fe Trail varied in width from a mile in some places to just a few feet in others. The westward expansion of the railroad replaced the well worn earth tracks with steel rails.

Also contained on the site are remnants of the Eureka Irrigating Canal, known also as the "Soule Ditch", which was begun in 1883 by Asa T. Soule. The canal was intended to divert water from the Arkansas River at what is now Ingalls, KS, 96 miles across gray and Ford counties, to Coon Creek in Edwards County. The canal reached Spearville in 1888, but the project failed when similar irrigation projects upstream and a prolonged drought during these years lowered the river's bed

The Kansas Highway Department has provided a turnout and parking area for easy access and visitors may walk to the site of the parallel tracks.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Mueller-Schmidt House Museum

Built in 1881, the Mueller-Schmidt House is the oldest Dodge City house still standing on its original site, and remains Ford County's "Home of Stone," A Cattleman's Mansion. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it was built with 21

Dodge City, KS Museums

Dodge City Trolley

Learn Dodge City's history and folklore on a narrated tour of sites where history was made. Visit original locations of the Longbranch Saloon, Gospel Hill, the "deadline" and Front Street where "shoot outs" occurred in the early days of Dodge City. Tour Fort Dodge and see the Fort's 1860

Dodge City, KS Tours

Coronado Cross

The Coronado Cross stands 38' tall, marking the spot where Francisco Vasques de Coronado, a Spanish explorer, is said to have crossed the Arkansas River in search of the fabled "Cities of Gold" in 1541. When he arrived on June 29, 1541

Dodge City, KS Monuments

Carnegie Center For The Arts

Listed on the National Register of Historic Sites, the center features a variety of art exhibits. The building is a former Carnegie Library constructed in 1907. Rounded architectural features create one of the more unique of Carnegies'

Dodge City, KS Arts

Boot Hill Museum And Front Street

Boot Hill Museum is an accredited western history village museum located on the original site of Boot Hill Cemetery in downtown Dodge City. Life in the 19th century is interpreted through audio-visual programs, exhibits, a reconstruction of Dodge City in 1876 and old west restorations.

Dodge City, KS Museums

Things to do near Dodge City, KS

Meade Lake Hunting

While small, the 360-acre wildlife area offers good opportunities for dove and quail hunters. Deer, turkey, rabbit and some w...

Recreation

Hunting is a popular sport in the Satanta area. Pheasant are plentiful in area fields and bring hunters from far distances to...