Best known as the setting of Gunsmoke, an old time western drama that featured on both radio and television, Dodge City is the county seat of Ford County in the state of Kansas and a city with an impressively large population of over 25,000 permanent residents. The city took its name from General Grenville M Dodge, a business man, railroad executive and Union army officer during the Civil War.
Gunsmoke was not the only medium by which the city earned itself a place in popular culture; in fact, the 1939 movie named Dodge City and starring Errol Flynn, did as much, if not more, to earn the destination a reputation. Its portrayal as a gunslinging town where danger lurked on ever corner was perhaps exaggerated, however, and certainly in no way reflects the welcoming ambiance and western hospitality that it presents today.
Dodge City offers the conveniences of a modern city while retaining the rich heritage that has contributed so greatly to its contemporary personality. Great restaurants, home-from-home visitor accommodations and traditional cattle-town charm are just some of the reasons to pay a visit to this famous Kansas destination.
Highlights
Boot Hill: the city’s main attraction is a re-creation of old Dodge City, complete with shops, residences and public service buildings, all of which are open to visitors.
Dodge City Rodeo: this authentic American rodeo has all the usual displays of cowboy skills including bull riding and roping, buckaroos and lasso displays.
Dodge City Raceway Park: among the largest dirt tracks in the US, the Dodge City Raceway Park is home to events such as the World of Outlaws, Late Model Shootout, National Sprint Tour and Midgets and Winged Sprints.
Dodge City Zoo: is also referred to as Wright Park Zoo and offers homes to a huge selection of indigenous and imported animals including buffalo, cougars, Siberian tigers, black bears, monkeys and longhorn cattle.
Gunfighters Wax Museum: somewhere along the lines of Madam Tussauds and offering wax replicas of famous western characters such as Wyatt Earp, Jesse James, Davey Crockett and Doc Holliday.