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Follow the "Gunsmoke Trail" Through Kansas!
By Dodge City CVB on May 10, 2023
Howdy, partners, and welcome to the Gunsmoke Trail! This road trip visits four cities in Kansas that had a role in Gunsmoke, the Emmy award-winning primetime Western that entertained audiences for 20 years.
The show still runs on select networks, with iconic characters telling the story of frontier life in the Old West. Several present-day cities in Kansas play a part in the show’s storylines, including Wichita, Abilene, Hays City (now Hays), and of course, Dodge City.
Each community has opportunities to look back on the region’s Wild West days which are accessible and fun for all ages. For fans who want to experience the cities that inspired the show, we invite you to explore the Gunsmoke Trail.
"Gunsmoke" is a television western drama series based in and around Dodge City, Kansas, during the settlement of the American West. "Gunsmoke" is the longest-running western in television history, originally running from 1955 to 1975 totaling 635 episodes. It was the most-watched show from 1957 to 1961. Each episode follows the life of Marshal Matt Dillon as he attempts to keep peace in and around the city.
In The News
Ever since we earned the moniker "Wickedest Little City in the West" Dodge City has known how to make headlines. Check out some of the fabulous stories about our historic town!
- Dodge City the Best Summer Vacation Destination in Kansas by Trips to Discover (2023)
- Boot Hill Museum a Top 15 Attraction in Kansas by Tripadvisor (2023)
- Dodge City a Small Town to Discover in the Heartland by The Getaway (2023)
- Dodge City One of 10 Small Towns That Feel Like the Wild West by Best Life (2022)
- Dodge City a Top 10 True Western Town by True West Magazine (2022)
- Dodge City One of the Top 20 Things to Do in Kansas by Midwest Living Magazine (2022)
- Dodge City Named the Most Charming Small Town in Kansas by Trips to Discover (2022)
- Dodge City Days Ranked One of Summer's Best Wild West Festivals by Thrillist (2022)
- Dodge City's Depot Theater Ranked One of Kansas' 10 Best Live Theater Venues by Best Things in Kansas (2022)
- Dodge City Ranked One of the 13 Picture Perfect Christmas Towns in Kansas by Only In Your State (2021)
Dodge City Hosts Ribbon Cutting for New Murals
By Dodge City CVB on May 5, 2023
On Monday, May 8 beginning at 3:30 p.m. the City of Dodge City will host a ribbon cutting ceremony for the three new murals installed in the Historic Downtown District. The event will begin at 609 N. 2nd Ave. on the north side of the West Coast Plaza (facing the former First National Bank Building) with remarks and a ribbon cutting performed by the Dodge City Area Chamber of Commerce.
Dodge City Named Best Summer Vacation Destination in Kansas
By Dodge City CVB on April 27, 2023
Dodge City’s unique blend of historic charm and world-class community festival helped Trips to Discover name us the Best Summer Vacation Destination in Kansas. In her article “The Best Summer Vacation Destination in Every State,” Trips to Discover travel writer K.C. Dermody cited the opportunity to watch gunfights at high noon, grab a drink in a real saloon, and attend a top-notch 10-day community festival as reasons that Dodge City tops her list in the state of Kansas.
Wild West Country Launches 2023 Museum Passport
By Dodge City CVB on March 14, 2023
Yeehaw! Get ready for some serious fun in Southwest Kansas because the Wild West Country (WWC) Tourism Coalition just launched the 2023 Museum Passport, and it's bigger and better than ever. With a whopping 36 museums, art centers, and information centers spread across 22 counties, you'll have plenty of reasons to explore and discover the hidden gems of Southwest Kansas.
Dodge City CVB Announces Rooster Roundup Winner
By Dodge City CVB on February 24, 2023
The Dodge City Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) hosts two annual pheasant hunting contests. The Bounty Bird, exclusive to Ford County, and the Rooster Roundup in conjunction with seven surrounding counties concluded on January 31, 2023. This year’s pheasant season in Dodge City drew hunters from all over the country with the furthest traveled from South Carolina. The lucky winner of the Dodge City/Ford County Rooster Roundup, Garrett Tann of Shawnee KS, won the grand prize of $500 in Dodge City Chamber Bucks.
Colorful Murals to Brighten Downtown Dodge City
By Dodge City CVB on February 13, 2023
Dodge City was selected to receive a Community Challenge Grant from AARP Livable Communities and AARP Kansas to create murals in our historic downtown. The Dodge City Public Art Advisory Committee (PAAC) is proud to announce that the project is nearing completion.
Dodge City Again Honored as Top True Western Town
By Dodge City CVB on January 26, 2023
Dodge City stands as an icon of the American west. It has been called home by some of the most legendary lawmen and outlaws. That pedigree resulted in one the most beloved western television programs in history, Gunsmoke, being set in Dodge City. That remarkable history has been kept alive, giving visitors a glimpse of what life was really like in the West. That is one of the reasons Dodge City is honored as #5 among True West Magazine’s 2023 Top Western Towns.
Dodge City CVB Celebrates National Plan for Vacation Day
By Dodge City CVB on January 23, 2023
On January 31, 2023, the Dodge City Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) will be holding a drawing to celebrate National Plan for Vacation Day (NPVD), where one lucky winner will receive a night's stay for two in Dodge City. The winner will also receive tickets for area attractions and a Dodge City welcome basket.
Planning Your Vacation to Dodge City
By Dodge City CVB on January 9, 2023
If you're planning a vacation to Dodge City, Kansas, you're in for an experience you won't soon forget! This historic town, once known as the "Cowboy Capital of the World," offers a unique blend of Old West charm and modern amenities.
2022 Light Up Dodge City Winners Announced
By Dodge City CVB on December 21, 2022
The sixth annual Light Up Dodge City Holiday Lights Contest ended on Tuesday night, with judges selecting Jared Stevens, 1902 La Mesa. as the first-place winner. The contest, hosted by the Dodge City Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), the Dodge City Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Dodge City Daily Globe, is a popular holiday tradition that rewards homeowners for their creativity and originality in holiday decorations.
9 Things to Do During Christmas in Dodge City
By Dodge City CVB on December 1, 2022
9. Explore the Arts
Dodge City’s community art walk, Final Friday, moves to the first Friday in December (Dec. 2) and becomes Frosty Friday. Patrons can expect the same inspiring art, refreshments, and sales, with most having a holiday twist.
Christmas in Dodge City Kicks Off with the Parade of Lights
By Dodge City CVB on November 30, 2022
The air was buzzing with excitement when hundreds of people gathered in downtown Dodge City for the annual Parade of Lights and Chili Cook Off on Monday, Nov. 28. This year’s festivities included chili sampling and cinnamon rolls, hot chocolate from the Salvation Army, Main Street Dodge City’s Santa House, the Q97 Snowball Drop, prize giveaways, performances from the DCHS Madrigals, the lighting of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree, and concluded with the Parade of Lights.
Registration for Annual Light Up Contests Begin
By Dodge City CVB on November 16, 2022
Citizens of Dodge City and Ford County have a shot at winning generous prizes when they enter one of the annual Light Up Contests. Contestants have until noon on Monday, Dec. 12, to register for the Light Up Dodge City contest and until noon on Monday, Dec. 26, to register for the Light Up Ford County contest.
Lighting Wright Park for the Holidays
By Dodge City CVB on November 7, 2022
Every year businesses, organizations, and individuals turn Dodge City’s Wright Park into a feast for the eyes when they decorate trees throughout the park. Registration for the annual Light Up Wright Park event has already begun, and participants have until November 20 to claim their tree. The tree deemed best decorated will earn the winner $100 in Chamber Bucks.
Industry Recognizes Excellence in Kansas Tourism Marketing
By Dodge City CVB on October 25, 2022
The Travel Industry Association of Kansas (TIAK) announced last week the winners of this year’s Marketing Awards during the 2022 Kansas Tourism Conference in Wichita. Dodge City was among the winners announced during the Kansas Tourism Dinner and Marketing Awards Banquet.