Ellis County, KS
Welcome to Ellis County.
Our county is made up of communities with a rich pioneer heritage and a vision for a promising future. Ellis County serves as a regional hub for Northwest Kansas in providing financial, medical, educational, and professional services. In addition, our strong oil and agricultural production profiles Ellis County as a leader in these fields.
Explore Ellis County
Volga-German House
Located on the grounds of the Ellis County Historical Museum is a replica of a Volga German house furnished with authentic household items used by the Volga German settlers. The first homes built by our early settlers were constructed of sod. Typically the homes were 28 feet long and 16
Hays, KS MuseumsFrontier Park
The area that surrounds Big Creek on the southwest edge of Hays at one time was part of the original Fort Hays U.S. Military Post. After the Fort was closed on November 8, 1889, this land became available and on March 28, 1900
Hays, KS Outdoor RecreationHistoric Iron Crosses
Numerous iron cross grave markers are located in the cemeteries throughout Ellis County near the outskirts of the communities. The St. Fidelis Cemetery north of Victoria attracts many visitors because of the unusual iron crosses. Out of town visitors on their way to see the magnificent “
Hays, KS Historic CemeteriesKS Merci Boxcar Museum & Veterans Memorial Park
Kansas Merci Boxcar Museum & Veterans Memorial Park At the close of World War II the French nation was devastated. Reconstruction was a slow process. Farmlands had been ravished. War-damaged factories had to be rebuilt and retooled before industry could begin the production of civilian goods. By 19
Hays, KS MuseumsVolga-German Heritage
Volga German settlers began arriving in Ellis County in the mid-1870'
Hays, KS Ethnic HeritageWalker Air Base Display
The model of the Walker Army Airfield that is on display at Forsyth Library on the campus of Fort Hays State University was completed in October 2000 by Fort Hays State University student Steve Arthur. The Walker Army Airfield was located in Ellis County, about 2 and 1/2
Hays, KS Historic AirfieldsPlymouth Stone Schoolhouse
When the Germans settled on the Kansas high plains over a century ago, after homesteading their farm and establishing a church, the next priority was to build a schoolhouse. This schoolhouse was originally built in Russell County in the 1870'
Hays, KS Historic SchoolhousesGhost Town of Rome -Townsite Marker
The short lived town of Rome was established in May of 1867, which was approximately 3-4
Hays, KS Ghost TownsFort Hays State University
Fort Hays State University opened in 1902 as the Western Branch of the Kansas Normal School. For the first two years classes were held at the Fort site. In 1904 the first stone building, Picken Hall, was completed on the "flats"
Hays, KS Education CentersHays City Sportsman's Club
The Hays City Sportsman's Club provides trap, skeet, rifle and pistol ranges to members and guests with shooting clinics and registered events are held throughout the year. In 2006 the club celebrated their 30
Hays, KS HuntingMoss-Thorns Gallery of Art/ FHSU Art Displays
The Fort Hays State University Art Department and Moss-Thorns Gallery is located on the first floor of Rarick Hall on the northeast edge of the FHSU campus. Rarick Hall was completed in the spring of 1981
Hays, KS ArtsSt. Mary's Church
The cornerstone of this magnificient church was laid on June 27, 1909 being of black granite (1'x2'x2'6") and weighing nearly 1000 pounds. About the middle of August 1911, the church building was ready for occupancy though far from completed or furnished inside.
Ellis, KS Historic Churches