Things To Do Near Nicodemus National Historic Site
There is much to say about visiting a town where the sense of community overcame the forces of discrimination, suspicion, and outright hate. The five structures listed as historic buildings — Township Hall, Saint Francis Hotel/Switzer Residence, Old First Baptist Church, African Methodist Episcopal Church, School District Number 1 — represent the spirit of resistance that founded and promoted the town. Visiting each of these sites informs travelers of the hardships, heartbreaks, and victories experienced by people determined to find their freedom and define their culture. A roadside park with play structures, picnic areas, and easy access to the town buildings is the perfect spot for a family gathering.
Hiking Trails
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Nicodemus Walking Tour
The Nicodemus Walking Tour visits all the old structures that witnessed a community of African Americans develop, prosper, and fade away. The trail is a mix of asphalt, grass, and gravel. While most of the tour is level, one section is quite steep with an 11% grade, but it is a short part of the path and easily bypassed.
Location
304 Washington Ave., Nicodemus, KS 67625
Length
1.0 miles
Intensity
Easy
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Outdoor Wildlife Learning Site Trail
One of the more exciting trails in the area is the Outdoor Wildlife Learning Site Trail in Hays, KS. The pathway wanders through a brief grass meadow, circles around a pond, and darts back under the canopy of trees. The path is paved with observation stops along the way so that visitors can watch animals in their natural habitat.
Location
1401 Hall Street, Hays, KS 67601
Length
1.1 miles
Intensity
Easy
Sightseeing
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Fort Hays State Historic Site
Take a drive 50 miles south to see the Fort Hays State Historic Site. The fort operated until 1889, defending westward-bound emigrants and local communities from every type of threat. You find the remaining blockhouse, the guardhouse, two officer's quarters, and four historic buildings on the grounds. The site features films on the fort's construction, its mission, and the conflicts through which it stood.
Location
1472 U.S. Highway 183 Alt, Hays, KS 67601
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Rolling Hills Zoo
Drop by the Rolling Hills Zoo to let the kids enjoy an array of animals found worldwide. Walk amongst the natural habitats of aardvarks, wolverines, giraffes, rhinoceros, and big cats.
Location
625 North Hedville Road, Salina, KS 67401
Museums
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Rooks County Historical Society Frank Walker Museum
Do not leave the area without visiting the Rooks County Historical Society Frank Walker Museum. The museum features the largest collection of dolls in the area. A section of the museum is dedicated to the medical history of the region, including exhibits of dental extractions and appendectomies with no anesthesia.
Location
921 North Cedar Street, Stockton, KS 67669
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Yesteryear Museum
As you travel east from the Nicodemus National Historic Site, you will come to Salina, KS. Outside the city, the Yesteryear Museum provides an intimate knowledge of agricultural developments throughout the history of Kansas. In an interactive museum, visitors see the intense physical activities involved with planting, reaping, and processing wheat and other crops during the early days of settlement.
Location
1100 West Diamond Drive, Salina, KS 67401
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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Majestic Cornerstone
Majestic Cornerstone is a unique gift shop. The gifts you find on their shelves show the influence of local Native American art. Their inventory shifts with the seasons, so ask to see their specialty items when you visit.
Location
Gift Shop
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Broken Halo Country Antiques
Only 10 miles south of the Nicodemus National Historic Site, the Broken Halo Country Antique store includes three buildings filled with unique antiques. These items are found stored away in attics and old barns, relatively unused and in excellent condition.
Location
3884 P Road, Damar, KS 67632
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Asia Food and Thai Food
Asia Food and Thai Food is a restaurant specializing in Thai cuisine yet adds several menu items that cross the whole of Asia. Their cooking is second to none, and friendliness is always present. Try their Thai spring rolls with an addition of sushi for an elegant and tasty treat.
Location
413 Main Street, Stockton, KS 67669
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Gella's Diner
Drop by Gella's Diner for a traditional diner menu. Sit at the bar and choose between a mix of American cuisines. The food is typical for diner fare with plenty of chicken, chips, and fresh fish plates.
Location
117 East 11th Street, Hays, KS 67601