Ulysses KansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Ulysses, Kansas.
1. Historic Adobe Museum Complex
STEP INTO THE PAST
The Historic Adobe Museum Complex is one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas History, featuring the Old Hotel that was physically moved from the original town site. Visitors can explore exhibits that showcase how Ulysses residents picked up the entire town's buildings and transported them by horseback on skids to the current location. The museum offers a glimpse into pioneer life with authentic artifacts including a replica of the Hotel Edwards and a school room complete with books and lunch pails.
2. Russ Binney Park
COMMUNITY GREEN SPACE
Russ Binney Park serves as a central recreational area for Ulysses residents and visitors alike. The park offers open spaces for picnics, gatherings, and outdoor activities throughout the year. Families particularly enjoy the well-maintained facilities that provide a peaceful retreat within the small town.
3. Grant County Recreation
ACTIVE FUN FOR ALL
Grant County Recreation provides various sports and leisure activities for residents and visitors in Ulysses. The facility hosts organized programs and events for different age groups throughout the year. Its community-focused approach makes it a central hub for social interaction and physical activity in the region.
4. Bentwood Golf Course
GREENS ON THE PLAINS
Bentwood Golf Course offers golfers a challenging and scenic experience in the heart of Southwest Kansas. The course features well-maintained fairways and greens that integrate naturally with the surrounding prairie landscape. Golfers of all skill levels can enjoy the facilities while taking in the expansive Kansas skies.
5. Tiger Lanes
CLASSIC BOWLING FUN
Tiger Lanes provides a classic bowling experience for families and friends in Ulysses. The venue offers several bowling lanes along with arcade games and refreshments for a complete entertainment package. It serves as a popular gathering spot for local residents looking for indoor recreation, especially during extreme weather conditions.
6. Santa Fe Trail Ruts
HISTORIC WAGON TRACKS
The Santa Fe Trail Ruts near Ulysses offer visitors a tangible connection to America's pioneer past. These preserved wagon wheel marks were created by countless traders and settlers traversing the famous Santa Fe Trail during the 19th century. History enthusiasts can walk alongside these physical reminders of the journeys that helped shape the American West.
7. Grant County Swimming Pool
SUMMER SPLASH ZONE
The Grant County Swimming Pool provides a refreshing escape from the Kansas summer heat for locals and visitors. The facility features swimming areas suitable for various age groups and skill levels. During the warm months, it becomes a social hub where families gather to enjoy outdoor recreation and community connection.
8. Grant County Senior Center
COMMUNITY GATHERING PLACE
The Grant County Senior Center serves as an important social hub for older adults in the Ulysses community. The center offers various activities, programs, and services designed to enhance the quality of life for senior residents. Visitors can observe or participate in the strong sense of community that characterizes small-town Kansas life.
9. Ulysses Teen Center
YOUTH ACTIVITY HUB
The Ulysses Teen Center provides a safe and engaging environment for the young people of Grant County. The center offers various recreational activities, educational programs, and social events specifically designed for teenagers. It represents the community's investment in its youth and the future of the region.
10. Grant County Feeds
AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE SITE
Grant County Feeds stands as a testament to the agricultural foundation of Ulysses and the surrounding region. Visitors can observe the operations that support the farming community which remains central to the area's economy and culture. The facility offers insights into modern agricultural practices while honoring the farming heritage that built Southwest Kansas.
11. Jedidiah Smith Historical Site
FRONTIER TRADING POST
The Jedidiah Smith Historical Site commemorates the famous mountain man and trader who played a significant role in western expansion. Visitors can explore the location where Smith conducted trade and interacted with various frontier communities. The site provides educational information about his contributions to mapping the American West and establishing trade routes in the early 19th century.
12. Boot Hill Museum
WILD WEST HERITAGE
Boot Hill Museum in nearby Dodge City transports visitors back to the legendary days of the Wild West. The museum features authentic reconstructions of frontier buildings, period artifacts, and interactive exhibits that bring the era of cowboys and cattle drives to life. Visitors can experience the atmosphere that made Dodge City famous long before it was immortalized in the television series Gunsmoke.
13. Ulysses Family Physicians
HEALTHCARE HERITAGE DISPLAY
Ulysses Family Physicians features a small but significant display highlighting the history of healthcare in rural Kansas. Visitors can view artifacts and information about how medical services evolved in Grant County over the decades. The display offers insights into the challenges and innovations of providing healthcare in a remote prairie community.
14. Ulysses High School
TIGER PRIDE CENTER
Ulysses High School serves as a cultural and community center for the town, hosting various athletic events, performances, and gatherings throughout the year. Visitors can attend public events like football games, musical productions, or art exhibitions that showcase local talent. The school's facilities reflect the community's commitment to education and its role as a unifying institution in small-town America.
15. Old Ulysses Town Site
TOWN THAT MOVED
The Old Ulysses Town Site, located three miles east of the present town, marks the original location of Ulysses before its remarkable relocation. Visitors can explore the area where the entire town once stood before residents made the extraordinary decision to physically move their buildings to a new location. This unique historical site tells the story of prairie determination and community cooperation that defines the spirit of Southwest Kansas.