Museums

Sternberg Museum of Natural History

In terms of scientific holdings, the Sternberg Museum of Natural History ranks among the best of natural history museums. No other state university the size of Fort Hays State has a natural history museum comparable in size and scientific importance as the Sternberg.

Sternberg Museum T Rex

Historic Fort Hays

Established in 1865 in the land of the Cheyenne and Arapaho, the fort protected railroad workers and travelers on the Smoky Hill Trail. See the soldiers’ clothing, weapons, and personal items, including George Custer’s dumbbell forged by the fort’s blacksmith.

Hays Kansas 150 Years

Ellis County Historical Museum

Explore gallery exhibits and travel from life on the frontier to present day. The museum grounds include conjoined church structures, the Hays Fire Department Museum, the Younger Harness Shop, and the Volga German Haus.

Due to environmental issues, the brick and limestone churches on 7th St are not open to the public. Archive research is available at our new office location; please contact us in advance of your visit. Tours of the Volga German Haus and Fire Museum at our 7th St location are available by appointment.

Museum campus: 100 W. 7th St.  -    Office location 1111 East 30th St.                Hours: Mon.–Fri. 10:30 a.m.–5 p.m. and by appointment - 785-628-8202

Ellis County Historic Museum Volga House