Dodge City KS

Dodge City – Where the Wild West lives on in spirit and story. Once a frontier town known for cowboys, cattle drives, and historic shootouts, Dodge City, Kansas, is now a welcoming community that blends rich history with small-town charm. Whether you're stepping back in time on the Boot Hill Museum boardwalk or enjoying a sunset over the sweeping plains, this legendary city invites you to experience a slice of authentic western Americana.

• Population: ~27,000
• Weather: Four seasons; hot summers (85–100°F), chilly winters (20–50°F), low humidity, occasional snow.
• Places To Visit: Boot Hill Museum, Dodge City Trail of Fame, Historic Santa Fe Depot, Wright Park Zoo, Carnegie Center for the Arts.
• Top Activities: Walking heritage trails, exploring Old West reenactments, attending the Dodge City Days festival, visiting local breweries, and touring bison ranches.
• Famous Food: Kansas-style barbecue, chicken-fried steak, hearty steak dinners, and homemade pies at classic diners.

Dodge City, KS is known for its deep roots in agriculture, meat processing, transportation, and energy. As one of the most iconic towns of the American frontier, it has developed into a thriving economic center in Southwestern Kansas. Below are some of the top jobs currently in demand in Dodge City.

Top 5 Jobs in Dodge City, KS

Dodge City, Kansas might be known for its Wild West roots, but this small town has a surprising number of chill spots where students can relax, recharge, and enjoy their free time. Whether you’re into history, movies, or just looking for a cozy café to study or hang out with friends, Dodge City has plenty to offer.

Boot Hill Museum – It’s not just for tourists! The Boot Hill Museum is a cool throwback to the Old West, complete with old-timey buildings, live reenactments, and even mock gunfights. It’s a fun place to explore with friends and learn a bit about your city’s wild past.

Wright Park – One of the best places to unwind! With shaded trails, open grassy spaces, a duck pond, and tennis courts, it’s an easy spot to clear your head, toss a frisbee, or meet up with friends for a casual afternoon.

Boot Hill Casino & Resort’s Events – While the casino floor is 21+, the resort often hosts concerts and special events that are open to younger crowds. Check the schedule for live music, food trucks, or comedy nights happening throughout the year.

Dodge City Trail of Fame – If you want to keep things low-key, take a self-guided walk downtown and check out the stars and plaques dedicated to legends from the Wild West and Hollywood. It’s a unique way to explore the area and snap fun photos.

South Dodge Sonic Drive-In – A true hangout staple in Dodge! Park your car, blast some music, and enjoy classic treats like milkshakes and mozzarella sticks. Whether it’s a late-night snack run or catching up with friends, Sonic delivers laid-back vibes.

Village Square Mall – Catch the latest movies at the theater, grab a bite to eat, or just enjoy some window shopping. While it’s not a huge mall, it makes for a relaxing afternoon when you want to step indoors and chill with air conditioning.

Zoo at Wright Park – Yes, Dodge City has a mini zoo—and it’s free! It’s a peaceful place to walk around, look at animals, and breathe in some fresh air between classes or work shifts.

Red Beard Coffee – This cozy spot has great coffee, comfy seating, and free Wi-Fi—ideal for studying or meeting up with classmates. The vibe is friendly and welcoming, and they often host game nights and open mic events too.

Long Branch Lagoon Water Park – During summer, this place is a must. With lazy rivers, water slides, and a wave pool, it’s the perfect way to cool off and have some fun when school’s out or on break.

Dodge City might be small, but if you know where to look, it's packed with spots that make student life more fun, relaxed, and connected. Whether you're into solo adventures or group hangouts, there's always something cool waiting for you just around the corner.

Dodge City, KS, is a vibrant western Kansas city known for its rich history, friendly community, and growing opportunities in education. Students will find a range of excellent public and private colleges and universities in and around the area, setting them on the path to success no matter their career goals.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Dodge City

Dodge City Community College (DC3) – Serving as the region’s flagship public college, DC3 offers quality associate degree programs, technical certificates, and transfer opportunities. Its caring faculty, strong student support, and wide-ranging clubs create a welcoming environment for all learners.

Garden City Community College – About 50 minutes from Dodge City, this public institution provides top-notch academic courses, technical training, and transfer pathways for students seeking a well-rounded education close to home.

Seward County Community College – Located in nearby Liberal, KS, Seward County Community College is known for its strong allied health, technical, and agricultural programs. The college’s commitment to hands-on learning prepares graduates for rewarding careers.

Fort Hays State University (FHSU) – While headquartered in Hays (about two hours away), FHSU serves Dodge City students through online courses and local outreach. The university’s flexible and affordable bachelor’s and master’s degrees are ideal for working adults and transfer students.

Emporia State University (Distance Education) – Emporia State offers accessible online programs, including business, teaching, and liberal arts, making it a popular choice for Dodge City residents seeking to advance their education without leaving town.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Dodge City

Saint Mary of the Plains College (Historic/Legacy) – While the college closed in 1992, its legacy lives on. Saint Mary of the Plains played a significant role in Dodge City’s educational landscape and produced many successful alumni in education, business, and public service.

Barclay College (Haviland, KS) – About 40 miles from Dodge City, Barclay College is a private Christian institution noted for ministry, education, and counseling programs. Its supportive community and faith-based approach attract students seeking meaningful careers.

Southwestern College (Professional Studies, Online) – Southwestern College’s online and professional studies programs are accessible to Dodge City residents, especially adults seeking bachelor’s completion or graduate credentials in business, education, or leadership.

Friends University (Wichita Location, Online) – Friends University, a respected private Christian college, offers flexible online degrees in business, education, and organizational leadership to non-traditional students in Dodge City.

Newman University (Outreach & Online Programs) – With its main campus in Wichita but significant outreach and distance options, Newman University is a Catholic institution offering programs in education, healthcare, and business for learners in Dodge City and beyond.

Whether you’re looking to start your higher education journey, earn technical credentials, or complete a bachelor’s or graduate degree, Dodge City’s colleges and universities offer a wide variety of pathways to help you succeed.

Dodge City, KS may be a small city, but it offers a variety of quality educational options for high school students. Whether you're looking for a strong public education or a faith-based private learning environment, Dodge City has schools that focus on academic achievement, personal growth, and preparing students for the future. Here's a look at the top public and private high schools in the area.

Top Public High Schools In Dodge City, KS

• Dodge City High School – The largest high school in town, offering a diverse range of academic and extracurricular programs. Known for strong athletics, arts, and college prep courses, it's a hub for student development and leadership opportunities.
• – This public alternative school supports students with specialized learning needs and flexible options for graduation. It helps students who may face challenges in traditional settings to thrive and achieve their goals.

• Dodge City Virtual School – Offers an impressive range of online learning opportunities, allowing high school students to work at their own pace. Ideal for independent learners or those balancing school with other responsibilities.

• – A unique public school option that blends high school learning with college-level coursework through a partnership with local colleges, helping students jump-start their college education and career certification.

• – While small, this educational program serves students in unique circumstances, providing them with access to tailored instruction and helping them stay on track academically and emotionally.

Top Private High Schools In Dodge City, KS

• Sacred Heart Cathedral School – Serving grades up to 8 historically but part of a broader private Catholic school network, this school offers strong foundations in faith, academics, and character. It often serves as a stepping stone to affiliated high schools in nearby areas.

• – While located slightly outside Dodge City, this private school network provides families with a faith-based education option, known for its small class sizes, individualized attention, and academic support.

• – Known for parent engagement, values-based education, and a close-knit community. While primarily elementary-focused, it plays a key role in Dodge City’s private school pipeline, with students continuing on to private high schools in the region.

• – Some Dodge City families choose this highly rated private Christian school due to its well-rounded academics and solid college-prep curriculum. Though not located directly in Dodge City, it offers boarding and remote learning options.

• – A growing trend in Dodge City includes private homeschooling co-ops. Union School supports families choosing alternative paths with structured classes, community involvement, and tailored instruction for high schoolers.

Ultimately, finding the right high school in Dodge City means considering your child’s unique strengths, education goals, and personal values. Whether public or private, Dodge City offers schooling options that are compassionate, supportive, and academically strong, helping every student thrive in their own way.

While Dodge City, Kansas is best known for its Old West heritage and cowboy culture, it doesn’t have any teams in the major professional sports leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, or MLS. However, that doesn’t mean the city lacks a sports scene! Dodge City is home to exciting minor league and semi-professional teams that bring high-energy action and strong community spirit to local fans.

Tucked into the heart of southwest Kansas, Dodge City offers sports enthusiasts the joy of hometown pride, devoted fans, and thrilling games in a more intimate and fan-friendly environment.

Indoor Football – Dodge City Law (CIF/previously CPIFL)

• Dodge City Law – The Dodge City Law is a professional indoor football team that has captured the area's sports passion. Originally part of the Champions Professional Indoor Football League (CPIFL), they later joined the Champions Indoor Football (CIF). Known for their fast-paced games and loyal fan base, the Law played at the United Wireless Arena, where fans could cheer from just feet away from the action. Although the team has seen periods of inactivity, they’ve left a lasting mark on the indoor football community in Kansas.

Soccer – Dodge City Toros (USL League Two / formerly)

• Dodge City Toros – Soccer fans in Dodge City have enjoyed the local flair brought by the Dodge City Toros. Competing in lower-tier leagues like USL League Two (previously the PDL), the Toros brought lively soccer action to the city with regional tournaments and engaging matches during the summer months. These games offered a great opportunity for up-and-coming players to sharpen their skills and move toward professional careers.

College Sports – Dodge City Community College Conquistadors

• Dodge City Conquistadors – Representing Dodge City Community College, the Conquistadors are a proud staple of local athletics. Offering competitive teams in sports like football, basketball, baseball, softball, and volleyball, they attract fans from all over town and foster the next generation of amateur athletes. Their games are a great way to see talented students in action while supporting education and youth development in Kansas.

Though it might not have the professional franchises of larger cities, Dodge City still offers a vibrant and passionate sports culture. Whether it's cheering under the Friday night lights or packing the arena for indoor football clashes, this western Kansas town knows how to celebrate the thrill of the game.

Dodge City, Kansas isn’t just a spot on the map—it’s a legendary slice of the Wild West that continues to surprise visitors with its charm, history, and quirky facts. Whether you're a fan of westerns or just looking to learn more about this fascinating city, here are 10 fun facts that might surprise you:

1. “Get the heck out of Dodge” – That famous phrase? It came from here! It started as a line in old Westerns, based on Dodge City being a hotbed of frontier lawlessness.
2. Once the Wild West Capital – During the late 1800s, Dodge City was known as the most wicked town in America. It was packed with cowboys, saloons, and gunslingers.
3. Boot Hill Cemetery – This famous cemetery earned its name because many of its early “occupants” were buried with their boots on—victims of gunfights and outlaws.
4. Home of Wyatt Earp – The legendary lawman Wyatt Earp served as assistant marshal here before heading to Tombstone. Dodge was one of his first gigs enforcing order in a wild town.
5. A Real-life Longhorn Herd – You can still see longhorn cattle at the Dodge City Trail of Fame. It reminds visitors of the days when Dodge was a major stop on the cattle trail from Texas.
6. Celebration of its Cowboy Roots – Every summer, Dodge City hosts Dodge City Days, one of the largest festivals in the state, full of rodeos, parades, and Western-themed fun.
7. It Has a Historic Trolley – Want to explore with style? Hop on the Dodge City Trolley for a guided tour of all the historic landmarks—including old saloons, forts, and Boot Hill.
8. Once a Major Railroad Hub – The city played a huge role in the growth of the Santa Fe Railroad, connecting cattle shipments from the plains to markets further east.
9. Hollywood Loves Dodge – Dozens of films and TV shows have referenced or been inspired by Dodge City—from the classic John Wayne movie to the long-running series Gunsmoke.
10. Modern Western Vibes – While it honors its past, Dodge City also mixes old and new. You’ll find Western reenactments alongside casinos, museums, and family-friendly attractions.