Fort Hays Old West Town
Where Old West stories live on in the Black Hills.
Fort Hays is a real Old West town built on the original Dances With Wolves Film Set. The cabins, tools, and weathered boardwalks feel like they’ve stood through a hundred frontier seasons. Families wander through film history, local heritage, and hands-on demonstrations that bring frontier life within reach. A visit here feels simple and memorable. Kids touch the tools. Parents spot the movie props. Everyone finds a moment that makes them smile.
Fort Hays Old West Town
Where Old West stories live on in the Black Hills.
Fort Hays is a real Old West town built on the original Dances With Wolves Film Set. The cabins, tools, and weathered boardwalks feel like they’ve stood through a hundred frontier seasons. Families wander through film history, local heritage, and hands-on demonstrations that bring frontier life within reach. A visit here feels simple and memorable. Kids touch the tools. Parents spot the movie props. Everyone finds a moment that makes them smile.
Step Into The Old West Town
The Old West Town is the heart of Fort Hays. Boardwalk cabins line the path, each filled with frontier crafts and the tools once used on the plains. The blacksmith shop rings with real hammerwork.
Leather stations show how belts and gear were made. Rope-makers twist strands by hand, just like the settlers did.
Every stop offers something to see, something to touch, and something to learn.
Step Into The Old West Town
The Old West Town is the heart of Fort Hays. Boardwalk cabins line the path, each filled with frontier crafts and the tools once used on the plains. The blacksmith shop rings with real hammerwork.
Leather stations show how belts and gear were made. Rope-makers twist strands by hand, just like the settlers did.
Every stop offers something to see, something to touch, and something to learn.
Walk Through The Dances With Wolves Film Set
The Dances With Wolves Film Set sits at the center of Fort Hays. John J. Dunbar’s Post, weathered frontier cabins, and original movie props remain where the cast once worked. Visitors step into the same rooms, walk the same paths, and see the structures used on screen.
It’s a quiet, cinematic corner of the Old West town that feels both familiar and new.
Ride the Buffalo Hunt Coaster
The Buffalo Hunt Coaster gives families a playful ride through the Black Hills landscape. Each car carries laser pointers used to tag buffalo silhouettes along the track, adding a fun, interactive twist younger riders love. The course is gentle, lively, and full of movement.
It’s one of the easiest ways for families to share a quick burst of adventure together.
Ride the Buffalo Hunt Coaster
The Buffalo Hunt Coaster gives families a playful ride through the Black Hills landscape. Each car carries laser pointers used to tag buffalo silhouettes along the track, adding a fun, interactive twist younger riders love. The course is gentle, lively, and full of movement.
It’s one of the easiest ways for families to share a quick burst of adventure together.
Start Your Morning With The All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast
Every morning during the summer season, the Chuckwagon Hall fills with the smell of fresh hot pancakes served straight from the griddle. Guests enjoy all-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage links, cowboy coffee, and tenderfoot lemonade — an easy, hearty way to start the day before exploring the Black Hills or visiting Mount Rushmore.
It’s a relaxed, come-as-you-are breakfast tradition that brings families together around the table.
Enjoy The Chuckwagon Supper
& Show
The Chuckwagon Supper & Show welcomes families for a relaxed Western-style dinner served on tin plates, followed by live cowboy music. Guitars warm the room. Stories flow across the tables. The entire evening feels friendly, cheerful, and rooted in Old West tradition.
It’s one of the most popular experiences at Fort Hays.
Watch Hands-On Artisan Demonstrations
Artisan demonstrations keep Old West skills alive at Fort Hays. Blacksmiths shape iron over open flame. Leatherworkers press patterns into belts and straps. Rope-makers twist heavy strands by hand. Kids love the penny press, where a simple coin becomes a keepsake.
Every shop adds a small moment of discovery to your walk.
Watch Hands-On Artisan Demonstrations
Artisan demonstrations keep Old West skills alive at Fort Hays. Blacksmiths shape iron over open flame. Leatherworkers press patterns into belts and straps. Rope-makers twist heavy strands by hand. Kids love the penny press, where a simple coin becomes a keepsake.
Every shop adds a small moment of discovery to your walk.
Stop Into the Mercantile Shop
The Mercantile offers handmade leather goods, Western décor, film memorabilia, and frontier-themed toys.
It’s an easy final stop before you head home and a great place to pick up something that carries the spirit of the Old West with it.
Plan Your Visit
Fort Hays is located just outside Rapid City on Highway 16, the main route to Mount Rushmore. Parking is simple, walking paths are family-friendly, and the grounds are easy to explore at your own pace. Seasonal hours help ensure the best experience during your trip.
Whether you stay for an hour or spend the afternoon, the town fits any itinerary.
Plan Your Visit
Fort Hays is located just outside Rapid City on Highway 16, the main route to Mount Rushmore. Parking is simple, walking paths are family-friendly, and the grounds are easy to explore at your own pace. Seasonal hours help ensure the best experience during your trip.
Whether you stay for an hour or spend the afternoon, the town fits any itinerary.
Ready To Explore Fort Hays?
A day at Fort Hays is filled with memories—frontier crafts, film history, music, and hands-on fun shared by families and travelers from all over.