Last year on the 4th of July, I was in labor with the surro-baby and the boys spent the holiday without me at my moms. So, this year I wanted to make sure the 4th was extra special. When I was planning out the trip, I had to look for a place that was convenient to our route, but that also had a good firework display. That is when I came across Dodge City, Kansas. The boasted the biggest firework display from Wichita to Denver, and as a bonus, they are an old wild west town!




The next morning we headed out to the Boot Hill Museum. This is the main attraction in Dodge City and I can see why now that we have visited. I purchased a combo ticket for $28 for each adult and $20 for each child. The combo ticket got us into the museum itself, ability to see two gun fights (one at noon and another at 7), BBQ dinner, and a nighttime variety show at the Long Branch Saloon. The museum kept us busy for hours during the day and the boys had an amazing time wandering through the recreated streets of the old Dodge City town.










The gunfights were really something to see too, and the variety show was a hilarious treat that even got the audience involved. Definitely worth the price of admission and a must see if you are in the area. On our last day we made a trip to the free zoo in Dodge City. For being free, they really do have a great variety of animals, including two tigers, a badger, porcupines, and variety different monkeys to name a few.











We really enjoyed the 4th of July this year thanks to Dodge City, and while there aren't a ton of attractions in the area, there are definitely enough to keep your family busy for a few days. Just the history of the town alone and walking in the footsteps of famous wild west men like Wyatt Earp are worth the stop.