I might have overlooked the 1897 Dodge City Santa Fe Depot if it weren’t for a young lady who told me about it. There is so much to see and do in Dodge City; I was surprised to discover yet another historic attraction.
Amtrak still serves the community twice a day — before the sun rises and after it sets — and the depot is also a destination for anyone interested in century-old architecture, train history, or city history. The Depot is an iconic, much-loved part of this western city. It has undergone a complete renovation.
The Depot once housed the Fred Harvey Hotel and the “El Vaquero” dining room on the second floor (today it is used for office space). The first floor contained the express offices, baggage rooms, ladies’ and gents’ waiting rooms, lunch counter, dining room, hotel office, kitchen, and storeroom.
It is the largest Rail Depot building in Kansas, renovated to resemble the 1920s period. The Depot houses a restored “Harvey House” hotel room on the east wing of the second floor and a Mexican Village display on the first floor. The village was home to railroad workers and their families.
If this weren’t enough, the Depot Theater Company located here is a state-of-the-art dinner theater for “Side Track” productions, cabarets, a student training division, and much more.
Wherever I go, I meet interesting and informative locals. I am glad my new acquaintance told me about the train depot.
The Depot and theater are located at 201 E Wyatt Earp Boulevard. Entrance to the depot is free.
