Hays, Kansas (pop. 20,500), is a university community serving as a regional center for education, health care, professional services, shopping, culture, arts, & recreation for the western half of Kansas - serving a population of nearly 100,000. This excellent community is recognized among the top Kansas cities in entertainment, health, arts, culture.
Hays is home to Fort Hays State University (FHSU), a regional comprehensive university with over 14,000 students, known for its innovation & entrepreneurship. FHSU is the fastest growing university in the Kansas Regents system. The Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center on the FHSU campus is home to the Encore Series, Hays Symphony, & other national & world caliber performances.
Hays Med, part of the University of Kansas Health System, is a major employer with more than 1,000 employees. Hays Med is home to the DeBakey Heart Institute of Kansas & one of the top rural medical centers in the United States.
The Bricks in Historic Downtown Hays has unique shopping, galleries, eateries, & entertainment. Hays boasts excellent recreational facilities including: full service gyms, Hays Aquatic Park, Smoky Hill Country Club, Hays Municipal Golf Course, an extensive recreational program, & excellent opportunities for walking, running, & biking. Hays is within 45 minutes of two large lakes providing fishing, boating & other water sports. Bike Hays contains 21 miles of connecting trail system.
The Hays Municipal Airport provides connecting jet service to Denver with several flights in each direction.
More information about the City of Hays, KS at www.visithays.com.