12 hours at Nicodemus National Historic Site

Sunset over a field with silhouetted trees and golden sky.

Discover the legacy of the only remaining African American settlement west of the Mississippi, founded by those seeking freedom and opportunity. Tour historic buildings and connect with the past on this one-day trip in Kansas.

Duration
1 day
Perfect for
History enthusiasts, families, and road-trippers looking to experience African American heritage.
Highlights
Historic buildings, engaging exhibits, and the inspiring story of Black perseverance.
Morning

Arrive in Nicodemus

Nicodemus Visitor Center building with a peaked roof, flanked by trees and flag, sidewalk leading to entrance.

Delve into history

Start your day at the Nicodemus Visitor Center, housed in the historic Township Hall, for information on daily events and weather. Explore the exhibits and watch educational films to learn about this African American settlement.

Midday

Explore the town and trail

Nicodemus house with peeling paint at sunset.

Tour historic buildings

Take a self-guided or ranger tour of the town’s five historic buildings: the Nicodemus Township Hall, St. Francis Hotel, the Historic First Baptist Church, the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and the District Number 1 School.

Afternoon

Connect with the community

Smiling person in ranger hat, standing in a grassy field under a cloudy sky.

Talk with rangers and community members

Nicodemus is a living, thriving community, with many descendants of the original founders still residing there. If you visit during July, you'll experience the annual Homecoming Emancipation Celebration, when hundreds of descendants return to celebrate the spirit of freedom and reconnect.

Fort Hays State Historic Site building with a central tower, surrounded by grass and trees.
Optional add-on

Explore the Fort Hays State Historic Site

Have an extra day or more time? Just an hour's drive from Nicodemus, this site offers a glimpse into Kansas' frontier history with preserved buildings and exhibits related to the military presence in the region during the 19th century.

Visit Smart

Plan ahead

Check the National Park Service website for ranger program schedules or request a town tour online ahead of time. 

Watch the weather

Kansas weather can be unpredictable. Check the weather and bring layers.

Respect the community

Nicodemus is a living, thriving community. Most of the land in Nicodemus is privately owned. Be mindful when touring the town.

Leave no trace

Nicodemus National Historic Site is located on the ancestral lands of the Pawnee. Respect the cultural and natural landscapes by leaving them better than you found them.

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