Nicodemus National Historic Site

Nicodemus National Historic Site is a national historic site run by the National Park Service in Kansas.

In the park service’s words

Formerly enslaved African Americans left Kentucky at the end of the post-Civil War Reconstruction period to experience freedom in the "Promised Land" of Kansas. Nicodemus represents the involvement of African Americans in the homesteading movement across the Great Plains. It is the oldest remaining Black settlement west of the Mississippi River.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

• Park Ranger Programs (25 to 55 Minutes): Discover the vibrant history and community of Nicodemus through ranger programs! Request a guided tour of the town, plan a field trip with your school or group, or keep an eye out for special events throughout the year.
• Picnicking at Nicodemus: Picnic areas are available at Nicodemus with picnic tables, sun shelters, grills, and water.
• Photography and Art: Taking photos in Kansas? What's even out there? Nicodemus has plenty of landscapes, buildings, wildlife, and skies that you will want to capture with photos.

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Hours: Mon 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Tue Closed; Wed Closed; Thu 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Fri 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Sat 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Sun 9:00AM - 5:00PM. The Nicodemus Township Hall and visitor center is open year-round for five (5) days of the week, closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Visitor center hours are 9 am to 5 pm central time. The grounds are open 24 hours a day. The visitor center will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year Day.

Getting there

Nicodemus National Historic Site is located in northwestern Kansas on Highway 24 between Hill City and Stockton.

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

• Township Hall and Visitor Center: Mon 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Tue Closed; Wed Closed; Thu 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Fri 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Sat 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Sun 9:00AM - 5:00PM. The Nicodemus Township Hall serves as the site's visitor center and houses an audiovisual presentation, several interpretive exhibits, and a park store.
• [Temporary Building Closure]()
• [Temporary Building Closure]()

Weather

Northwest Kansas has a four-season climate typified by long, hot summers, cold winters, short spring and fall seasons, and a nearly constant breeze. Humidity is relatively low compared to the eastern portion of the state. Afternoon thunderstorms with lightning, hail, and gusty winds frequently occur during the spring and summer. Tornados are possible but are less common in Kansas than they are in several other states. Snow accumulation from winter blizzards occasionally causes site to close.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Rocky Mountain, about 324 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

• National Park Service Data API: Nicodemus National Historic Site (public domain)
• Official website

Last checked 1 November 2026.