Ellis County, Kansas
Ellis County is located in northwest Kansas, where Old West heritage meets a lively college-town atmosphere. Hays, the county’s largest city, is home to Fort Hays State University and about 20,000 residents.
Interstate 70 runs through the county, providing convenient access to attractions such as Frontier Park Historical Site. Nearby Victoria is home to the impressive Cathedral of the Plains, a striking landmark that stands out in the small community of about 1,200 residents.
Ellis County comes alive during Oktoberfest, featuring German-inspired food, polka music, and traditional celebrations. Beyond its communities and events, the county remains largely rural, with wide-open fields, cattle ranches, and expansive prairie landscapes stretching across the region.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Ellis County |
| County Seat | Hays |
| Etymology | Named after George Ellis, Union lieutenant and Civil War hero |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Hays, Ellis, Victoria, and several smaller communities |
| Interstates and Highways | Interstate 70, U.S. Highway 183, U.S. Highway 40 |
| FIPS Code | 20-051 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 901 square miles (land: 900 sq mi, water: 1 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Rooks County (North), Osborne County (Northeast), Russell County (East), Rush County (South), Ness County (Southwest), Trego County (West) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CST) |
| State | Kansas |
| Coordinates | 38.88°N, 99.33°W |
| Major Landmarks | Fort Hays State University, the Historic Hays City and Fort Hays, and the Sternberg Museum of Natural History |
| Population | 30,000 |
