Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame

12/19/2025

11/07/2025

Boot Hill Distillery Unveils Special Edition Single Barrel Straight Bourbon Whiskey Honoring the Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame!
Dodge City, KS – Boot Hill Distillery proudly announces the release of its Limited-Edition Single Barrel Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a handcrafted spirit celebrating the enduring legacy of the Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame. This exclusive Series IV release pays tribute to the Rodeo Cowboy, honoring the grit, courage, and heritage that define Kansas’s cowboy culture.
Each bottle in this limited release features a custom label highlighting the Hall of Fame’s mission to preserve and promote the stories of Kansas’s legendary cowboys and cowgirls. The bourbon will be available for purchase beginning November 8, 2025, with a portion of proceeds supporting the Hall of Fame’s educational programs and preservation initiatives.
“Our Single Barrel Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a toast to the bravery, resilience, and unyielding spirit of the Kansas cowboy,” said Hayes Kelman, owner of Boot Hill Distillery. “We’re honored to partner with the Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame to celebrate these remarkable individuals and share their legacy through a whiskey as bold and distinctive as they are.”
“We are deeply grateful to Boot Hill Distillery for their partnership and generosity,” said Lyne Johnson, Executive Director of Boot Hill Museum and the Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame. “This collaboration not only honors our rich cowboy heritage but also strengthens our mission to keep the spirit of the Kansas cowboy alive for generations to come.”
A special launch event will be held on Saturday, November 8, from 3–5 p.m. at Boot Hill Distillery. Guests are invited to enjoy exclusive tastings, meet select Hall of Fame inductees, and celebrate the enduring spirit of the American West.
The Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony to honor the Class of 2025 will be held on November 8, 2025 at 6:30 in the Mariah Gallery at Boot Hill Museum. Tickets are still available and can be purchased at Boot Hill Museum.
For more information about Boot Hill Distillery and the Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame, visit www.boothilldistillery.com and www.boothill.org.

10/17/2025

KANSAS COWBOY HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES 2025 INDUCTEES

Boot Hill Museum has been home to the Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame since 2002. Each year since then, five or more legendary cowboys or cowgirls who have contributed to the western heritage lifestyle in Kansas have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Each inductee personifies the cowboy ideals of integrity, honesty, and self-sufficiency.

The Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame Committee is pleased to name the following individuals for induction in 2025:
Diamond W. Wrangler, Wichita, Cowboy Entertainer
Frankie Buchman, Alta Vista, Cowboy Historian
Winter Family, Dodge City, Rancher/Cattlemen
Wacey Munsell, Ulysses, Rodeo Cowboy
Ron Roller, Woodbine, Working Cowboy

In addition to the five remarkable Kansas Cowboys mentioned above, the Committee has voted to present a special honor to Dean Buchner for his hundred years of living the western heritage lifestyle.

“It is my great privilege to announce the newest inductees into the Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame. Since 2002, we have proudly celebrated the enduring legacy of the cowboy. This year, we are honored to induct five remarkable men of the American West, whose contributions to the rich western heritage of Kansas are truly immeasurable,” said Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame Chairman T. Kim Goodnight. “Congratulations to each of our inductees, as well as to Dean Buchner. Your dedication to preserving and celebrating the history of the American cowboy is highly commendable.”

The Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame extends a special thank you to the Boot Hill Distillery for their continued support. On Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, there will be a social hour, free and open to the public, at Boot Hill Distillery from 3-5 pm to kick off the release of this year’s special edition Rodeo Cowboy Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey. Following that, the dinner and induction ceremony will be held at 6:30 pm at the Boot Hill Museum. The doors will open at 6:00 pm. Tickets for the dinner and induction ceremony are $35. Reservations can be made by calling Boot Hill Museum at 620-227-8188 or by visiting www.boothill.org. The museum will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Guests can present their Hall of Fame ticket for free admission. For more information, please contact Boot Hill Museum, Inc., at 620.227.8188.

To purchase tickets online visit: https://boot-hill-museum.shop.koronaevent.com/en/offers/63738

07/09/2025

KANSAS COWBOY HALL OF FAME CALL FOR NOMINEES

The Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame Committee requests nominations of living or deceased individuals for consideration for induction into the Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame.

Any organization or individual may nominate a qualified person for consideration. The Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame Committee meets annually to evaluate and determine inductees.

Nomination forms may be requested through Boot Hill Museum, Inc., Front Street, Dodge City, Kansas 67801. Nominations can also be done online at https://www.boothill.org/kchf-nomination.html #/. Forms must be received by August. 31, 2025 for induction consideration for 2025. Individuals or organizations nominating a person(s) are requested to submit supplementary supporting information. Any materials submitted will be stored within the Boot Hill Museum, Inc. files and will not be returned to the nominating individuals or organizations.

Nominated inductees will be evaluated and selected by a majority vote of the Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame Committee. No more than one award from each category will be inducted annually.

The 2025 induction ceremonies will take place at the Boot Hill Museum on Saturday, November 8, 2024. The Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame Awards will be presented to the honoree, or to a designated representative.

11/04/2024

This beautiful pin was found at the conference center after the induction ceremony. We would love to get it returned to its owner. If it is yours or you know who it belongs to, please call us at 620-227-8188.

11/02/2024

Don’t miss the 3rd in the series honoring the Kansas Cowboy! Thank you Boot Hill Distillery!!

In partnership with the Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame, we are excited to release the Single Barrel Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Series III: The Cowboy Historian 📖

🥃 The extremely limited bottles are available in the Boot Hill Distillery Tasting Room, as well as limited Kansas retailers.

10/29/2024

The Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame invites you to a special screening on Home On The Range on Saturday November 2, 2024 at 4pm. The screening is free and open to the public and will be held in the Varieties Theatre at Boot Hill Museum.

This powerful film, produced by Lone Chimney Films explores the unforgettable story of the authorship, preservation and legacy of the iconic song Home on the Range, and the location where this "unofficial anthem" of the west was written in Smith County, KS.

Following the screening, we will host an engaging panel discussion featuring Ken Spurgeon, Lone Chimney Films, El Dean Holthus, of the Home on The Range Cabin, and Mitch Holthus actor-Voice of the Kansas City Chiefs, who will delve deeper into the film’s themes, the creative process, and its impact. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with the panelists during a Q&A session following the discussion.

10/28/2024

Join us this Saturday November 2nd as we celebrate the Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame!

Special Thanks to all our sponsors!
ITC
Boot Hill Distillery
The Peoples Heartland Foundation
KCB Bank
The Peoples Bank
Medicine Lodge Memorial Hospital and Physicians Clinic
Purina

2-4pm Social at Boot Hill Distillery, 501 Spruce-No Ticket Required
4pm-Screening of Home on the Range, Varieties Theatre, Boot Hill Museum- No Ticket Required
Followed by Panel Discussion with Ken Spurgeon, Producer Home on the Range, El Dean Holthus, Owner Home on the Range Cabin and Mitch Holthus, Voice of the Kansas City Chiefs

6pm- Doors open for Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame Ceremony-Ticket Required- $35
Tickets are going fast! Visit www.boothill.org to get your tickets!

09/24/2024

KANSAS COWBOY HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES 2024 INDUCTEES

Boot Hill Museum has been home to the Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame since 2002. Each year since then five or more legendary cowboys or cowgirls that have contributed to the western heritage lifestyle in Kansas, have been inducted into the hall of fame. Each inductee personifies the cowboy ideals of integrity, honesty and self-sufficiency.

The Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame Committee is pleased to name the following individuals for induction in 2024:
Ernie Rodina, Ottawa, Kansas, Cowboy Entertainer
ElDean Holthus, Smith Center, Cowboy Historian
Brad Tate, Lakin, Ranchers/Cattlemen
Rex Bugbee, Medicine Lodge, Rodeo Cowboy
Charles Albert Vest, Phillipsburg, Working Cowboy

In addition to the five remarkable Kansas Cowboys mentioned above, the Committee has voted to present a special honor in memory of Toby Keith at this year’s ceremony. Keith’s first number one country hit, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” has been keeping the cowboy spirit alive since its release in 1993. Keith penned the famous song while staying in Dodge City during a hunting trip and was caught up in the legend of the Old West.

“It is my great privilege to announce the newest inductees into the Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame. Since 2002, we have proudly celebrated the enduring legacy of the cowboy. This year, we are honored to induct five remarkable men of the American West, whose contributions to the rich western heritage of Kansas are truly immeasurable,” said Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame Chairman T. Kim Goodnight. “Congratulations to each of our inductees, as well as to the family of Toby Keith. Your dedication to preserving and celebrating the history of the American cowboy is highly commendable.”

Festivities surrounding the induction ceremony will take place all weekend at Boot Hill Museum as they welcome the Western Cattle Trail Association’s annual conference that will be commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the Western Cattle Trail. Events scheduled speakers, trolley tours and museum tours. Tickets for the conference are $75 and can be purchased at westerncattletrailassoc.com.

The Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame extends a special thank you to ITC Great Plains and Boot Hill Distillery for their continued support. On Saturday Nov. 2, 2024 there will be a social hour, free and open to the public, at Boot Hill Distillery from 3-5pm to kick off the release of this year’s special edition Cowboy Historian Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey. Following that, the dinner and induction ceremony will be held at 6:00 p.m. at the Boot Hill Casino and Resort Conference Center at United Wireless Arena, Dodge City. Tickets for the dinner and induction ceremony are $35 and reservations can be made by calling Boot Hill Museum at 620-227-8188 or by visiting boothill.org

08/13/2024

⭐ KANSAS COWBOY HALL OF FAME STILL ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS ⭐

Nomination forms may be requested through Boot Hill Museum, Inc., 500 W Wyatt Earp Blvd, Dodge City, Kansas 67801 (620)227-8188. Nominations can also be done online at https://www.boothill.org/kchf-nomination.html #/

The Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame Committee requests nominations of living or deceased individuals for consideration for induction into the Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame. Any organization or individual may nominate a qualified person for consideration. The Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame Committee meets annually to evaluate and determine inductees.

Individuals or organizations nominating a person(s) are requested to submit supplementary supporting information. Any materials submitted will be stored within the Boot Hill Museum, Inc. files and will not be returned to the nominating individuals or organizations.

Nominated inductees will be evaluated and selected by a majority vote of the Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame Committee. No more than one award from each category will be inducted annually.

The 2024 induction ceremonies will take place at the Boot Hill Casino and Resort Conference Center, Dodge City, on Saturday, November 2, 2024. The Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame Awards will be presented to the honoree, or to a designated representative. This year’s ceremony coincides with the celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the Western Cattle Trail.

2024 Induction Ceremony Saturday, November 2, 2024 Boot Hill Casino and Resort Conference Center 4000 W Comanche St ​Dodge City, KS 67801

07/13/2024

𝐃𝐨𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐊𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐚𝐬
Dodge City has been named the Best Small Town in Kansas by The Getaway, a digital travel publisher focused on promoting the power of travel and helping travelers find adventure on any budget. In their article 'The Best Small Towns in Each State,' the Getaway cited Dodge City's commitment to its Old West heritage, thematic attractions, historical sites, and efforts to bring history to life as reasons for the selection.

The Getaway's selection process focused on identifying affordable small towns in each state as alternatives to expensive, hectic big cities. They sought destinations offering strong community spirit and unique experiences, aiming to highlight peaceful retreats that provide visitors with memorable vacations. Their goal is to encourage travel to smaller, charming destinations often overlooked by tourists.

"We are overjoyed to be named the Best Small Town in Kansas," said Megan Welsh, director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau. "This recognition shines a spotlight on Dodge City, introducing us to travelers who might have overlooked our community. We're excited to open our doors to these newcomers and show them the distinctive charm and adventures that make our town special."

Read the complete The Best Small Towns in Each State article at https://thegetaway.com/trip-planning/the-best-small-town-in-each-state/. To plan your next vacation to Dodge City, see our website at www.visitdodgecity.org.

07/11/2024

The Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame has partnered with Boot Hill Distillery to honor Kansas' finest Cowboys!

Only available on top of Boot Hill at Boot HIll Distillery, you can purchase the single barrel Artist/Entertainer Category Bourbon Whiskey! Don't miss your chance to own a piece of history!