About Nicodemus National Historic Site
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.
Plan a Visit
Core visitor information on this page is sourced from the National Park Service. NPD proximity sections use NPS reference coordinates and straight-line distance. Local source bundle updated Sep 27, 2026. View the official NPS page.
Weather & Conditions
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.…
NPS Reference Location
Park state / territory membership: Kansas. This map uses the National Park Service reference coordinate. It may represent an administrative or reference point rather than a park entrance, trailhead, visitor center, or the nearest access point. Use the official NPS directions below when planning travel.
Operating Hours
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.
Activities
Getting There
Nicodemus National Historic Site is located in northwestern Kansas on Highway 24 between Hill City and Stockton.
View Official DirectionsContact & Address
The NPS-listed address may be an administrative office, visitor center, mailing/contact location, or other park facility rather than a park entrance.
Topics & Themes
Things To Do
Park Ranger Programs
Discover the vibrant history and community of Nicodemus through ranger programs! Request a guided tour of the town, plan a…
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…
Visitor Centers
Township Hall and Visitor Center
The visitor center is open year-round for five (5) days of the week. We are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The visitor center is closed…
Temporary Building Closure
The Township Hall, including park store and bathrooms, will be temporarily closed until September 12. Visitor operations will be run in a mobile visitor center…
Temporary Building Closure
The Township Hall, including park store and bathrooms, will be temporarily closed until September 12. Visitor operations will be run in a mobile visitor center…
Nearby National Park Service Sites
These sites are ordered by straight-line distance between NPS reference coordinates. This is useful for comparison, but it is not road mileage. Trails, parkways, rivers, and distributed units may extend far from their reference point.
