nicodemus national historic site

Several years ago my husband,my self,and my sister visited Nicodemus,while we were in the visitors center,I had the nagging feeling that something wasn't right,the woman working in the center kept insisting that my sister and I should view the rest of the center,this area that she insisted we view was hidden behind a curtain,several times I noticed a shadow and someones shoes,though we were assured that no one was back there,my husband had remained in our truck but became bored and came into the center to check out the rich history of Nicodemus,as he walked around and looked at the displays a local man following close behind,(that nagging feeling immediately returned) so when the local man left the center I followed him and found him on the ground beside our truck with a slim Jim attempting to break into it,he immediately jumped up and walked behind the house across the street from the center where another man was acting as his lookout.we have never returned and probably never will.

This place is way out of the way, but worth it to see what a tough life these people lived. A city built by freed blacks after the Civil War; in its time it was a thriving town. There is one major building that has a park ranger and a video that tells you about life in the town. Other than that not much to see. Do take the time to go out of your way to see the place though - it'll make you think differently.

Not a lot to see- but that is not the reason to make a journey to this out of the way site. It is to learn of a group of people who faced very difficult conditions to try and make a life for themselves in very harsh lands.Do take time to talk with the ranger about their life there

Honestly I didn't know anything about Nicodemus until a month before I visited and only went because it was near my travel route. It was surprisingly informative about the homesteading experience of the African American after the Civil War. The Rangers are very knowledgeable and the trip was well worth while from an educational point of view. Unfortunately only one of the buildings are owned by NPS and can be entered. That is the reason for only 4 stars. Tip! If you time it right in you can catch the Jazz-Blues festival in June (I got lucky and it was fun!) or in July they have a Emancipation Day Celebration and Homecoming (7/24 to 7/26 in 2014) featuring a Gospel & Jazz music with Fireworks.

The park was smaller than I thought it would be, mainly it has 5 historic buildings that represent the struggle and victory of this African American community. Unfortunately, there is only 1 building open to the public and has little to offer. Exhibits are small and some are poorly done. While the history of this community is exciting to me, it feels like this site has been abandoned by the NPS.

The park has 5 historic buildings that represent the 5 pillars of the African American community. Unfortunately, there is only 1 building open to the public. It serves as the visitor center, small museum, and has a movie. We drove around to see the other buildings.

If you are interested in African American pioneering history, visit Nicodemus National Historic Site in Kansas. Start at the Visitor's Center to learn about these hearty pioneers as they expanded and settled on the Great Plains. Although you cannot go inside, there are five historical buildings to see. Worth the trip for real history buffs.

Pretty disappointing stop on our road trip. Generally love to stop at historical sites and definitely stop at all National Parks Service sites. Really can't believe the Federal Government pay a Parks employee to be at this site.