From the Old West to Kansas Craft Spirits
Dodge City is legendary — Boot Hill, Wyatt Earp, and the Long Branch Saloon put this town on the map. But Kansas has a new kind of spirit worth seeking out. Smoky Valley Distillery sits 165 miles east in Marquette, where Stan and Michele Von Strohe craft 10 spirits from grain to glass in a restored 1919 COOP building. Trade the Old West for new Kansas whiskey and make the drive east through the heart of the state.
Getting Here from Dodge City
Head east on US-56 from Dodge City through Kinsley and Larned. Continue on US-56 E to Great Bend, then take KS-4 E through Lyons and on to Marquette. The 165-mile route is mostly two-lane highway through wide-open western Kansas prairie, transitioning into the rolling Smoky Hills as you approach Marquette. Traffic is light the entire way.
Nearest Retailer
The closest store carrying our spirits is Johnson Retail Liquor in Lyons — about 45 miles west of Marquette along your route. Stop in to grab a bottle of Smoked Straight Bourbon or Pickle Vodka if you want something for the road home.
At the distillery, our full retail shop is open Thursday through Saturday with all 10 spirits available for purchase.
Weekend Escape from Dodge City
A trip from Dodge City to Smoky Valley Distillery is the perfect excuse for a western Kansas road trip. Here's our suggested itinerary:
Day 1 — The Drive East:
- Morning: Depart Dodge City, stop at Fort Larned National Historic Site along US-56 for a look at a preserved frontier military post
- Midday: Arrive in Marquette, check into Preston House (sleeps 11, book on AirBnB)
- Afternoon: Walk to the distillery for a guided tour and tasting — $10 per person, 30-45 minutes
- Evening: Enjoy live music at our venue on Friday or Saturday night
Day 2 — Explore the Area:
- Morning: Drive to Lindsborg — "Little Sweden USA" — for Swedish pastries, art galleries, and the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery
- Afternoon: Head back west, stopping at Great Bend attractions like Cheyenne Bottoms Wetlands or the Brit Spaugh Zoo
- Evening: Return to Dodge City with bottles of Bud & Dewey's and Kernza Whiskey
A Different Kind of Kansas History
Dodge City celebrates Kansas's frontier past. Smoky Valley Distillery represents its craft future. Our Kernza Whiskey is made with a revolutionary perennial wheat grain developed right here in Kansas — a spirit as pioneering as the cowboys who once drove cattle through your town.