Find all the basic information about the National HDT Rally here!
If you have never been to the HDT Rally before, or you want to be better equipped to go again, this page has the information for you.
Location: Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas
Dates: One week in October, typically the second week, starting on Saturday with registration and ending the next Saturday with a farewell breakfast.
There are 11 gates into the Kansas State Fairgrounds, most of which are typically closed during the rally. Gates 1 and 4 are the easiest entry into the fairgrounds, since the majority of the rally is held in the Encampment Building (seen on the top left in the fairground map). If you do have an RV already, the campground on site is convenient and pretty reasonably priced.
Gate 1 – always open, at the junction of N Poplar St and E 20th Ave
Gate 4 – open part of the time for arrivals, directly on State Fair Rd
Local Attractions
Looking for something to do in Hutchinson? There are several popular attractions, whether you are looking for a night by yourself, with your significant other, or with friends.
Strataca Salt Mines – 3650 E Ave G, Hutchinson, KS 67501
Some visit these only once, and some come every year, but this is one of the most common attractions. It is only about 15 minutes away from the fairgrounds, and you get to learn a little history and see why salt mines are so important for helping preserve that history.
Cosmosphere – 1100 N Plum St, Hutchinson, KS 67501
This is a space and aeronautics museum a short 5 minutes away from the fairgrounds. They have some very interesting displays about the moon landing, and a nearly full-scale replica of a fighter plane, and see if you can find some of the beautiful stained glass art! Be sure to check their website to find any talks that might be going on during your stay, as they sometimes offer discounted admission.
Dillon Nature Center – 3002 E 30th Ave, Hutchinson, KS 67502
Within 10 minutes, you can find the Dillon Nature Center, a 100-acre urban sanctuary. It is a wild arboretum and designated National Urban Wildlife Sanctuary. The center is home to more than 300 species of woody plants, hundreds of varieties of wildflowers and native grasses, 200 species of birds, and a large variety of other wildlife along three miles of National Recreation trails. Visitors can enjoy fishing and canoeing in the 1-acre pond, which is stocked with trout twice-monthly from November to March by Crystal Lake Fisheries out of Missouri, and once a month by KDWPT with catfish from March to October. The center also has a children’s playscape. Weather can make or break your experience, though, so be sure to check before you go.
Reno County Museum – 100 South Walnut, Hutchinson, KS 67501
If you love history, you might be interested in visiting the local museum. It has two stories, and several different displays highlighting the history of Hutchinson and its people.
Yoder Amish Community – Yoder, Kansas 67543
Another 20 minutes south is Yoder, the local Amish community. Visit their website to see what they have to offer: www.yoderkansas.com
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stay connected? We have a Facebook community for those looking to stay connected. Search and request to join!
Happy Hour – what is it and how do I get invited? Happy Hour is a laid-back part of the event, just bring a drink and a snack to share! There is a large gathering in the main building, and often smaller gatherings throughout the campground. No invitations are necessary, just walk up and ask to join! We are a friendly group and are happy to have you join us.
Ladies Luncheon – what is it, how does it work, and how do I go? The Ladies Luncheon is a time for all the ladies to connect. We typically visit a restaurant in Yoder, about 20 minutes from Hutchinson, called Carriage Crossing Restaurant and Bakery. The ladies will sign up on the sheet and gather by the main entrance to the Encampment Building before 11:00 am on the day of the luncheon. Ladies without rides will be paired up with drivers, and everyone will drive to the restaurant. After the meal, some ladies then choose to go to Downtown Hutchinson to browse the shops there. Some suggestions are thrift stores (Salvation Army, Et Cetera Shop, Bookends), antique stores (Necessities – Past and Present), cooking stores, and there is always the Hutchinson Public Library if you need to wait on your driver to finish shopping. Do wear your walking shoes if you are planning on shopping, though, as Main Street is long and the stores are not all in one place.
What are the local attractions? There are several very popular attractions in the area, including the salt mines. See the list above for locations and addresses!
Parking Details – where to park and what are the restrictions? There is parking all around the main building, and it is first-come-first-serve. Other than that, park wherever you would like! The same goes for the campground sites, and you are free to take any open site.
How do I get invited to one of the many groups I keep seeing? Our group is friendly, but we can be shy about inviting new people into our group. If you want to join a group, try walking up and introducing yourself – we never turn someone away! This is an amazing community, and some lifetime friendships have been made at these rallies. Just give it a chance, you’ll see!
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