Wichita, often overlooked by tourists, is a vibrant city with lots to offer. It was once a quiet cowtown but has now become an important center for trade, transport, culture, and media. Located in the south-center of Kansas, it sits at the meeting point of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas rivers.
The city is filled with outstanding museums, theaters, and music venues, both along the rivers and in the downtown area. Additionally, there are plenty of beautiful riverside parks and cultural landmarks to explore. With its mix of historic sites, natural spots, and western culture, there are many things to do in Wichita.
The city also boasts diverse neighborhoods and a thriving dining scene. It’s no wonder that this former frontier town is a popular destination for visitors and vacationers.
16. Sedgwick County Zoo
The Sedgwick County Zoo is a great place for families to visit. It is home to many different animals like gorillas, grizzlies, tigers, and tapirs. The zoo is located just a short drive from downtown, about fifteen minutes away. It has a lot of different things to see and do with animals.
The zoo was started in 1971 and has won awards for its wildlife park. They have about 3,000 animals, birds, and reptiles from over 400 different species. The zoo is very big and is divided into different sections like Pride of the Plains, Cessna Penguin Cove, and Kookaburra Junction.
Each section is designed to look like the animal’s natural habitat in Africa, Asia, Australia, or the Americas. In addition to seeing animals from around the world, you can also have special up-close encounters with animals and learn more about them. There are also places to eat, shop, and playgrounds for children to enjoy.
15. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Allen House
Just to the east of Uptown, there is an impressive example of Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous Prairie Style architecture called the Allen House. Visitors have the opportunity to take guided tours of the interior and admire the intricate details of the renowned architect’s work.
The house was constructed in 1917 for Henry Justin Allen, the governor of Kansas, and it truly embodies the characteristics and aesthetics of this particular architectural style. The building features horizontal lines, open floor plans, and the use of natural materials, all of which seamlessly blend in with the surrounding landscapes.
The interior is equally appealing, with well-preserved rooms adorned with fine furniture, furnishings, and artworks. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you will have the chance to learn about the history, design, and decoration of the house, as well as gain insights into the life and achievements of the great architect himself.
14. RiverFest
The RiverFest in Wichita is the biggest and most lively music festival held in June. People mainly go there to listen to the amazing bands and singers, but there are also many activities and events for people of all ages. It started as a small festival in the seventies, but now it has become a huge week-long celebration.
Along the river, there are numerous community events and cultural activities, and there are entertaining performers on stage. One of the exciting parts is a colorful parade with costumes, floats, and fireworks. There are also food trucks and merchandise stands around. Apart from a classic car show, attendees can enjoy DJ sets and live bands until late at night.
13. Arkansas River Trail
The Arkansas River Trail is a popular and beautiful pathway that runs through the city center and past Century II. It is a great place to walk, jog, run, or ride a bike, and you can enjoy the amazing views of the river and the pristine scenery along the way. The trail is almost eleven miles long and is mainly flat and paved.
It follows the peaceful southwest bank of the river. Some parts of the trail are peaceful and quiet, while others go through lively communities and built-up areas. Along the trail, you can see stunning gardens, green spaces, and famous landmarks like The Keeper of the Plains statue. There are also stadiums, shops, the city zoo, museums, and monuments that are located near the trail.
12. Great Plains Nature Center
The Great Plains Nature Center is a fascinating and educational place to visit in Wichita, located on the outskirts of town. It showcases a variety of animals and exhibits that teach visitors about the plants and animals found in the Great Plains.
The center is quite large and aims to protect prairies, wetlands, and woodlands that are home to many native species in Kansas. As you explore the center’s natural landscapes, you may have the opportunity to spot birds and animals hiding in the undergrowth.
The center also features informative plaques that help visitors appreciate and understand the nature and wildlife on display. Inside, there are additional facilities with more information and exhibits about the ecosystems and animals of the Great Plains.
The center also offers classes, talks, and workshops to educate the local community about the important habitats unique to the state.
11. Wichita Art Museum
The Wichita Art Museum is a must-visit place because it has a fantastic collection of paintings, sculptures, and ceramics. It is housed in a modern building that is located next to the Arkansas River, and its collection represents several centuries of art.
The museum was established in 1915 and has grown over the years, now displaying more than 7,000 art pieces. As you explore the museum, you will come across interesting installations by local artists, as well as masterpieces by renowned artists like Dale Chihuly, Edward Hopper, and Robert Henri.
The museum also showcases beautiful glassworks, intricate drawings, and sections dedicated to the history, nature, and landscapes of the city and state. Once you have enjoyed the art, you can relax and have a coffee in the museum’s cafe, shop for gifts at its store, or take a stroll through its picturesque riverside campus.
10. Museum of World Treasures
In the city center, you will find a popular tourist attraction called the Museum of World Treasures. This museum is located in Old Town and is known for its vast collection of ancient artifacts from different parts of the world.
Inside the museum, you can explore huge galleries that house impressive dinosaur skeletons, mummies from Egypt, and artifacts from the Roman era. Some rooms in the museum focus on coins, documents, and exhibits related to different world civilizations, while others highlight the history of the United States military and its presidents.
You will also find original manuscripts by famous individuals like Mark Twain and Mozart, as well as exhibits on Native Americans and cowboys. The museum has a wide variety of captivating artworks, objects, and even weapons on display, making it easy to spend several hours exploring.
Additionally, there is a play zone for children and a gift shop where you can take a break and make a purchase if needed.
9. Old Cowtown Museum
In Wichita, there’s a fascinating museum called Old Cowtown Museum. It’s located right next to the Wichita Art Museum and Botanica. At this museum, visitors can travel back in time and learn about life in the Wild West. The museum has over fifty old buildings from the 1870s beautifully recreated.
You can explore different places like general stores, blacksmiths, a church, and a schoolhouse. The museum is filled with artifacts, photos, and costumed interpreters who bring the frontier settlement to life. Visitors can also enjoy cowboy gunfights, live demonstrations, and see farmyard animals walking around. Additionally, there’s a gift shop, snack stand, and old carriages and farm equipment to explore.
8. Century II Performing Arts Center
Just a short walk away is the Century II Performing Arts Center, which is a modern and impressive venue. Inside its large concert hall, you can experience incredible orchestras, operas, concerts, and even comedy nights. Besides the main hall, the complex also includes a smaller theater, exhibit spaces, and meeting rooms.
This means that there is always something happening at the center, such as talks, conventions, and amazing performances. You can also enjoy ballets, plays, and dance shows by both local and international groups. It is definitely worth checking out the center’s schedule of events and entertainment when you are in town.
The venues in the center have great acoustics and views, and they host talented performers, making it a fantastic place to enjoy a show.
7. Exploration Place
The Exploration Place is located near the center, right next to the Arkansas River, not too far from Century II. It is a hands-on science center where people of all ages can explore, create, and experiment as much as they want.
The center has interactive exhibits that cover a wide range of subjects, from flight and design to anatomy and the American Midwest. It also has science labs and flight simulators, and a three-story medieval castle where children can play and explore.
The castle has more than sixty STEM exhibits, and there are other exciting activities available as well. Additionally, the Exploration Place has a planetarium, live science shows, and educational films for entertainment. Adjacent to the river, there is a large outdoor play area and a wetlands habitat to explore.
6. Tanganyika Wildlife Park
If you’re interested in seeing incredible animals, the Tanganyika Wildlife Park is the perfect place to visit. The park has spacious enclosures where you can see giraffes, rhinos, pygmy hippos, lions, and many other species. Families love this zoo, which opened in 2008 near Goddard.
It’s a memorable experience because the animals are very active and seem happy. When you visit, you can even book animal encounters to feed sloths, pet servals, and take pictures with penguins. In addition to getting up close with camels, lemurs, and clouded leopards, there are also playgrounds and splash pads to enjoy. Christmas is a magical time to visit, as the whole park is lit up with twinkling fairy lights.
5. Botanica, The Wichita Gardens
Botanica is a peaceful and picturesque place located in Midtown. It is also known as The Wichita Gardens and has more than thirty sections filled with colorful plants, flowers, trees, and shrubs. It was established in 1987 and has expanded over time due to its reputation for beauty.
The gardens now have around 4,000 species, including both native and new plants to the area. Visitors can enjoy the sight of azaleas, irises, roses, and tulips. There are also sculptures and sparkling streams, fountains, and waterfalls throughout the garden.
Besides admiring the flowers and water features, visitors can participate in classes and workshops offered in this beautiful garden.
4. Old Town
The Old Town in Wichita is the perfect place to shop, eat, and enjoy yourself. It is located in the city’s historic center and entertainment district. The area consists of four busy blocks filled with attractions and restaurants, many of which are housed in historic buildings and old warehouses.
It is a lively place with lots of things happening all the time, making it fun to explore. The streets are lined with numerous cafes, restaurants, boutiques, and souvenir shops. Old Town is also well-known for its nightlife, with bustling bars and live music venues.
Additionally, there are a couple of theaters and museums worth visiting, such as the Regal Warren Old Town and Museum of World Treasures.
3. Farm & Art Market
Every Saturday from April through December, the Farm & Art Market in Old Town is a lively and vibrant event. It is filled with stands and stalls selling a wide range of items. Locals and tourists have been coming to the market since 1991 to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, handmade products, and artworks.
There are also stands offering baked goods, coffee, and temporary galleries selling paintings, jewelry, and clothing. It’s a fun experience to wander around the market due to its lively atmosphere and the variety of local products available.
And if you get hungry or thirsty after shopping, there are food trucks where you can grab a bite to eat or drink.
2. The Keeper of the Plains
The city has a famous symbol and sight called The Keeper of the Plains, which is located where the Arkansas and Little Arkansas rivers meet. This stunning steel sculpture is great for taking photos, especially when it is illuminated at night. It was built in 1974 and is 44 feet tall, representing a Native American Indian chief.
There are informative displays about the local tribes that lived in the area and steps that lead down to the riverside at its base. You can reach the sculpture by crossing two footbridges, and it is situated on a prominent outcrop surrounded by rugged rocks.
Since it is not far from other tourist attractions like Botanica, Exploration Place, and the Old Cowtown Museum, many people visit it while on their way to those places.
1. Kansas Aviation Museum
The Kansas Aviation Museum is located on the southeastern edge of the city. It used to be a municipal airport, but now it houses artifacts, engines, and aircraft that show the history and evolution of the aviation industry in Kansas. The airport was really busy between 1935 and 1954 because of its central location.
The old terminal of the airport has a beautiful Art Deco architecture, and visitors can explore inside to see many different civilian and military aircraft. While the shiny jets and large Boeings get a lot of attention, there are also exhibits about Wichita’s involvement in World War II and the important aviation companies in the area.
