When you think of Wichita, Kansas, seemingly endless expanses of cornfields, tornadoes, and the Wizard of Oz might come to mind. And while most of the state is indeed covered by relatively mundane plots of farmland, it also has a lot going for it if you know where to look.
A lot of people’s only experience with Kansas is driving through it on the way to Colorado – a state that, in comparison, is breathtakingly majestic in it’s natural beauty and known for it’s many world-class attractions. It’s hard to compare these two states, however, as they are so drastically different in so many different ways. It’s true that western Kansas is pretty barren and devoid of notable travel destinations, but it’s southern and eastern sides actually have quite a few hidden gems worth checking out if you’re ever in the area.
In this video, we’ll be taking a look at some of the top attractions in Wichita. Kansas’ largest city. While Kansas’ other major cities, Topeka and Kansas City, are located on the eastern end of the state, Wichita can be found in south-central Kansas along the banks of the Arkansas River.
It got it’s start back in the 1860s as a trading post on the Chisholm Trail, which was used settlers in the post-Civil War era to transport their cattle from ranches in Texas to Kansas railheads. Wichita was then incorporated as a city in 1870. Because of it’s historical status as a destination for cattle drivers to stop and recoup their supplies, it’s earned itself the nickname of “Cowtown”.
Wichita is home to numerous alluring attractions and museums, including the state’s most-visited outdoor attraction, the Sedgewick County Zoo. There is no shortage of culture, nightlife, and dining options awaiting you in this great Midwestern city. So, let’s go ahead and dive into exploring some of the best sights, attractions, and natural wonders that can be found in and around Wichita.
The Museum of World Treasures
This museum boasts an eclectic collection of permanent and temporary exhibits featuring everything from T-Rex and Edmontosaurus fossils to Civil War Uniforms and weaponry. Other exhibits feature such things as ancient Egyptian artifacts, gemstones and precious metals, and items of military significance such as flags, ammunition, regalia, and historical documents. It’ll likely take you a bit to explore everything that is on display here, so give yourself at least a few hours to soak it all in.
Wichita Art Museum
Nestled in the booming ‘Museums on the river district’ just a five-minute drive from downtown, the Wichita Art Museum proudly displays the rich and diversified art history of the Southern Midwest. As a nationally renowned museum, over 10,000 works of American art are exhibited, including masterpieces by Edward Hopper and Mary Cassatt. And best of all, admission is free on Saturdays. You can either take a self-led tour of the facility or take a guided tour led by an expert member of the museum’s staff.
The Old Cowtown Museum
If you’re wanting to brush up on your local history, The Old Cowtown Museum gives guests a fascinating glimpse into Wichita’s past. Visitors will take a walk back in time to 1865 when Wichita was first established as a trading post – back when it was indeed a Cowtown as cowboys regularly herded their longhorn bovine from the Lonestar state of Texas.
This living museum allows you to walk through the dirt streets as you pass old-timey reconstructions of the sheriff’s office and general store. And if you’re looking for a little live entertainment, stop in at the saloon and wet your whistle with an ice-cold sarsaparilla while catching a performance from a live band. Don’t be shy either. Be sure to interact with the reenactors who play characters like the local sheriff, saloon patrons, and fur traders.
Botanica: The Wichita Gardens
Whether you have a green thumb or not, Botanica is sure to be a hit with guests from all walks of life. The staff is dedicated to educating the public about the development and promotion of horticulture in the Wichita area. Also, green spaces that are bursting with life and color make this spot a perfect place to have a relaxing picnic. You can also sign up for a variety of classes and workshops that the gardens regularly offer.
Sedgewick County Zoo
As an American Zoo Association accredited wildlife park and one of the top attractions in Wichita, the Sedgewick County Zoo is sure to be a hit with you and your family. It was established in 1971 by the Sedgwick County Zoological Society, and it didn’t take long for it to become nationally and internationally recognized for it’s relentless support of conservation programs as well it’s successful breeding of endangered species.
More than 3,000 animals representing 400 species call this zoo their home. It’s grounds are divided into several distinct areas featuring wildlife from Earth’s many different bio-regions. A few of these include the African Veldt, Tiger Trek, Penguin Cove, and Pride of the Plains exhibits.
As of 2021, the zoo is currently building a new elephant management complex in addition to remodeling its Amphibians and Reptiles Building. They are also planning on building a lodge, water park, and Savannah exhibit.
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The Riverfront and The Keeper of The Plains
The Arkansas Riverfront has more than enough offerings to keep visitors busy all day. Many of Wichita’s premier museums can be found here, but you’ll also see things like military memorials and beautiful works of sculpture.
One of these, a 44-foot tall statue called The Keeper of the Plains, depicts a Native American holding a peace pipe. It’s purpose is to honor the regional indigenous tribes that have called this area their home for many centuries. The Keeper is also lit up every evening during a fire show.
Exploration Place
History buffs will love this museum and educational center. Guests can learn all about the history of the cowboy, see a miniature version of Kansas, and let their imaginations come alive at this interactive and informative facility. Their science and discovery center features several hands-on exhibits that educate visitors about how things like our bodies and homes work, but there are also exhibits that dive into the history of the American West and what life was like in Kansas throughout the years. You also won’t want to miss out on seeing a show at Exploration Place’s Dome Theater and Planetarium.
Century II Performing Arts Center
Wichita has a rich cultural and theatrical scene, and there’s no better place to see this in action than over at the Century II Performing Arts Center. The theater, convention center, and concert hall regularly has events scheduled throughout the years ranging from expos to concerts and stage plays. It’s best to take a look at their calendar online before planning your visit.
A couple of the top events held here are performances of the Wichita Symphony Orchestra and the Wichita Grand Opera. But throughout the year, many top-billed musical artists perform here as well. Just a quick look at their schedules shows that a few upcoming events include productions of The Nutcracker, a Christmas pageant, and a performance of Summer: The Donna Summer Musical.
Tanganyika Wildlife Park
One of the most unique things to do in Wichita, a trip to the Tanganyika Wildlife Park will let guests get up close and personal with animals such as lemurs, alligators, and giraffes. In addition to housing hundreds of animals in expertly crafted wildlife enclosures, the park is also dedicated to preservation and conservation. Because of this, you’re visit will feel a lot different than your typical outing at the zoo.
They also offer quite a few interactive experiences that allow visitors to touch animals that they would likely never get a chance to otherwise. They also have a behind-the-scenes tour and a ‘swimming with penguins’ program, which we highly recommend.
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Allen House
If you’re a fan of famed-architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s groundbreaking work, then a visit to this spot is a must. The Allen House was one of the last prairie homes that Wright designed. It showcases the brilliance behind Wright’s work by blending the house’s exterior and interior using a very specific and intentional placement of windows.
The house features a marvelous backyard garden and ornate fountain, which is visible from the floor-to-ceiling windows in it’s living room. Adjacent to the house is a small museum that showcases the history of the home and Wright’s career. While the Allen House’s museum is open to the public, we highly recommend signing up for a guided tour so that you can see the inside of the house in all of it’s glory.
Old Town
This part of town is a great spot to explore during the day. There are a myriad of boutiques, shops, and restaurants, and the neighborhood has a distinctly old-school feel that makes you feel like you just took a voyage in a time machine. One of our favorite attractions in Old Town is the Arcade which features many famous vintage video game cabinets from the 1980s and 1990s. In Old Town square, you’ll find a trove of gift shops. So, if you’re looking for a little keepsake to remember your visit to Wichita, you’ll be sure to find something that you like there.
Unfortunately, we’re just about out of time for this video. We could spend quite a bit more time detailing the many sights and attractions that can be found in the Wichita area, but we’ll have to save those for next time.
Are you excited to visit Wichita? If so, what are you most interested in seeing and doing there? And if you’ve already been to Wichita, did we miss one of your favorite attractions? Let us know in the comments section down below.
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Safe Travels!