Nicknamed “The Air Capital of the World,” Wichita offers visitors much more beyond aviation industry plaudits. The Arkansas River winds through the city providing scenic views while dining al fresco. World-class museums and other cultural attractions capture regional heritage spanning cowboys and Indians to the era of Eisenhower plus contemporary art spaces too.
| Attraction | Description |
|---|---|
| Keeper of the Plains Statue & Scenic Views | A 44-feet tall statue by Blackbear Bosin at the Arkansas River, offering panoramic views and riverside activities. |
| Old Cowtown Museum | A living history museum recreating 1880s life with costumed interpreters and authentic buildings. |
| Botanica Gardens | Over 30 themed gardens across 18 acres, featuring a Butterfly Garden and Children’s Garden. |
| The KEEN Project Creative Warehouse | An arts district in a former factory with studio galleries for local artists. |
| Exploration Place Science Center | A science center with hands-on exhibits, an IMAX theater, and interactive displays for all ages. |
| Frank Lloyd Wright’s Allen House | A tourable Usonian-style home by Frank Lloyd Wright, showcasing his architectural innovations. |
| Wichita Art Museum | The state’s oldest cultural institution with over 8,000 works spanning classic to contemporary art. |
| Urban Prairie Tours | Bike excursions offering a taste of local food, history, and culture. |
| Wichita Riverfest | A nine-day summer festival with concerts, family attractions, and sporting events along the Arkansas River. |
| Oeno Wine Bars + Sente Coffee | Highlights in the Delano neighborhood with a wine bar in a former pharmacy and a chic coffee company outpost. |
| Midwest Country Music Hall of Fame Museum | A museum documenting country music history with artifacts and stories of musicians with Kansas roots. |
| General Overview | Wichita is a vibrant city with a mix of arts, culture, Old West heritage, and outdoor activities, offering a variety of experiences for visitors. |
Its revitalized downtown offers urban explorers lively nightlife with local beers and bands after perusing indie boutiques. Whether traveling with family, friends or solo, here are top recommendations for fully experiencing this surprisingly hip Plains city.
Explore the Keeper of the Plains Statue & Scenic Views Along the Arkansas River
Name and Location: The Keeper of the Plains, an iconic sculpture by Blackbear Bosin, stands at the confluence of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas Rivers in downtown Wichita.
History and Significance: The statue is a symbol of Native American culture, honoring the Plains Indians who inhabited the region for centuries. It represents the importance of water to the land and people.
What to Expect: Visitors can witness the nightly lighting of the statue, accompanied by a ceremonial drumbeat and fire pots. The area offers picturesque river views and walking trails.
Visitor Information: Open year-round, free of charge. Evening lighting ceremonies are a must-see event.
Wichita’s signature landmark stands 44-feet tall depicting the image of a Native American chief by artist Blackbear Bosin near the Arkansas River confluence. Illuminated nightly through a sacred eternal flame, the Keeper of the Plains statue honors the Wichita Peoples’ legacy as original stewards of this land. Minutes away, spectators get panoramic views of the downtown skyline and historic Union Station railroad depot from the pedestrian bridge linking both riverbanks. Visitors also appreciate riverside strolls or bike rides along the scenic linear park corniche. Don’t miss this iconic city photo op!
Old Cowtown Museum
Name and Location: Located in Wichita, Old Cowtown Museum is a living history museum that recreates the city’s past in the late 1800s.
History and Significance: It provides an authentic glimpse into Wichita’s early days, portraying the pioneer and Wild West heritage of the region.
What to Expect: Visitors can explore historic buildings, interact with costumed interpreters, and experience daily life as it was in the Old West.
Visitor Information: The museum is open seasonally, and admission fees apply. Check their website for operating hours and special events.
Immerse yourself in the Wild West at Old Cowtown’s living history village spanning over 23 authentically restored acres. Costumed interpreters recreate 1880s life throughout this open-air museum filled with artifacts like horse-drawn wagons, a railroad depot, schoolhouse, church, farms, homes, saloons, shops and more. Daily activities feature horseback rides, gunfights, blacksmithing, woodworking and baking demos by historically accurate characters. Visitors easily spend hours here gaining first-hand experiences into Wichita’s pioneering past as a cowtown along the Chisholm cattle trail. It’s fun and educational for all ages.
Botanica Gardens
Name and Location: Botanica Gardens, located in Wichita, is a lush oasis of gardens and horticultural displays.
History and Significance: Founded in 1987, it serves as a place of beauty, education, and relaxation, showcasing diverse plant life and landscapes.
What to Expect: Visitors can explore themed gardens, including the Chinese Garden of Friendship and the Shakespearean Garden, as well as attend seasonal events and educational programs.
Visitor Information: Open year-round, with admission fees varying by age and membership options available.
Considered one of America’s top 10 public gardens, Botanica delights visitors with over 30 diverse themed gardens spread across 18 acres near downtown Wichita. Blooming flowers, mature trees, and tranquil koi ponds offer Instagram-worthy backdrops at every turn to admire. The Butterfly Garden and Downing Children’s Garden tend to rank as highlights, especially for younger nature enthusiasts. Those wanting to extend relaxation should book ahead for spa treatments, yoga classes or dining overlooking flowerbeds too. The gardens host rotating exhibits, seasonal events plus evening concerts inspiring return trips.
The KEEN Project Creative Warehouse Arts District
Name and Location: The KEEN Project is a creative warehouse space located in the heart of Wichita’s Arts District.
History and Significance: It serves as a hub for artists and makers, offering studio spaces and fostering a community of creativity and collaboration.
What to Expect: Visitors can explore art studios, galleries, and workshops showcasing a diverse range of artistic expressions, from painting to sculpture.
Visitor Information: Open during specific events and studio hours, providing a unique opportunity to engage with local artists and their works.
One of Wichita’s funkiest, fast-changing neighborhoods is the pop culture-inspired arts destination known as The KEEN Project or simply “old Spaghetti Works building” to locals along Commerce Street. Once inside this former 1920s factory, over a dozen resident artists have transformed rooms into vibrant working studio galleries open for visitors to peruse. Paintings, glass works, textiles, jewelry, upcycled arts and more get creatively produced and sold onsite daily. Guests rave this is the “Anti-Mall” due to its gritty-chic authentic warehouse vibes filled with local makers’ wares. Don’t miss First Friday art crawl receptions every month too.
Exploration Place Science Center
Name and Location: Exploration Place, situated along the Arkansas River in Wichita, is a hands-on science center and museum.
History and Significance: It is dedicated to promoting science and technology education through interactive exhibits and educational programs.
What to Expect: Visitors can engage in a wide range of scientific experiences, from exploring aviation history to conducting hands-on experiments in the Kansas Kids Connect area.
Visitor Information: Open year-round, with admission fees that vary by age and membership options available. Check their website for hours and special events.
With a dozen hands-on permanent exhibit galleries like Physics Playroom, Air & Space, Kidopolis plus rotating traveling installations like POMPEII: The Exhibition, the outstanding Exploration Place science center keeps visitors actively engaged for hours on end. Interactive components allow you to tee off on a simulated golf green to examine physics or feel hurricane force winds. The onsite Extreme Screen Theater presents educational IMAX films too. This top family-friendly downtown museum manages to seamlessly blend learning principles through play for science lovers spanning preschool ages to adults.
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Allen House
Name and Location: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Allen House, also known as the Henry J. Allen House, is a historic residential masterpiece located in Wichita.
History and Significance: Designed by the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1915, it is an architectural gem and a prime example of his Prairie School style.
What to Expect: Visitors can take guided tours of this well-preserved house, appreciating Wright’s innovative design and attention to detail.
Visitor Information: Tours are available with reservations. Check the website for tour schedules and ticket information.
Fans of America’s iconic architect Frank Lloyd Wright can tour one of his rare Usonian-style homes right in Wichita open to the public for guided visits. Known as the Allen House, this modest yet cleverly designed urban abode completed in 1959 utilizes lots of glass, wood and brick to seamlessly connect indoors and out through floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing a gorgeous koi pond. Resident docents explain key architectural elements that reveal Wright’s innovative spirit based on the family’s budget-driven request for beauty on a budget. Make reservations online up to one week ahead to examine Wright’s structural genius up close.
Wichita Art Museum
Name and Location: Wichita Art Museum, located in downtown Wichita, is a prominent institution dedicated to the arts.
History and Significance: Established in 1935, it houses an extensive collection of American art, with a focus on American Impressionism and contemporary works.
What to Expect: Visitors can explore a diverse range of art exhibitions, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts, in a modern and welcoming setting.
Visitor Information: Open year-round, with admission fees varying by age and membership options available. Check their website for hours and current exhibitions.
As the oldest cultural organization in the state of Kansas, the Wichita Art Museum contains over 8,000 works spanning classic to contemporary pieces. Themed exhibitions change quarterly spotlighting compelling regional talent and broader art world stars – from California designer Edith Heath’s mid-century ceramics to the traveling blockbuster display “Truth & Beauty: The Pre-Raphaelites and the Old Masters”. The striking glass Lotus building itself designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects deserves adoration for elegantly diffusing natural light to showcase the exceptional collections inside too. Expect to immerse yourself in artistry during a trip here.
Urban Prairie Tours Food & History Bike Excursions
Name and Location: Urban Prairie Tours offers guided bike excursions exploring Wichita’s food culture and historical sites.
History and Significance: These tours provide a unique perspective on the city’s history, architecture, and culinary delights, encouraging a healthy and educational way to explore Wichita.
What to Expect: Participants can enjoy leisurely bike rides, stopping at local eateries, landmarks, and historical sites while learning about Wichita’s heritage.
Visitor Information: Tours are available with reservations, and they offer a fun and active way to experience the city.
For an enjoyably intimate taste of Wichita beyond predictable tourist traps, join the wonderfully entertaining Kristen Beal for an Urban Prairie bike tour. Themed outings like Foodie Bike Tours, Historical Bike Tours or custom options introduce guests to local chefs, brew masters, distillers and more as you digest delicious bites between stops. Or opt for architectural and cultural heritage trips revealing spirited city secrets only a savvy insider like Beal can share pedaling at a leisurely pace over a few hours. Prepare for amusing anecdotes about local lore not found in any guidebook when booking a bike tour.
Wichita Riverfest
Name and Location: Wichita Riverfest is an annual community festival held along the Arkansas River in downtown Wichita.
History and Significance: Since 1970, it has celebrated the city’s culture, arts, and music, fostering a sense of community and togetherness.
What to Expect: Festival-goers can enjoy a wide array of activities, including concerts, food vendors, art displays, and family-friendly entertainment.
Visitor Information: Check the festival’s website for dates, event schedules, and ticket information. It’s a lively celebration that draws residents and visitors alike.
When early June arrives, Wichita celebrates summer in style with Riverfest – an nine-day citywide music festival hosting free concerts, family attractions, sporting events and more along the Arkansas River. Originally launched to commemorate Wichita’s 100th anniversary in 1970, this popular community-driven event now attracts over 400,000 attendees annually for Broadway musical acts, fireworks shows, drag boat races, volleyball tournaments, Wichita Wagonmasters Old West shows, carnival rides and artery-clogging fair food galore. Locals proudly claim Riverfest ranks as “the largest community event in the state of Kansas.”
Oeno Wine Bars + Sente Coffee
Name and Location: Oeno Wine Bars and Sente Coffee are two distinct but interconnected establishments located in Wichita’s College Hill neighborhood.
History and Significance: These venues offer a cozy and welcoming environment for wine enthusiasts and coffee lovers, contributing to the local culinary scene.
What to Expect: Visitors can savor a selection of wines and small plates at Oeno Wine Bars, while Sente Coffee serves specialty coffee and pastries in a relaxed setting.
Visitor Information: Both locations are open for guests to enjoy quality beverages and snacks, making them ideal places to unwind.
Wichita’s cozy brick-lined historic Delano neighborhood adjacent downtown offers charming walkable allure with independent boutiques, galleries, bistros and nightlife venues to explore. Among top highlights for visitors include Oeno tastefully converting a 1940s pharmacy into an award-winning urban wine bar beloved for its romantic charm and 160+ labels. And grab artisanal pour over coffees or tasty quick bites inside the super sleek new Sente Coffee Company Delano outpost – it channels chic 21st century warehouse vibes perfect for people watching over almond milk lattes through giant windows. Cheers to memorable evenings in Wichita!
Midwest Country Music Hall of Fame Museum
Name and Location: The Midwest Country Music Hall of Fame Museum is located in Wichita and celebrates the history and contributions of country music in the region.
History and Significance: Established to honor country music artists and preserve their legacies, the museum showcases memorabilia and highlights the impact of country music in the Midwest.
What to Expect: Visitors can explore exhibits featuring iconic country music artifacts, such as costumes, instruments, and photos, while learning about local country music history.
Visitor Information: The museum is open to the public, and donations are appreciated to support its mission of preserving country music heritage. Check their website for hours of operation.
Walk the halls of this under-the-radar attraction during your Wichita visit to uncover captivating stories and rare artifacts documenting country music history beyond Nashville lore. Visitors gaze at rhinestone-studded costumes worn by Kansas’ own Natural Gas gospel band or rock ‘n roller Lovin’ Sam the One Man Band while listening to their influential hits. Antique radios, vintage guitars, handwritten song lyrics and other memorabilia line walls alongside life stories of inducted musicians and behind-the-scenes pioneers who all call the Great Plains home at some point. Budget at least an hour here or you’ll miss half the displaystracking beloved singers who made their way up the country music ranks with Kansas roots.
With unexpected arts, culture, Old West heritage, striking landscapes and welcoming community spaces… Wichita makes it easy for travelers to fill their itinerary with rewarding and affordable attractions. Use this list of top sights and activities as your guide to experiencing what the largest city in Kansas heartily offers visitors in search of authentic Wheat State adventures beyond tired tornado jokes. Just follow the Arkansas River to uncover some delightfully quirky and quintessentially Americana fun waiting in this nomadic town turned vibrant urban oasis.