Wichita is a vibrant metropolis within the south-central a part of Kansas, about 139 miles south of Topeka. It sits on the crossroads of Interstate 35 and State Freeway 400, making it straightforward to entry.
What’s Wichita, Kansas, identified for? Wichita is thought by many because the Air Capital of the World. It first earned the moniker in 1928, when the town’s 16 plane corporations, together with Cessna, Boeing, Beechcraft, and Steerman, manufactured over120 airplanes weekly. By the early Thirties, one in 4 of all planes constructed within the US had been in-built Wichita!
What else is Wichita, Kansas, identified for? Nicely, aside from being Kansas’s largest metropolis, chilly victims in all places thank Wichita and A.A. Hyde for his discovery of Mentholatum in 1894. The Mentholatum Constructing nonetheless stands in recognition of this distinctive product, though the corporate is lengthy gone.
First settled by the Wichita Indian Nation, the town of Wichita was based in 1864 as a buying and selling submit. The Texas Cattle commerce fueled the town’s fast progress, and Wichita finally grew to become part of the Chisholm Path. Wichita was additionally a cease on the westward sure Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway, which ferried settlers from the east into the quickly increasing western United States.
There are dozens of enjoyable issues to do in Wichita and lots of small museums celebrating the town’s accomplishments. The Pizza Hut Museum chronicles the beginning of Pizza Hut eating places. And the Wichita Toy Prepare Museum and Nice Plains Transportation Museum herald the significance of railways to the area.
This mid-western metropolis is peppered with city inexperienced area. There are 144 parks and over 5000 acres of parkland all through the town. The parks vary from community-focused to the Arthur B Sims Golf Course. The town has many lodging, from easy and family-friendly suites to upscale previous western model.
Wichitans have a phrase for the sensation of their metropolis; “Doo-Dah.” It’s meant to specific emotions of a contented residence, good pals, and good meals, making Wichita top-of-the-line locations to go to. So with out additional ado, listed below are a number of the finest Wichita sights to hit up.
1. Lodge at Previous City
Prime Suggestion
In search of a resort that is proper within the coronary heart of all of the motion in Previous City Wichita? Look no additional than Lodge at Previous City! This resort presents turn-of-the-century model furnishings with all the fashionable facilities you want for a cushty keep, like free Wi-Fi and 37-inch flat-screen TVs. Plus, every room comes with a completely geared up kitchen – good for whenever you wish to eat in! And whenever you’re able to discover Wichita, you may be centrally situated to all the perfect attractionsOld City has to supply.
2. Drury Plaza Lodge Broadview Wichita
In case you’re searching for an expensive and handy keep in Wichita, look no additional than the Drury Plaza Lodge Broadview! Positioned within the coronary heart of downtown, this resort is only a brief 11.3 km drive from Wichita Mid-Continent Airport. You may love the on-site restaurant and indoor-outdoor pool, good for enjoyable after an extended day of exploring or conducting enterprise within the metropolis. And every visitor room comes with free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen cable TV in your enjoyment.
3. Hyatt Regency Wichita
The Hyatt Regency Wichita is a contemporary resort that gives its friends detailed lodging and a central location to many Wichita sights. The resort options an on-site restaurant, HARVEST Kitchen/Bar, which serves native, seasonal delicacies for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The resort additionally has an indoor heated pool and a Perks Espresso and Extra on website, providing Starbucks espresso and breakfast gadgets. The rooms on the Hyatt Regency Wichita are spacious and have a 65-inch flat-screen TV, free toiletries, and a separate work space.
TLDR
- Most important landmark – Wichita Metropolis Corridor
- Finest park – O.J. Watson Park
- Finest free exercise – Keeper of the Plains
- Finest exercise for teenagers – Museum of World Treasures
- Finest exercise for adults – Previous City
- Finest meals – Scotch & Sirloin
- Finest nightlife – Previous City Theater Grill
- Finest all-around lodging – Lodge at Oldtown
Finest & Enjoyable Issues to do in Wichita, Kansas
1. Wichita Metropolis Corridor
Deal with: 455 N Predominant St, Wichita, KS 67202
The historical past of Wichita comes alive on the Wichita Metropolis Corridor constructing because of the Wichita Sedgwick County Historic Museum. This distinctive four-floor museum explores the historical past of the town and Sedgwick County. Many displays give attention to the individuals and industries that drove Wichita’s progress, from the Wichita Indians to the enlargement of aviation.
However it’s not simply what’s contained in the museum. The Metropolis Corridor constructing itself is a surprising instance of Richardsonian Romanesque model structure by Proudfoot and Chicken Architects. This distinctive constructing, accomplished in 1892, was nicknamed the “Palace of the Plains” for its detailed architectural splendor. They continuously have kid-friendly shows and occasions.
The Wichita Sedgwick County Historic Museum is well top-of-the-line locations to go to in Wichita. And close by is the stylish however enjoyable Courtyard by Marriott Wichita at Oldtown, the place you may relaxation and refresh.
See Associated: Finest Museums within the US You Have to Go to
2. The Museum of World Treasures
Deal with: 835 E 1st St N, Wichita, KS 67202
What may very well be higher than displays about shrunken heads, mummies, and dinosaurs? Nothing, making The Museum of World Treasures one of many high issues to do in Wichita, Kansas.
Interactive displays discover the area’s historical past, the world at struggle, and distinctive artwork from Greece, Egypt, and Africa. The Museum of World Treasures can also be residence to an intensive fossil, geologic, rock, and mineral assortment. And there are even displays that debate what life was like over the past ice age.
This distinctive show of things and artifacts spans the globe. However is situated within the coronary heart of Previous City Wichita. As soon as you’re achieved wandering the displays, there are many eating places to seize a chunk. A couple of blocks west, Nortons Brewing Firm, presents craft brews and Amerian Fare.
In search of easy lodging which can be near the museum? The Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Wichita Downtown has household suites and all the usual facilities of a great resort.
3. Previous Cowtown Museum
Danita Delimont / Shutterstock.com
Deal with: 1865 Museum Blvd, Wichita, KS 67203
The Previous Cowtown Museum sits on 23 acres off the Chisholm Path. This dwelling museum authentically reenacts late Nineteenth Century Wichita life. Interval clothes and furnishings, instruments, and farm tools are used to recreate every day chores, together with cooking, gardening, and tending livestock.
There are over 54 historic buildings, many alongside the banks of the Arkansas River. And a formidable assortment of western frontier pictures, letters, and paperwork are additionally on exhibit.
One of the historic displays is The Munger Home was constructed in 1868. And is the oldest registered historic constructing in Wichita. Darius S. Munger established Wichita in 1869. His hand-crafted residence and a log barn served because the city submit workplace, boarding home, assembly place, and magistrate.
The Previous Cowtown Museum displays Wichita’s vital historical past and is without doubt one of the finest family-friendly Wichita, Kansas, vacationer sights.
See Associated: Finest Locations to Journey in Your 20s within the US
4. Botanica, The Wichita Gardens
Deal with: 701 Amidon St, Wichita, KS 67203
Botanica, Wichita Gardens are the town’s botanical backyard which opened in 1987 with solely 4 distinctive themed gardens, together with a Chinese language backyard and a butterfly backyard. The grounds now cowl 18 acres with over 30 themed gardens and displays.
The Gardens are adorned with 50 elegant sculptures, whereas fountains and waterfalls complement over 4,000 species of crops. Greater than 50,000 tulip bulbs are planted in spring, and 5,500 chrysanthemums add to fall shade.
Guests have the chance to attend lunchtime lectures on horticultural variety. And within the fall, the Gardens associate with the Wichita Symphony to current family-friendly concert events.
The botanical gardens are a brief drive from the Arthur B. Simms Golf Course and the Museum District. A part of the Wichita Parks system, this distinctive 71-par course is tucked into the bends of the Arkansas River. For golfers of all ability ranges, Arthur B. Simms Golf Course is without doubt one of the finest Wichita, Kansas actions.
5. O.J. Watson Park
Deal with: 3022 S McLean Blvd, Wichita, KS 67217
O.J. Watson Park (or simply Watson park) is one among Wichita’s largest parks. It sits on 119 acres of sprawling magnificence. This in style city inexperienced area is without doubt one of the enjoyable issues to do in Wichita with youngsters.
The park presents primary facilities equivalent to charcoal grills and picnic tables. There are playgrounds, a full-sized miniature golf course, 20 sand volleyball courts, and pony rides. A rideable practice circles the lake, and meals distributors can be found throughout spring, summer time, and fall for snacks and refreshments.
O.J. Watson Park additionally incorporates a 40-acre fishable lake, with paddle boats and kayaks for hire. Nonetheless, the lake just isn’t for swimming.
The Arkansas River Bicycle Path makes a cease at O.J. Watson Park. This paved bicycle path is a part of a extra in depth 100-mile community of bicycle paths, lanes, and bicycle services within the metropolis.
See Associated: Finest Holidays for a Group of Mates
6. Exploration Place
Nagel Pictures / Shutterstock.com
Deal with: 300 N McLean Blvd, Wichita, KS 67203
Exploration Place, the Sedgwick County Science and Discovery Heart, is an interactive science museum with a mission to encourage an curiosity in science. Located on the Arkansas River’s northern financial institution, the Exploration Place is housed in an undulating up to date concrete and glass constructing.
Along with on-site displays, Exploration Place has developed tasks for homeschool lessons and camps that increase the understanding of the world by means of science. Everlasting displays emphasize studying by means of play.
Exploration Place additionally homes the largest dome theater in Kansas, a 60-foot display screen with a 360-degree view. Serving as a theater and a planetarium, this is without doubt one of the high sights in Wichita, Kansas.
7. Sedgwick County Zoo
Deal with: 5555 W Zoo Blvd, Wichita, KS 67212
The Sedgwick County Zoo homes over 3,000 animals spanning 400 species. And is a sprawling 247-acre park divided into continent-styled habitats. North American otters and grizzly bear each cool off in personal swimming pools, whereas African rhinos and lions have their habitat.
The zoo boasts the third largest elephant habitat in the US. Eight African elephants meander 5 acres, an indoor facility, and a 550,000-gallon pool. A singular function of the Sedgwick County Zoo is the penguin and elephant cams, the place guests can observe their favourite animals on-line.
Sedgwick County Zoo Park is a part of an city inexperienced area advanced. This park consists of playgrounds and fishing on any of the 4 lakes. And to not ignore the household pup, as a reward for ready patiently, the Meridian Canine Park sits a number of blocks away on the easterly fork of the Arkansas River.
See Associated: Finest Locations to Journey For Your Birthday
8. Kansas Aviation Museum
Deal with: 3350 George Washington Blvd, Wichita, KS 67210
The Kansas Aviation Museum is the good attraction for the Air Capital of the World. The museum occupies Wichita’s previous airport and terminal within the metropolis’s southeast nook. Over 40 restored plane are on show inside and on the tarmac. And historic info is scattered all through the museum.
A number of displays chronicle the historical past of aviation in Wichita. The Cessna and Beechcraft displays, the historical past of Ryan Worldwide Airways, and the town’s army historical past, together with World Struggle II. And the Aviation Corridor of Fame celebrates excellence in flying.
The Kansas Aviation Museum additionally has interactive studying displays the place STEAM-based actions train the science of aviation on the Boeing Science, Math, and Historical past Studying Heart and within the Lattner Hanger.
Probably the greatest issues to do on the Kansas Aviation Museum is to tour the Management Tower on the airport terminal. Rain or shine, Kansas Aviation Museum is a high attraction in Wichita.
9. Nice Plains Transportation Museum
Deal with: 700 E Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67202
The iron horse performed a big half within the founding and enlargement of Wichita. And the Nice Plains Transportation Museum homes a group of working automobiles and historic artifacts celebrating that previous. The museum works to protect the distinctive historical past of railroading within the Nice Plains.
A part of its iconic assortment is 2 industrial locomotives, a tank automotive, a Santa Fe diesel-electric locomotive, and some cabooses. The museum is situated south of downtown Wichita and is open seven days per week.
See Associated: Most Lovely & Finest Holidays within the US
10. Wichita Toy Prepare Museum
Deal with: 130 S Laura Ave, Wichita, KS 67211
One other celebration of the railway in Wichita is the Wichita Toy Prepare Museum. It’s situated in a big warehouse close to the southern fringe of Previous City, a couple of block from The Anchor Grill and Pub.
This family-friendly attraction options a number of O-gauge and S-gauge detailed layouts of historic life in Wichita, from the previous west to fashionable neighborhoods. Children of all ages are welcome. There’s a hands-on toy practice for toddlers and a lower-level practice for older kids. Solely open on Saturdays, the Museum and Membership continuously submit updates on their Fb.
11. Wichita Artwork Museum
Deal with: 1400 Museum Blvd, Wichita, KS 67203
On the bequest of Louise Caldwell Murdock, the Roland P. Murdock Assortment was shaped as the premise for the museum. The Wichita Artwork Museum homes an distinctive basic and fashionable American Artwork assortment. The museum is situated close to the fork of the Little Arkansas River.
The displays embody over 10,000 items of American artwork from famed painters J. Floyd Yewell, Charles M. Russell, Diego Rivera, and Edward Hopper. And there are shows of pre-Columbian pottery, glassworks, and Henry Moore sculptures.
As a part of the continuing digital studying, the Wichita Artwork Museum has made its assortment obtainable on-line through a Assortment Explorer. The 115,000-square-foot museum combines exhibition area, a present store, analysis library. There may be additionally an intimate on-site cafe for time to reflex and refresh.
12. Keeper of the Plains
Deal with: 339 Veterans Pkwy, Wichita, KS 67203
The 44 toes tall statue of the Keeper of the Plains stands on the fork of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas Rivers the place Arkansas Rivers meet. Erected in 1974, it honors the names of native tribes of Native Individuals.
Native American artist Blackbear Bosin designed the 5-ton statue of an Indian Chief surrounded by a Ring of Hearth. Every evening at sundown, the ring is lit as a logo of Wichita and a tribute to the world’s Native American tribes.
Hearth drums on the foot of the Keeper gentle the statue. A backyard of sage, bottlebrush, medicinal herbs, and prairie grasses surrounds the bottom.
Admirers of the Keeper of the Plains may discover a number of items of Blackbear Bosin’s work within the Ulrich Museum of Artwork on the Wichita State College campus.
Probably the greatest free issues to do in Wichita with youngsters, the behemoth may be accessed by the pedestrian suspension bridges on both aspect of the rivers.
One other technique to discover the Arkansas River places in Wichita is by a historic scavenger hunt. Watching Veteran’s Parkway close to Veteran’s Memorial Park, this scavenger hunt is enjoyable for all ages. Reply trivia — fixing challenges for factors! A smartphone app-based recreation guides you thru the town.
See Associated: Most Lovely Valleys within the US
13. Nice Plains Nature Heart
Deal with: 6232 East twenty ninth St N Unit 2200, Wichita, KS 67220
Positioned subsequent to the Chisholm Creek Park Path in northeast Wichita, the Nice Plains Nature Heart focuses on the flowers and wildlife of the Nice Plains area.
The North American Nice Plains are flatlands situated west of the Mississippi River and east of the Rocky Mountains, stretching from the Canadian to the Mexican border.
These distinctive flatlands are residence to 87 wildlife and greater than 450 chook species. And 150,000 insect species make this space residence.
This distinctive ecosystem is crucial. Its well being impacts bigger pure programs all through the continent.
Throughout the Nature Heart is Koch Habitat Corridor, a 3,500 sq. toes of particular person displays displaying the quite a few habitats within the space. Prairies, Wetlands & Rivers, Woodlands displays complement a 2,200-gallon aquarium.
And the museum murals are the work of artists John Lencicki and Kent Pendleton.
As you head again into Oldtown, the Hopping Gnome Brewing Firm is a good place to cease for a chilly craft brew and American pub fare. Simply off of E Douglas Avenue and Interstate 35.
14. Arkansas River Path
Deal with: Garvey Park, Wichita, KS 67216
The Arkansas River Path is the longest outside multi-use path within the metropolis. It covers over ten miles point-to-point and runs alongside the southwest financial institution of the Arkansas River. The path takes three and a half hours to finish.
The start of the Arkansas River path is off of Zoo Boulevard. After a brief highway route, the path parallels the Arkansas River to Garvey Park. It runs alongside the Southwest financial institution and takes slightly over three hours to finish
Arkansas River Path is in style with cyclists, runners, and walkers and is a good path to deliver your leashed pup.
Many discover it simpler to make use of the paved strolling trails to navigate by means of the western a part of the town. Bridging paths run from the primary route into neighborhoods and throughout the river into Oldtown. It passes by a number of smaller group parks, Exploration Place, Riverfront Stadium, and the town zoo.
It’s straightforward to see why Wichitans like spending time open air, because it is without doubt one of the high issues to do in Wichita, Kansas. All in all, greater than 18 trails cowl 101 miles crisscrossing Wichita. These vary from straightforward strolling to difficult bike trails like Prairie Sundown Path.
See Associated: Finest Mountaineering Trails within the World You Should Go to
15. Previous City
Previous City covers part of downtown Wichita. It’s a walkable, fashionable city residential district however can also be residence to many historic buildings and repurposed mid-Nineteenth Century warehouses.
Bordered by Central Avenue, Waterman Avenue, and South Emporia Avenue, this curated enterprise district is residence to over 100 companies — retailers, bars, eating places, and leisure venues. The Previous City Theater Grill, operated by Regal Cinemas, gives the proper dinner and a film with dinner and drinks service on to your film seat.
One of many distinctive resorts within the Wichita space is simply a brief stroll by means of Previous City, Lodge at Previous City. This upscale resort enhances the ambiance of previous Wichita.
There are quite a few eateries all through the world, however on the western fringe of Previous City alongside the Arkansas River is the Harvest Kitchen Bar, a farm-to-table restaurant inside the Hyatt Regency Wichita.
A mile northwest of Oldtown is Wichita’s solely Cathedral, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. This immense construction was in-built 1872 and is the seat of the Catholic Diocese of Wichita.
It’s also the resting place of a rare Korean struggle hero and Medal of Honor recipient, Captain Chaplain Emil Kapaun, who died in captivity as a POW. Throughout his seize, he used his kindness, braveness, and religion to assist his fellow POWs survive their harsh imprisonment. The Cathedral is a dwelling church however open to guests.
16. Ulrich Museum of Artwork
Deal with: Wichita State College, 1845 Fairmount St, Wichita, KS
One of many metropolis’s hidden gems is the Ulrich Museum of Artwork. Positioned on the Wichita State College campus within the McKnight Artwork Heart, the fashionable artwork museum is residence to greater than 6,000 pictures, sculptures, ceramics, and work.
Over 1000 up to date artists equivalent to Andy Warhol, Cheryl Pope, and Salvador Dali are exhibited on the Ulrich Museum of Artwork.
Museum displays give attention to world themes — visualizing how artists have an effect on the longer term. Artistic and interactive sequence equivalent to
Admission to the museum is free. The Edwin A. Ulrich Museum of Artwork has additionally developed an on-line portal the place people can view your complete assortment.
Additionally a part of the Ulrich Museum of Artwork is the Martin H. Bush Out of doors Sculpture Assortment – 82 works unfold throughout the 330-acre Wichita State College campus. The gathering options the works of options works by Henry Moore, Louise Nevelson, and Hank Willis Thomas.
Additionally on the Wichita State College campus, simply east of the Ulrich Artwork Museum alongside Perimeter Drive is Fiske Corridor.
This spectacular constructing has been a males’s dormitory, 1918 Influenza Epidemic Infirmary, and numerous college workplaces and departments. It’s the College’s oldest surviving construction.
17. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Allen Home
Deal with: 255 N Roosevelt St, Wichita, KS 67208
The Allen Home, designed in 1915 by Frank Lloyd Wright, was a singular Prairie Type residence in Wichita’s historic Faculty Hill neighborhood. This expansive masterpiece was the house of former Kansas Governor Henry Allen and his spouse, Elise.
Thought-about the final of the Prairie Homes, Wright himself commented that it was one among his finest. Prairie Homes are a definite structure college from the late Nineteenth and early twenty ninth centuries.
Their traits embody two tales, with one-story wings or porches extending the home’s size and supported by massive sq. columns.
Curated by The Allen Home Basis, this dwelling architectural monument additionally has 30 unique Wright-designed furnishings items on show.
After getting toured this architectural icon, plan a night of tremendous eating on the close by Scotch & Sirloin. The restaurant is about two miles away and was voted one among America’s Prime 20 Eating places.
See Associated: Most Well-known Historic Landmarks within the USA
18. Century II Performing Arts & Conference Heart
Deal with: 225 W Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67202
At this level, you’re most likely conscious that Wichita is definitely a fairly cultured place, possibly even surprisingly so – in flyover Kansas! Of all locations! Nicely, it doesn’t cease there.
For all method of attention-grabbing exposès, Broadway-level theatrical performances, and each sort of reside music even below the solar, haul your self over to the Century II Performing Arts Heart. They’ve a stacked calendar of occasions together with frequent performances from the exceptionally proficient Wichita Symphony Orchestra, who’re based mostly on the middle.
19. Kansas Worldwide Dragway
Deal with: 7800 W 61st St N, Maize, KS 67101
The Kansas Worldwide Dragway just isn’t in Wichita correct. Positioned 15 miles northwest of downtown Wichita, this NHRA Drag Racing observe presents all-day drag racing. Nonetheless, the roar and the rumble of automobiles are a high attraction.
The RED, YELLOW, GREEN group of lights begins a race. As a drag racer approaches the beginning line, engines rumble, breaking the primary gentle beam on the Christmas Tree. Drag racing is an all-out, head-to-head competitors to see who can first cross the end line.
The lengthy physique design of dragsters retains the automotive secure because it accelerates from 0 mph to 100 mph in 0.8 seconds — reaching speeds of over 300 mph. The automobiles often use between 10 and 12 gallons of tremendous excessive octane gasoline per race or go at these speeds.
Competitions of Professional ET and Tremendous Professional Et embody open to full-bodied automobiles with working doorways, Humorous Automobiles, Altereds, and Dragsters. Sportsman ET, with any configuration of an inner combustion motor, can also be a class on the Dragway. Skilled and avenue bikes additionally compete in high-stakes racing on the Dragway.
FAQ
What are the perfect vacationer sights in Wichita?
The Kansas Aviation Museum has greater than 40 show plane and quite a few historic shows scattered all through the museum. Guests may tour the historic airport terminal.
What’s the smartest thing to do with youngsters in Wichita?
The 44 toes tall plains statue of the Keeper of the Plains stands on the fork of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas Rivers. Hearth atop stone drums lights his toes, and a Ring of Hearth is lit every evening. This free attraction is the perfect factor to do with youngsters in Wichita.
What are some issues to do in Wichita when it’s raining?
The Museum of World Treasures is without doubt one of the high issues to do in Wichita when it’s raining. Interactive displays, a T. Rex fossil, and Egyptian mummies are all a part of these treasures.
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