Location: Wichita
Top Things to do in Wichita
What to do and see in Wichita, Kansas (KS): The Best Sights & Landmarks
Dorothy clicked her heels to return to Kansas, and you'll want to do the same after you've visited this one-time cattle town turned modern, booming city, where the spirit of the Old West lives on. To get a feel of the early pioneer days, visit the recreated village at the Old Cowtown Museum. For a slightly more eccentric experience, visit the Museum of Ancient Treasures, which has everything from a baseball signed by Joe DiMaggio to a shrunken head. The Indian Center Museum features works by Plains Indian artists. Wichita is an aircraft manufacturing center, and the Kansas Aviation Museum honors pioneers in the field, as well as housing model planes. Exploration Place gives kids more insights into aviation and other scientific wonders. For nature and wildlife, check out Botanica's lovely gardens or head over to the Sedgwick County Zoo, home to over 350 species of animals. Wichita stays up when the sun goes down: there's nightlife, culture, karaoke and cuisine for all tastes.
Restaurants in Wichita
1. Segwick County Law Enforcement Memorial
2. Veterans' Memorial Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By Toyota1994 - Chicago, United States
Veterans Memorial Park is located on one bank of the Arkansas River near the Keeper of the Plains monument. I came across this park while riding bike on the trail next to the river. Being on the bank of the river, the memorial is spread out linearly. But, all the war memorials have a nice connected walking path. I did not find any specific sign that indicated an entrance to the park. This is a nice place to remember all the servicemen who have sacrificed for the nation in the course of so many wars.
3. Old Cowtown Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 434 reviews
Be transported back in time at this unique, 23 acre open-air history museum that recreates Wichita and Sedgwick County, Kansas from 1865 to 1880. Museum staff dress in period costume and demonstrate everyday activities including, gardening, tending livestock and cooking. Historic Wichita Cowtown Inc. works with the City of Wichita to further the Museum and its mission. Established in 1950, Cowtown's unique programming chronicles Wichita's transformation from a frontier settlement to a cattle town to an agricultural and manufacturing area. The Museum has the distinction of being accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the highest national recognition achievable by a museum. Accreditation recognizes high standards in individual museums and ensures they continue to uphold public trust. Only 3 percent of the nation's estimated 34,144 museums are accredited.
Reviewed By luket257
If you're interested in history and how things were in the old west this is a very worthwhile stop. Old town is set up with stores and businesses the way they were back in the day and very informative. If you're lucky you might even get in on some movie shooting.
4. The Keeper of the Plains
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 829 reviews
The Keeper of the Plains stands at the confluence of the Big and Little Arkansas rivers with hands raised in supplication to the Great Spirit. Renowned Kiowa-Comanche artist Blackbear Bosin donated the Keeper of the Plains to the citizens of Wichita on May 18, 1974.Since the sculpture's installation to commemorate the United States Bicentennial, it has become a symbol for the city of Wichita and a tribute to the local American Indian tribes. in 1974. A complete renovation of the sculpture and installation of the Keeper of the Plains Plaza now brings people out each evening to see the Keeper and the "Ring of Fire." The 44-foot Cor-Ten steel Keeper of the Plains statue is now 30 feet higher than before with its new pedestal,surrounded by a plaza which describes the Plains Indian way of life. The Keeper also serves as the focal point of an eight-year, $20 million restoration and river beautification project completed in May 2007. Pedestrians can access the area via two bow-and-arrow-inspired cable-stay bridges which span the Little and Big Arkansas rivers. Fire drums on boulders at the foot of the Keeper dramatically light the night. Plantings of sage, bottlebrush, medicinal herbs, prairie grasses, yuccas and cactus add to the sense of place and time. The area is free and open to the public year-round.
Reviewed By JonM2858 - Plano, United States
An amazing tribute to history of Native Americans. The Keeper of the Plains embodies the aspects of life for the Plains Indians on this sacred ground and The Ring of Fire is truly fascinating.
5. Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By hd452016 - Tulsa, United States
We didn't have time to stop and go inside this Cathedral. The architecture from the outside is wonderful. We wish we had the time to go inside. It was constructed in 1857. At one time there were eleven bells in the tower, each one named after a Saint. The dome has been replaced a couple of times and covered in 23-carat gold leaf.
6. The Cotillion Ballroom
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Wichita’s “Round Mound of Sound” opened in 1960, attracting the most historically important American musicians such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, the Everly Brothers, Willie Nelson, Muddy Waters and B.B. King. Throughout the years Wichita’s favorite ballroom has put on shows of all varieties, and currently books everything from country and metal to blues and everything in between.
7. Old Town
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 297 reviews
Reviewed By morghan1947 - Wichita, United States
A revitalization effort in the eastern edge of downtown Wichita, has sparked a revolution in shops, restaurants, and art in Doo Dah Town! As a nearly lifelong resident of Wichita, I found the renovations of old and historic buildings in Wichita inspiring. Numerous restaurants, craft brewers, art galleries, bars, and a theatre have brought people to Old Town to enjoy a variety of options for entertainment.
8. Douglas Avenue
9. Stonehenge Jr.
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By barkus1968 - Saint Louis, United States
This is actually incredible. It’s a working solar calendar. It’s easy to get to near the Keeper of the Plains. Awesome info and fun to photograph.
10. Intrust Bank Arena
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