As the most extensive city in Kansas, Wichita is a perfect blend of history, nature, and western culture. Over time, the city has seen a new wave of modernization with unique landmarks, contemporary museums, and a revitalized community, having a plethora of things to do in Wichita. Wichita’s central location makes it easily accessible by car or plane, with the airport just 10 minutes from downtown.
Top Things to do in Wichita
From the city rich in culture, heritage and lifestyle, here are 14 of the most-visited locations and the best of fun things to do in Wichita KS.
1. Ulrich Museum
Located on-campus in Wichita State University, the Ulrich Museum of Art is home to modern and contemporary art and is one of Wichita’s top attractions. A work of art that reflects the contemporary world, the Ulrich Museum has permanent and temporary exhibitions open to the public.
The museum allows visitors to explore 20th-century and 21st-century art while also interpreting how the works offer innovative perspectives and rethink traditional expectations.
2. Chisholm’s American Beef and Ale
Chisholm’s American Beef and Ale House is a feast for all tastes. You need to raise your expectations if you’re looking for a run-of-the-mill steakhouse in your area. It’s a culinary experience that includes great company made from only the best ingredients, fine beer and wine, and hearty food.
Conveniently located just minutes from downtown Wichita and the airport, Chisholms redefines the Linder House experience.
3. Allen House
Allen Hous, one of the coolest places in Wichita, is highly recommended. Modeled by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1915, the Allen House is the former residence of the governor of Kansas. Allen House is a fantastic work of art that combines a focus on outdoor landscaping with a trend of functional indoor flow.
If you’re stuck thinking about what to do among the various things to do in Wichita, plan a visit to Allen House. If you plan to visit The Allen House, please check the property’s event calendar for pre-scheduled tour times.
4. Keeper of the Plains
One of Wichita’s most famous attractions is the Keeper of the Plains. Located at the confluence of the rivers- Arkansas and Little, the Guardian of the Plains is a beautiful symbol of the region’s heritage. Every night, the Airplane Keeper transforms into a ring of fire.
The sculpture is lit by fire for 15 minutes daily, weather and river levels permitting. Lights up from 19:00 in autumn and winter. Lighting up the hotpot is a must-see!
5. Sedgwick County Zoo
The Sedgwick County Zoo is an award-winning zoo and one of the best activities in Wichita for the whole family. With more than 3,000 animals from 400 species, the zoo has plenty to see. Additionally, geographically, wildlife comes from far away.
The origins of zoo animals include wild animals from Asia, Africa, North America, the tropics, and beyond.
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6. Botanical garden
Botanica is the accumulation of themed gardens covering approximately 50 acres of land in Wichita. A large kindergarten offers children a unique opportunity to learn about nature and immerse themselves in the environment.
Botanica hosts a variety of seasonal and visiting events throughout the year, including summer concert series, butterfly festivals, and holiday celebrations. Botanica also offers workshops, presentations, and group-based classes.
7. Downtown Wichita
When searching for things to do in Wichita tonight, Downtown Wichita is one of the first things to do! In addition to the many murals and colorful Keeper’s On Parade, there are 31 bronze sculptures downtown Wichita. These lifelike statues are perfectly integrated into the city’s cityscape.
Created by Washington artist Georgia Gerber, these sculptures capture the history and daily life of the community. Watch out for these unique works of art as you explore downtown. Some sculptures are less prominent than others. Watch out for slouching cats and small birds perched on lampposts.
8. World Treasure Museum
The Treasures of the World Museum is a world history museum located in the heart of Wichita, Kansas. Known for its amazing paleontological collections, Egyptian mummies, signatures of American presidents, authentic pieces of the Berlin Wall, and other unique artifacts, the World Treasures Museum is a real treat.
This balanced and iconic museum exhibits American history, natural history, world civilizations, military, and more.
9. Great Plains Nature Center
The Great Plains Nature Center is a wildlife sanctuary where guests can learn about the wildlife of the Great Plains region. The large complex provides visitors with the opportunity to roam a variety of exhibits, exhibits, and ecological reserves.
Each area has interpretive and teaching materials to provide information about the zone’s natural properties, habitats, and local characteristics.
10. Exploration Place
Exploration Place is a scientific museum which is what people like to visit when asked about things to do in wichita ks this weekend. It is situated near Arkansas River and has many unique things to do for children. Resting in an epic structure referred to as the Omnisphere, nearly 75% of this structure consists of windows overseeing the river.
The museum opened in 1994 and has been an epicenter for scientific discovery ever since. Some of the many incredible features of Exploration Place include live science shows, a dome theater, and an awesome science store.
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11. Wichita Art Museum
The Wichita Museum of Art in downtown Wichita is one of the oldest galleries in the city. The museum hosts a variety of exhibitions and collections featuring primarily American-based artists in numerous media and categories.
The museum displays the permanent collection along with traveling and temporary exhibits. Additionally, the museum hosts a variety of programs and events throughout the year, including classes for adults and families, workshops, lectures, and outdoor concerts.
12. Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center
If you have an interest in space and astronomy, make sure this place is firmly included in your itinerary. It’s a great place for adults and children alike, as you can admire a very impressive collection of space artifacts from the United States and Russia and explore the halls of the Space Museum.
There is also a rocket demonstration and a planetarium, making it even more exciting. You can also catch a performance at the Digital Dome Theater.
13. Wichita Symphony Orchestra
Founded in 1944, the orchestra has an affluent history in the performing arts, with everyone from local performers to global sensations performing here. If you’re looking for entertainment that will last a lifetime, this is the place to go.
Whether you’re a longtime symphony fan or interested in a new experience and looking for fun things to do in wichita ks, the Wichita Symphony Orchestra is a great choice. If you’re planning a trip to Wichita, visit the orchestra’s events page.
14. India Center of Central America
The Mid-America All-Indian Center is a local museum dedicated to showcasing and celebrating Native American history and culture through interpretive education and original tribal artifacts.
The Mid-American All-Indian Center is Kansas’ only museum dedicated to Native American heritage. It houses a diverse collection of notable works of art and original works.
You can also visit fascinating World War II exhibits, not to mention Asian religious art, among others. This museum is a must-visit among other things to do in Wichita.
