| Thingsto do in Wichita, Kansas |  |
Our Wichita, Kansas attractions and museum guide hasover 30 great things to see and do in Wichita. 20 are marked Freeand do not charge, although some of those encourage donations.
| Frank Lloyd Wright's AllenHouse is the last of the Frank Lloyd Wright famous Prairie Houses.It was built in 1915 for former Kansas Governor Henry Justin Allen andhis wife, Elsie. The museum is operated by the Allen House Foundation forthe Wichita Center for the Arts. 255 N Roosevelt Street, Wichita, Kansas 67208 (316)687-1027 |  |
| Botanica, the Wichita Gardens,includes 10 acres of theme gardens with a butterfly garden, Shakespearegarden, rose & wildflower Garden, greenhouse, aquatic garden, woodlandwalk, and the new Sensory Garden. During the warm months, there is a butterflyhouse where you will be surrounded by hundreds of butterflies and watchas new butterflies emerge from their chrysalides, dry their wings &take their first lights. 701 Amidon Street, Wichita, Kansas 67203 (316) 264-0448 | |
| The Cathedralof the Immaculate Conception, popularly known as St. Mary'sCathedral, is among the oldest churches in Wichita, Kansas. The firstCatholic Church in Wichita was built in 1872. Construction on the cathedralbegan in 1906 and it was dedicated September 19, 1912. St. Mary'sis considered the mother church of the Diocese of Wichita. Free 307 East Central, Wichita, Kansas 67202 (316) 263-6574 | |
| Thirty One bronze sculptures by Puget Sound, Washingtonartist Georgia Gerber were placed along streetscape of Wichita, Kansasalong East Douglas Avenue in the late 1990s. The whimsical DouglasAvenue sculptures are incorporated into Lewis Reflection SquarePark and the nearby sidewalks, some times incorporating small fountains.Free Douglas Avenue between Main &Topeka, Wichita, Kansas 67202 | |
| Resthaven Gardens of Memory is the final restingplace for RalphWaldo Emerson Dunham, great grandfather of President Barack Obama.Ralph died on October 4, 1970 and is buried with his second wife, MarthaMae Stonehouse, His first wife, RuthLucille Armour Dunham, is the President's great grandmother. She diedin 1926 and is buried in El Dorado, Kansas. Free 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, Kansas 67209 | |
| Wichita Park Cemetery and Mausoleum in Wichitais the final resting place of President Obama's great-great grandparents,Dr.Jacob William Dunham and Mary Ann Kearney Dunham. Jacobdied in 1930 and Mary died in 1936. They are buried in unmarked gravesin Lot 188 Spaces 2 & 3 in the Acacia section of the cemetery. Free 3424 East 21st Street North, Wichita, Kansas 67220 |  |
| ExplorationPlace is a hands on science museum. When we last visited this ArkansasRiver front museum, much was devoted to traveling exhibits, but I moreenjoyed the permanent displays, which currently include "Design, Build,Fly" and "Kansas in Miniature," whichis a small scale recreation of early 1950s Kansas which includes many famousKansas attractions and an "O" gauge miniature train. The "Kids'Explore" area has a three story castle. 300 North Mclean Boulevard, Wichita, Kansas 67203 (316)660-0600 | |
| Field Station:Dinosaurs on the south side of Wichita in Derby, Kansas is thenewest Kansas theme park, having opened in May 2018. The 14 acre, suburbanWichita park has 44 life sized animatronic dinosaurs. They move their head,mouth or tail, rather than walking. The dinosaurs are motion activated,so they respond when your family moves close to them. The largest dinosaur,the Alamosaurus, is 90 feet long. 2999 North Rock Road, Derby, Kansas 67037 (855) 833-3466 | |
| Great PlainsNature Center provides opportunities for the public to learn aboutthe natural resources of the Great Plains Region. The Koch Habitat Hallis the centerpiece of the Great Plains Nature Center, with 3,500 squarefeet of displays devoted to the original prairie, the climate, hands-oninteractive learning, streams, wetlands, lakes, rivers, riparian habitat,and woodlands. The center is surrounded by 282 acre Chisholm Creek Parkwith 2 1/2 miles of paved trails which cross native and restored prairies,wetlands, ponds and woodlands. Free 6232 East 29th Street North, Wichita, Kansas 67220(316) 683-5499 | |
| The GreatPlains Transportation Museum has a great location in the Old Townsection of Wichita, Kansas, with tracks and an large old steam engine extendingover a main street. I'm not sure why "railroad" or "train" isn't in thename of the museum, because railroads are what the museum is all aboutand it seems like their are more people who would be interested in trainsthan "transportation." The museum is operated by the Wichita Chapter ofthe National Railway Historical Society. 700 East Douglas, Wichita, Kansas 67202 (316) 263-0944 | |
| Hatman Jack's in Wichita,Kansas was founded in 1976, and says that it is the third largest hat storein the United States. Hatman Jack's has thousands of hats from variousmanufacturers, as well as making custom hats. The staff at Hatman Jacksdoes cleaning, repair, restoration and shaping. They can dramatically changethe look of a hat, sometimes using equipment that is antique. Free 601 West Douglas Avenue, Wichita, Kansas 67213 (316)264-4881 |  |
| Neff Hall on the Wichita State University Campus housesone of the best kept travel secrets in Kansas. The LowellD. Holmes Museum of Anthropology is a fascinating, free museumwhich you will probably have entirely to yourself. The Holmes museum isa teaching museum operated by students enrolled in the Museum Studies Programand gives potential museum professionals hands on experience in museumadministration, operations, and exhibition. The museum's collections includea wide range of cultural, archaeological, and biological objects, withthe largest collections being Asmat and Native American. Free 1845 Fairmount, Wichita, Kansas 67260 (316) 978-7068 | |
| Houseof Tank is a museum devoted to tanks and other heavy armor vehicles.The museum opened in 2020 and is pretty interesting, but may be closedwithout notice and there is no way to confirm if they are open. The heavy armor vehiclemuseum is in a former carpet warehouse in an industrial park and is a personalcollection. There are about 23 vehicles inside and 4 others outside. Mostare the actual vehicles and are from World War 2 or the Cold War era. Thereare a couple of replica vehicles, but I found them just as interestingas the originals. $5 donation. 502 E. 33rd Street North, Wichita, Kansas 67219 |  |
| Jurassic Artis a grassroots art environment in Rose Hill, Kansas, just southeastof Wichita. Dozens of folk art creations by Phil Brinkley cover about anacre surrounding the auto and motorcycle shop of Heavy Metal Restorationsand Margaret Brinkley's Spiritual Healing and Consultation Studio. PhilBrinkley largely creates this wonderful metal folk art for his own pleasure,but does commissions and creates some smaller pieces for sale. Free 256 West Rosewood Street, Rose Hill, Kansas 67133 (316)776-2162 | |
| The KansasAfrican American Museum occupies a handsome building which wasthe home of Calvary Baptist Church from 1917 to 1972. When Calvary BaptistChurch moved to a different building, the community formed the First NationalBlack Historical Society to preserve this part of Wichita's Black heritage.Thanks to their work, the building was placed on the the National Registerof Historic Places in 1993 and in 1997, became the Kansas African AmericanMuseum. 601 North Water Street, Wichita, Kansas 67203 (316)262-7651 | |
| The Kansas AviationMuseum in occupies a beautiful WPA (Works Progress Administration)building which was the Wichita Municipal Airport terminal from 1935 to1951. The Aviation Museum displays its larger aircraft outside the building,but there are many smaller aircraft and displays inside the building. 3350 George Washington Blvd South, Wichita, KS 67210(316) 683-9242 | |
| Wichita Kansas Fire Department's Engine House No. 6 openedin 1909. It was the last horse drawn fire station in Wichita to switchto motor vehicles in 1918, and continued to operate until 1953. In 1993the building was restored and became the KansasFirefighters Museum. The memorial garden south of the Kansas FirefightersMuseum was dedicated in June, 2002. The garden includes a wall with thenames of Kansas fallen firefighters, a courtyard of engraved bricks donatedby family and friends and "Last Call," a life sized statue of a firefighterholding a fallen firefighter. 1300 South Broadway, Wichita Kansas 67211 (316) 264-5990 | |
| The Kansas SportsHall of Fame was founded in 1961 as a part of the Kansas CentennialCelebration. The criteria for induction into the Hall of Fame is that theindividuals have brought pride to the state of Kansas through their involvementin sports. The KSHOF maintains the official Kansas high school state recordsand state championship results for teams, individual athletes and coaches,along with a compilation of every state champion crowned by the KansasState High School Activities Association. Free 515 South Wichita Street, Wichita, Kansas 67202 (316)262-2038 | |
| The Kansas WildlifeExhibit in Central Riverside Park opened in 1988, but there hasbeen a zoo here in one form or another since 1901. There are 8 cages withover 25 species of birds and turtles, mostly birds of prey that are alsoused in education programs. The cages are fairly heavy, making it hardto see and photograph the wildlife. There is a lovely adjacent pond. Admissionis free and it is open from dawn to dusk. 700 N Nims Street, Wichita, Kansas 67203 (316) 683-5499 | |
| Karg Art Glassis located in the heart of Kechi, Kansas, just north of Wichita.It has a large gallery with art glass produced by many artists and a largestudio with many kilns where Rollin Karg's staff of artisans work severalmornings a week. Metal work, which is made made into separate sculpturesor combined with the art glass, is done in a separate building across theparking lot. Free 111 North Oliver Street, Kechi, Kansas 67067 (316)744-2442 | |
| The Keeper of thePlains was created in 1974 and placed at the confluence of theArkansas and Little Arkansas Rivers. The 44', 5 ton stylized sculptureof an Indian Chief was designed by Native American artist Blackbear Bosin(1921-1980) and constructed by Tom Washburn of Architectural Metal Products.For 15 minutes in the evening, the Keeper is surrounded by a "ring of fire."Free Confluence of the Big and Little Arkansas Rivers, Wichita,Kansas | |
| Lake Afton PublicObservatory, south of Goddard, Kansas is open to the publicevery Friday and Saturday evening. Groups and classes can reserve a privateObservatory program on other days of the week. During a typical program,the giant 16 inch telescope is set up for observing various astronomicfeatures and visitors are invited to look through the telescope 25000 West 39th Street South, Goddard, Kansas 67052(316) 247-0372 |  |
| The 1970 combinationLincolnStreet Dam and Bridge across the Big Arkansas River was reconstructedin 2011 & 2012. During the $13.7 million makeover, the layout was changedso that the dam was no longer underneath the bridge and the new attractivedam included an attractive fish ladder and kayak run. There have been problemswith erosion of the fish ladder, kayak run and retaining wall when thereis high water, but the combination has been an aesthetic success and thewaterfall has become a bit of a destination. Free 487-499 West Lincoln Street, Wichita, Kansas 67213 | |
| The Mid-AmericaAll-Indian Center combines a museum, the Gallery of Nations for specialevents, and a gift shop. The museum houses art from American Indian artistsfrom around the country and focuses on educating and preserving AmericanIndian culture and heritage. 650 N Seneca Street,Wichita, Kansas 67203 (316) 350-3340 |  |
| Occupying a buildingformerly used for the Farm & Art Market, the Museumof World Treasures is an impressive addition to Wichita's OldTown. Its has memorabilia from athletes, actors, presidents and publicfigures going back several hundred years. In some cases it is just an autographor a document that the person had written, but there are often more interestingartifacts. It has dinosaurs, a huge military section and mummies! 835 East First Street,Wichita, Kansas 67202 (316) 263-1311 | |
| Old Cowtown Museumis a living history museum recreating a plains cattle town of the 1870s.When we visited Cowtown in November the friendly cashiers told us aboutinteresting activities that would be taking place in the community. Butwe saw few reenactors and only one of the activities that we had been toldwould be taking place. There are about 40 old buildings that have beenmoved to this location. 1865 West Museum Boulevard, Wichita, Kansas 67203 (316)660-1870 | |
| The Pizza Hut Museumis located in the Wichita, Kansas building which was the first Pizza Hut.The company was started at the corner of Bluff and Kellogg in Wichita byWichita State University students (brothers Dan and Frank Carney) on June15, 1958. That building was moved onto campus in 1986 where it largelysat empty. In 2017 it was moved to this new location and opened at thePizza Hut Museum on April 25, 2018. Free 2090 Innovation Boulevard, Wichita, Kansas 67208 (800)948-8488 | |
| River Festival openswith the Sundown Parade and a fireworksdisplay along the Arkansas River. Most activities at Wichita RiverFestare close to the River. There is even a floating stage where the breezeoff the water helps cool visitors on the hot June days. RiverFest is June2-10, 2023Free Various locations, Wichita, Kansas (316) 267-2817 | |
| The Sedgwick CountyZoo in northwest Wichita is the largest zoo in Kansas and one ofthe largest zoos in the United States. One of Kansas' largest attractions,the Wichita zoo is home to more than 2,500 animals of nearly 500 differentspecies. Things to do, in addition to viewing and sometimes interactingwith the animals, include a children's play area, story times, snack bars,boat rides and trams. Plan to spend a half day at the Sedgwick County Zoo. 5555 Zoo Boulevard, Wichita, Kansas 67212 (316) 660-9453 | |
| SolarCalendar is an outdoor astronomical observatory at Central RiversidePark. The Stonehenge like art was created in 2003 by Wichita artistSteve Murillo. The standing stones are decorated with tiles showing constellations,astrological signs, the globe and other designs. As a place of reflection,study and celebration, these standing stones form a technologically accurateastronomical observatory which tracks the sun's location by aligning thestones at sunset, sunrise and local noon on the first day of each of thefour seasons. Free 720 Nims North, Wichita, Kansas67203 (316) 268-4361 | |
| The SteampunkGrassroots Art of Gary Pendergrass is so cool! It fills a sideyard at Gary's home in Wichita, Kansas and is open during daylight hours.The sign says, "Welcome, Be careful & safe." The small yard is packedwith steampunk, fantasy and science fiction art, with each piece fightingfor your attention. There is so much entertaining art in this space thatit is hard to take in! Free 3831 West 17th Street North, Wichita, Kansas 67203(316) 619-8001 | |
| The Ulrich Museumof Art at Wichita State University opened in 1974. The buildingis rather striking, but the museum is rather modest There are 2 small galleriesand a couple of hallways. The best part of the Ulrich Museum of Art's collectionis outside: the Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection, more than70 statues spread across Wichita State University's campus. It includesart by Scott Burton, Luis Jiménez, Henry Moore, Louise Nevelson,Claes Oldenburg, George Rickey and Auguste Rodin. Free 1845 Fairmount Street, Wichita, Kansas 67260 (316)978-3664 |  |
| The Wichita ArtMuseum is the largest art museum in Kansas. The museum expandedinto the current facility in 2003. The permanent collection includes morethan 6,000 works of art, but large portions of the museum are devoted totraveling or temporary exhibits and there are usually several temporaryexhibits at the same time. The collection of American art spans three centuriesof painting, sculpture, works on paper, and decorative arts, as well asan expanding glass collection. The Wichita Art Museum is free exceptfor special exhibits. 1400 West Museum Boulevard, Wichita, Kansas 67203 (316)268-4921 | |
| Wichita's former 1892 City Hall is home to the Wichita-SedgwickCounty Historical Museum. One of the most striking buildings inKansas, The old Wichita City Hall is beautiful inside and out. The Wichita-SedgwickMuseum has exhibits on the 2nd, 3rd & 4th floors of the building, witha gift shop and offices on the 1st floor. 204 South Main, Wichita, Kansas 67202 (316) 265-9314 | |
| The Wichita Toy TrainMuseum moved into its present location on south Laura Street in2012 and is open to the public on the second and fourth weekend each month."Museum" isn't really the correct name for the club, but it is definitelyan attraction. 130 South Laura Street, Wichita, Kansas 67211 (620)837-3006 | |
| The Wichita WATERCenter (Wichita Area Treatment, Education & Remediation) isa treatment facility for the Gilbert-Mosley Project and as a museumdevoted to public education about the importance of water quality and conservation.The WATER Center treatment facility is a the focal point of a water remediationsystem which begins with five and a half miles of conveyance piping andthirteen extraction wells. The wells extract and convey polluted groundwaterto the center, where it is cleaned by a hydraulic venturi air strippertreatment system. This remediation system removes groundwater contamination.Free 101 East Pawnee, Wichita, Kansas 67211 (316) 350-3386 |
Kansas Attractions
Copyright 2006-2023 by KeithStokes
