Stay connected with Airtel’s international roaming plans as you explore the top spots and coolest activities in Wichita, ensuring seamless communication while discovering the city’s unique attractions, vibrant culture, and unforgettable experiences.
Wichita, the largest city in Kansas, packs a surprisingly potent punch when it comes to fun, culture, and adventure. With world-class museums, beautiful parks, a thriving food scene, and plenty of free attractions in Wichita, KS, this Midwestern gem has something for everyone. In fact, Wichita welcomes over 6 million visitors per year, drawn to its friendly charm and eclectic offerings. If you’re wondering about the best things to do in Wichita, look no further—we’ve got you covered with our insider’s guide to the city’s top spots and activities.
1. Explore the Renowned Wichita Art Museum
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Opening in 1935, the Wichita Art Museum is the largest art museum in Kansas, with over 10,000 pieces in its permanent collection.
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Don’t miss the stunning Art Garden, featuring 13 outdoor sculptures spread across 8 acres of landscaped gardens.
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The museum’s collection spans over 5,000 years, from ancient Chinese ceramics to contemporary American paintings.
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Must-see works include Edward Hopper’s “Light Battery at Gettysburg” and Mary Cassatt’s “Mother and Child.”
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Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for seniors/students, and free for youth under 5. The museum offers free entry on Saturdays.
2. Stroll Through the Old Town District
The Old Town district, once a hub of warehouses and factories, is now a vibrant dining and entertainment quarter. Spend an afternoon exploring its brick-lined streets, dotted with over 100 unique shops, galleries, restaurants and nightspots.
Attraction |
Description |
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Museum of World Treasures |
3 floors of artefacts spanning history, from dinosaur bones to Egyptian mummies |
Old Cowtown Museum |
Open-air living history museum recreating 1870s life on the Chisholm Trail |
Great Plains Transportation Museum |
Showcases Wichita’s railroad heritage with vintage locomotives and train cars |
Mosley Street Melodrama |
Lively dinner theatre featuring old-fashioned melodramas and musical comedies |
3. Get Active at Local Parks
Wichita boasts an impressive park system, with over 140 parks covering more than 5,000 acres. Two standouts for outdoor fun are:
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Sedgwick County Park: Spanning 640 acres, it offers fishing lakes, a swimming beach, tennis courts, ball diamonds, and an 18-hole disc golf course. Families love the mini-train and expansive playgrounds.
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Botanica, The Wichita Gardens: These stunning themed gardens showcase over 4,000 species of plants. Stroll through the Butterfly Garden, Woodland Bird Garden, Sensory Garden, and more. Don’t miss special events like Tulips, Fairies & Flowers in the spring.
4. Savor the Flavors at Public at the Brickyard
For a true taste of Wichita’s red-hot culinary scene, head to Public at the Brickyard. This food hall in the Old Town district features a diverse mix of local chef-driven concepts, from wood-fired pizza to poke bowls to craft cocktails. Grab some friends, sample a variety of dishes, and enjoy live music on the outdoor patio. A few must-try vendors:
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Tanya’s Soup Kitchen: Comforting soups, stews, and sandwiches
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Songbird Juice Co: Cold-pressed juices and fun toasts
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Hungry Heart: Burgers, fries, and old-fashioned shakes with a twist
5. Take Flight at the Kansas Aviation Museum
Aviation enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Kansas Aviation Museum, housed in Wichita’s original municipal airport terminal. The museum’s vintage hangar displays over 40 historically significant aircraft, with a focus on Wichita’s role as the “Air Capital of the World.” Highlights include:
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A rare 1932 Laird Speedwing biplane
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A Stearman 4D Speedmail plane used for record-setting flights
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A hands-on kids area with a real Cessna cockpit to climb into
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Knowledgable guides offering free tours rich in aviation stories and lore
The museum is located just 3 miles from Wichita Airport, making it a great first stop if you’re flying in. Admission is $9.50 for adults, $8 for seniors, $6 for youth 4-12, and free for kids under 4.
6. Immerse Yourself in Nature
For a relaxing escape, head to the Great Plains Nature Center. This urban wilderness spans 240 acres of prairie, wetlands and woodlands. Hike the 2 miles of paved trails, spot some of the 250 bird species that have been recorded here, and visit the Koch Habitat Hall to learn about the region’s native wildlife through dioramas and hands-on exhibits. Admission is always free.
Another natural wonder is the Keeper of the Plains, a 44-foot steel sculpture standing at the confluence of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas rivers. Created by Native American artist Blackbear Bosin, it pays tribute to the region’s original inhabitants. Visit at night to see the “Ring of Fire” lighting display.
7. Sip & Sample on a Wichita Brewery Tour
With a booming craft beer scene, Wichita is a must-visit for ale aficionados. Get a taste of the local flavour on a DIY brewery tour of some top tap rooms:
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Central Standard Brewing: Funky sours and experimental IPAs in a laid-back space
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Hopping Gnome Brewing Company: Flagship ESB and seasonal suds served fireside
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Norton’s Brewing Company: Pub grub and easy-drinking brews in a historic warehouse
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River City Brewing Co: Lively brewpub pouring house beers from Wichita Wheat to Emerald City Stout
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Wichita Brewing Co. & Pizzeria: Wood-fired pies and award-winning beers like the 5:02 Amber
Many breweries offer samplers, so you can try a range of styles. Just remember to designate a driver or call a rideshare service to get around safely.
8. Discover Quirky & Offbeat Attractions
Wichita has its share of unusual and one-of-a-kind spots that are worth seeking out. A few favourites:
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Museum of World Treasures: Where else can you see shrunken heads, a piece of the Berlin Wall, and a T-rex skeleton all under one roof?
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Twisted Oz Motorcycle Museum: Over 50 rare and vintage motorcycles, from a 1905 Indian to choppers and bobbers.
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Pizza Hut Museum: Visit the site of the first Pizza Hut restaurant, complete with a vintage sign and decor. Grab a slice while you’re there.
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The Donut Whole: Quirky shop crafting wild donut creations like Maple Bacon, Fruity Pebbles, and Pop-Tart topped.
9. Catch a Show at the Orpheum Theatre
Saved from demolition by a community effort, the historic Orpheum Theatre is now a beloved performing arts venue. This 1922 vaudeville house hosts over 200 events per year, from Broadway musicals to stand-up comedy to film screenings. The interior is a work of art itself, with ornate plasterwork, crystal chandeliers, and a grand Mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ. Check the calendar and treat yourself to a show in this elegant gem.
Stay Connected with Airtel’s Prepaid International Roaming Plans
With so many exciting things to do in Wichita, you’ll want to stay connected to easily navigate the city, book tickets, check hours, and share your experiences. Airtel’s Prepaid International Roaming plans have you covered with affordable options for talk, text and data. You can update your social media, pull up maps, look up restaurant reviews, and stay in touch with folks back home as you explore all the amazing stuff to do in Wichita stress-free.
From world-class museums to natural wonders to a hopping culinary and craft beer scene, Wichita is full of surprises. Whether you’re interested in art, history, outdoor adventure, quirky finds, or just soaking up the friendly Midwest vibes, you’ll find plenty to love in this underrated Kansas gem. Start planning your visit and discover for yourself all the incredible attractions in Wichita, KS—we promise you won’t be disappointed!