Wichita might be the Midwest’s best-kept secret when it comes to weekend getaways. Located roughly halfway between Kansas City and Oklahoma City, this city on the plains is just waiting to be discovered. So grab your walking shoes and let’s check out some of my favorite things to do in Wichita, Kansas.
Wichita is a vibrant city that blends culture, history, and entertainment in all the right ways. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast looking to explore the great outdoors, an art lover eager to admire masterpieces, or a foodie set on sampling the city’s culinary scene, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Wichita. With its welcoming Midwestern charm and a wide range of adventures, Wichita promises an unforgettable weekend no matter where your interests lie.
Have You Visited Wichita, Kansas?
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Enjoy the Great Outdoors
If you enjoy spending time outdoors, Wichita is a fantastic weekend destination. There’s no shortage of nature-filled fun, from beautiful botanical gardens to unique, up-close wildlife encounters.
Botanica
Start your weekend with a serene stroll through Botanica. This 17-acre oasis allows you to witness Mother Nature’s mood swings through over 30 themed gardens that change with the seasons. Enjoy beds of tulips in the spring, a butterfly house in the summer, and bright holiday lights in the garden’s winter light display. It’s like flipping through her Instagram feed, but with fewer filters and more actual butterflies.
Sedgwick County Zoo
Just a short drive from Botanica, the Sedgwick County Zoo is home to over 3,000 animals and 400 species. Explore the immersive exhibits, like the Elephants of the Zambezi River Valley and the Downing Gorilla Forest, for an unforgettable wildlife experience. Don’t miss the opportunity to ride the zoo train or take a boat tour for a unique perspective on the animals and their habitats.
Tanganyika Wildlife Park
For a more interactive wildlife experience, head to Tanganyika Wildlife Park. Here, you can feed giraffes, rhinos, and lemurs — even swim with penguins. The park offers up-close animal encounters that are both fun and educational, making it a perfect spot for families and animal lovers alike.
Great Plains Nature Center
The Great Plains Nature Center is a natural oasis in the heart of the city. It is one of the biggest parks in Wichita, with a Kansas wildlife exhibit, more than 280 acres of natural habitat, and several miles of paved trails. Visitors can explore diverse ecosystems, spot native wildlife, or learn about conservation efforts through hands-on exhibits and educational programs. Be sure to check out the park’s immersive indoor exhibits, including aquariums filled with native Kansas fish and other wildlife.
Embrace Wichita’s Culture, Art, and History
Whether you like stunning sculptures or fascinating museums, there are plenty of fun things to do in Wichita if you are an art enthusiast or history buff. Check out these must-visit spots in Wichita’s museum district, the Douglas Design District, and beyond.
Keeper of the Plains
A visit to Wichita isn’t complete without seeing the iconic Keeper of the Plains. Standing 44 feet tall at the confluence of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas rivers, it’s Wichita’s way of saying, “Hey, we can do big statues, too!” While it’s no Statue of Liberty, this American Indian sculpture crafted by Blackbear Bosin does have a much better view of Kansas than Lady Liberty.
Sage Advice: Don’t miss the Ring of Fire lighting ceremony, when a circle of fire pots is illuminated at the base of the statue each night.
Mid-America All-Indian Museum
If the Keeper of the Plains inspires you to admire more of Bosin’s work, head to the Mid-America All-Indian Museum. Inside, you’ll find additional pieces of his impressive art depicting Native American life. You can also learn about the rich history and culture of Native American tribes — and not just the local Wichita people or Kitikiti’sh.
Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum
On the east bank of the Arkansas River, you’ll find the Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum. In a native stone castle that once housed the first city hall, there are exhibits that celebrate Wichita’s growth from a trading post to the largest city in Kansas.
Kansas Aviation Museum
At the Kansas Aviation Museum, you’ll see why Wichita is called the Air Capital of the World. Spoiler alert: it’s not because of their superior paper airplane folding skills. Located in the former Wichita Municipal Airport terminal, you’ll find fascinating exhibits and several historic planes, like a bright yellow trainer manufactured for the United States Navy, an open-cockpit crop duster emblazoned with the Texaco logo, and one of the first high-performance small civilian airplanes.
Exploration Place
Exploration Place is Wichita’s premiere science museum. With more than ten hands-on permanent exhibits that range from the wonders of space to the inner workings of the human body, it’s an experience for curious minds. And because you’re in the Air Capital of the World, don’t miss the opportunity to design an airplane seat, test landing gear, or pretend to be a celebrity aboard a luxury jet in the award-winning Design Build Fly exhibit.
Frank Lloyd Wright's Allen House
It’s hard to imagine a more appropriate place to admire legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s prairie-style design than on an actual prairie in the Sunflower State. Once home to Kansas Governor Henry Allen, the century-old house gives visitors a peek into Wright’s architectural genius through long horizontal lines, nature-inspired stained glass, and golden earth tones.
Wichita Art Museum
Art lovers will find their haven at the Wichita Art Museum, which houses a collection of American art. Don’t miss the stunning Chihuly Bridge, a glass installation that adds a burst of color and creativity to your visit.
Douglas Design District
For a dose of urban culture, explore the Douglas Design District. This downtown area is bursting with vibrant, full-building murals, unique sculptures, and a variety of local shops and galleries. Kelly Ratcliff of Dining Duster enjoyed scouting for murals along Douglas Avenue on a recent trip to Wichita: “With hundreds of options, we could have made a day out of just spotting murals.”
Where to Eat in Wichita
Wichita’s more than 1,200 restaurants, coffee shops, and other delicious eateries, prove that the Midwest is more than corn and cows. Although, to be fair, they do corn and cows pretty darn well, too! Here are a few of my favorite spots I try to visit whenever I’m in Wichita.
Doo-Dah Diner
Before you enjoy the best things to do in Wichita, fuel up with breakfast at Doo-Dah Diner. Named after one of Wichita’s charming nicknames, this cozy spot is famous for its hearty breakfast offerings. Be sure to pair your morning cup of coffee with their banana bread French toast, a local favorite that’s the perfect start to your day.
“If you enjoy southern comfort food, Doo-Dah Diner is the place to go. The bright colors and vintage vibe are a cheerful way to start your day. I recommend the chicken fried steak and biscuits and gravy.”
HomeGrown
With three locations in Wichita, HomeGrown is a delicious daytime eatery serving breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Enjoy a flaky homemade Pop-Tart (or three) paired with a cup of locally roasted coffee. Or turn a heartier breakfast of cage-free eggs, Yoder bacon, and croissant French toast into a casual brunch by adding a mimosa, Bloody Mary, or Irish Hug.
Old Mill Tasty Shop
One of the oldest restaurants in Downtown Wichita, Old Mill Tasty Shop has been serving locals and visitors for decades. I recommend inquiring about the daily Blue Plate Special and pairing whatever you order with a chocolate malt from the old-fashioned soda fountain.
Prost
As a German American who lived in Germany for three years, I’m always on the hunt for my favorite flavors from the Old World. Featuring everything from Bavarian-style pretzels and schnitzel to saucy currywurst like the kind served in Berlin, Prost is sure to delight your taste buds. And because of Kansas’s large Volga German population, this urban biergarten also serves bierocks. If you’re not familiar with this dish, it’s ground beef, diced onions, and seasoned cabbage baked inside a soft yeast dough.
Elderslie Market & Creamery
For a unique fine dining experience, head just beyond the city limits to Elderslie Market & Creamery. Wind your way past a barn and lush pastures to this farm-to-table restaurant where an exquisite five-course, seasonal prix fix dinner awaits. If someone else is driving, I recommend adding the optional wine pairing.
If you don’t have time for an amazing dinner, you can still grab a quick bite at the Bramble Cafe or pick up artisan cheese and accouterments like salami and crackers at the Elderslie Creamery Market.
Wrapping Up Your Weekend in Wichita
From beautiful gardens and captivating museums to delicious dining spots and vibrant districts, Wichita offers a weekend full of delightful experiences. So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready to discover all the fun things to do in Wichita.
Portions of this article originally appeared on Food Drink Life.
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Sage Scott
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