Top 8 Things To Do in Wichita, KS

Wichita is a wonderful city full of friendly people, whether you come for tourism, to visit a friend or family member, or if you are looking to move here. Its thriving arts scene, aviation legacy—which is no small thing—and a warm community make it a city easy to love.

If you are searching for the best things to do in Wichita that both tourists and locals love, you’re in the right place. A city that blends heritage and culture like this is a sight to behold, especially since it hasn’t lost its small-town magic. If you’re new to the area or are considering making it your home, these are some of the places to go in Wichita for fun, food, and experiences you won’t forget.

The Keeper of the Plains and Arkansas River Trail

The Keeper of the Plains is a 44-foot-tall statue that pays tribute to the Native American tribes who gathered at this sacred site, created by Blackbear Bosin, a Wichitan and Native American artist. The statue is exceptionally breathtaking at dusk, when the ring of fire ignites around the base for 15 minutes every evening.

While you’re there, take time to take a stroll on the Arkansas River Trail. It’s perfect for jogging, biking, or just taking a serene walk by yourself or in company. With more than 10 miles of beautiful paths, you will discover sculptures, bridges, and many green spaces along the way.

Old Cowtown Museum

Visiting the Old Cowtown Museum feels like stepping back in time to historic Wichita. This open-air museum spans over 23 acres and features more than 50 authentic buildings, including saloons, stables, and historic homes. You can walk along dirt roads and explore original architecture that uniquely makes the past come to life.

This museum is also a great way to learn about Wichita history through art, architecture, textiles, tools, and furniture. It offers numerous events throughout the year, including vintage baseball games and historic holiday celebrations. It is definitely one of the most immersive and fun things to do in Wichita, KS, especially if you’re bringing your kids.

Botanica, the Wichita Gardens

Botanica the Wichita Gardens is the place to go if you enjoy admiring different plants, flowers, and landscapes. Located in Sim Park, the park features themed gardens, including the Shakespeare Garden, Sarachek Woodland Bird Garden,and the Sally Stone Sensory Garden, which locals and visitors alike love.

If you’re visiting Wichita, KS, in the spring, don’t miss the wave of color the season brings to the Wichita gardens, featuring over70,000 tulipsandillumination eventsthat transform the space into a beautiful spectacle.

Kansas Aviation Museum

Nicknamed the Air Capital of the World, Wichita is home to theKansas Aviation Museum, which celebrates the city’s role in shaping aviation history. Located in the original Wichita Municipal Airport Terminal, the museum is a great first thing to do in the city if you arrive by flight!

This museum features rare aircraft and offers interactive exhibits and experiences, such as climbing into a cockpit, viewing a B-47 bomber up close, or using flight simulators. It’s one of the most interesting things to do in Wichita, especially for aviation fans or anyone curious about the city’s innovative roots.

Attend Riverfest

For nine days every summer, typically in late May and early June, Wichita Riverfest brings the city together with food, music, art, and fireworks. Locals enjoy the riverfront for its headlining concerts, parades, paddleboat races, and cultural performances. The festival brings over 250,000 attendees and offers something for everyone. You will find craft vendors, hot air balloons, concerts, fireworks, and food courts.

Our Favorite Restaurants in Wichita, KS

It’s important to get a taste of the local food Wichita has to offer. Here are some recommendations for when you’re feeling fine dining, a sweet treat, or a tasty lunch:

• Cocoa Dolce. Try their handcraftedgourmet chocolates, gelato, and truffles in an elegant downtown lounge.
• The Belmont. Perfect for a date night or catching up with friends. With a dinner, brunch, lunch, and drinks menu, you will always find something good to eat here!
• Dockun. This is a speakeasy-style establishment in the downtown area, where you can enjoy handcrafted and signature cocktails made with the finest ingredients and delicious bites. Check out their menu online.
• Reverie Coffee Roasters. Sometimes a good cup of coffee is just as important as a good

lunch. Head to Reverie Coffee Roasters for one of the best cups you will try in the city.

If you want even more recommendations, here is a complete list of the top places to eat in Wichita, KS

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Allen House and Wichita Art Museum

Fans of art, design, and architecture should stop by Frank Lloyd Wright’s Allen House, a masterpiece of Prairie School design with a distinct Japanese influence. Every detail, down to the custom furniture and leaded glass windows, reflects Wright’s vision of harmony between nature and a living space, something definitely worth seeing.

Nearby, the Wichita Art Museum houses a stunning collection of American art. Exhibits rotate regularly, featuring over 12,000 works by artists such as Andy Warhol, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Edward Hopper. The museum’s sculpture garden and glass bridge add a layer of visual delight before you even walk through the front doors.

Visit the Old Town and Delano Neighborhoods

If you’re looking for places to go in Wichita that combine culture, food, and nightlife, head straight to Old Town and Delano neighborhoods. Both neighborhoods offer a mix of renovated warehouses, boutique shopping, galleries, and some of the city’s best restaurants.

Old Town is renowned for its brick-lined streets and vibrant nightlife, while Delano seamlessly blends cowboy heritage with modern appeal—both are definitely worth visiting and exploring on foot. There are many other neighborhood options, located further away from the touristy area, in calmer areas, if you’re looking to move to the area.

Enjoy Wichita All the Time in a Case & Associates Apartment

If you’re moving to Wichita for work, to be closer to family, or to attend school at Wichita State University, find your perfect apartment with Case & Associates. From studios to three-bedroom apartments with fantastic amenities, we’re confident you’ll find your home at one of our 11 apartment communities. Schedule a tour of one or more of our Wichita, KS, apartment communities today! Contact us online or call our team for more information about us.