Wichita Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Photo provided by Visit Wichita / Don Setser
Visit the largest city in Kansas to explore its many museums and walk or cycle along riverside trails.

Learn about life in the plains of MIdwestern America by exploring Wichita’s museums, or enjoy a day shopping and dining in the city’s stylish Old Town area. Those who love the outdoors can spend their time in the many parks and on the walking or cycling paths that run along the Arkansas River.

Wichita was founded in 1863 and is most famous for the role it has played in the development of the aviation industry. At one stage it was known as the “Air Capital of the World” and many aviation companies, such as Boeing, still have headquarters here today.

Find out more about Wichita’s place in the aeronautical world at the Kansas Aviation Museum. This is one of the city’s many fine museums and galleries, which can mostly be found along the waterfront or in the Old Town district. Visit the Wichita Art Museum, which holds nearly 7,000 works of art including paintings, pottery and sculptures by mainly American artists. The Mid-America All Indian Center gives you a taste of pre-European life in the area while the Sedgwick County Historical Museum and the Great Plains Transportation Museum cover the city’s history in detail.

Take a boat ride along the Arkansas River in the summer and enjoy some relief from the heat. Winters, which are usually cold but dry, are a great time to take a stroll or cycle along the paths that run adjacent to the river.

Explore over 4,400 acres (1,620 hectares) of Wichita’s parkland. One of the most popular spots is Botanica, which features 25 themed gardens including a butterfly garden and a sensory garden.

If you’re looking for ways to keep the children happy, go to the Sedgwick County Zoo to see more than 3,000 animals or head to the Exploration Place science center.

Driving is the best way to get around in Wichita, although there is a public bus service with stops near most of the major sights.Hit the highway and follow the Arkansas River out of town to explore the beautiful prairies and woodlands surrounding Wichita.

Where to stay in Wichita

Wichita showing a sunset and a bridge

Downtown Wichita

Downtown Wichita is known for its lively bars, and you can plan a trip to Orpheum Theater and Century II Convention Center while you're in town.

Downtown Wichita
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Old Town Wichita

Bars, historical sites and live music highlight some of the noteworthy features of Old Town Wichita. Make a stop by Museum of World Treasures or Mosley Street Melodrama while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Old Town Wichita
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College Hill

When in College Hill, you can plan a visit to Towne East Square and INTRUST Bank Arena, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

College Hill
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Delano

If you're spending some time in Delano, Exploration Place and Riverfront Stadium are top sights worth seeing.

Delano
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South

If you're spending some time in South, Arkansas River and Chapin Dog Park are top sights worth seeing.

South
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Sunflower

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Sunflower and surrounding area, you can visit Old Cowtown Museum and Towne West Square.

Sunflower
Wyndham Garden Wichita Downtown
Wyndham Garden Wichita Downtown
3 out of 5
221 E Kellogg St, Wichita, KS
The price is AU$121 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
AU$121
includes taxes & fees
24 Nov - 25 Nov
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Wichita. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
5.6/10 (1,009 reviews)
Short stay
"I appreciate the good price but there is a lot of construction going on and the pool was closed, :("

Reviewed on 25 Oct. 2024

Wyndham Garden Wichita Downtown
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Wichita Northeast
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Wichita Northeast
2.5 out of 5
2660 N. Greenwich Ct, Wichita, KS
The price is AU$148 per night from 10 Nov to 11 Nov
AU$148
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 Nov
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Wichita. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,018 reviews)
"Great location, friendly staff, clean, have stayed here many times and will continue to."

Reviewed on 3 Nov. 2024

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Wichita Northeast
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Wichita Airport
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Wichita Airport
4 out of 5
2098 Airport Rd, Wichita, KS
The price is AU$167 per night from 26 Nov to 27 Nov
AU$167
includes taxes & fees
26 Nov - 27 Nov
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Wichita. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,016 reviews)
"So handy for airport departure."

Reviewed on 2 Nov. 2024

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Wichita Airport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Clean and cozy 3 bedroom home
Clean and cozy 3 bedroom home
Wichita
Stay at this vacation home in Wichita. Enjoy free WiFi, cable/satellite TV service, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions INTRUST Bank Arena and Thunderbird ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (36 reviews)
Very cozy
"Very cozy"

Reviewed on 30 Oct. 2024

Clean and cozy 3 bedroom home
Speakeasy-Inspired Carriage House in Charming College Hill Neighborhood
Speakeasy-Inspired Carriage House in Charming College Hill Neighborhood
Wichita
Stay at this apartment in Wichita. Enjoy an in-room coffeemaker and air conditioning. Popular attractions INTRUST Bank Arena and Crown Uptown Theatre are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (11 reviews)
Carriage House
"Very nice and just like the description I’d stay here again."

Reviewed on 23 Oct. 2024

Speakeasy-Inspired Carriage House in Charming College Hill Neighborhood
Pet Friendly,  EV Charger, Garage, 10+ Car Parking, Bicycles, Walking Paths
Pet Friendly, EV Charger, Garage, 10+ Car Parking, Bicycles, Walking Paths
Bel Aire
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Wichita. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (94 reviews)
Wichita home
"This home was in a very nice neighborhood. Grocery stores, pharmacy stores and restaurants were less than a mile away. The house was exceptionally clean. The kitchen was well stocked with everything we needed. I would highly recommend this home. The hosts were very nice. They answered all of our ..."

Reviewed on 30 Oct. 2024

Pet Friendly, EV Charger, Garage, 10+ Car Parking, Bicycles, Walking Paths
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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