There is so much to do around Wichita State University if you’re attending a game or event on campus, such as the 2024 Athletes Unlimited Pro Softball AUX Competition at Wilkins Stadium this summer.
Museums and Art
The Edwin A. Ulrich Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Saturday. The museum is currently showing works from its permanent collection. You’ll know you’re there when you see the impressive Miró mural.
You can also take a stroll through the Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection, which features 81 works spread across campus. One of Wichita's most significant cultural attractions, the Outdoor Sculpture Collection is always free and always open.
Notable works include an iconic LOVE sculpture by Robert Indiana and the Love Locks Pod by Brandy Hatter where visitors are encouraged to place a personalized lock and toss the key into a nearby pond. The collection’s latest acquisition is “Twister Grande” by artist Alice Aycock, a massive sculpture that was designed to move with the wind. It represents the natural force that impacts Kansas weather. Don’t miss the Dave Stallworth statue outside of Charles Koch Arena or the giant WuShock in front of the North YMCA.
Stop by The Original Pizza Hut Museum where Dan and Frank Carney grew one of the largest pizza restaurant chains in the world. The Carneys started their pizza business in this very building.
Stroll through the Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology. The Holmes Museum offers exhibitions on cultures from around the world.
WSU campus is also home to one of architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s building designs, Corbin Education Center. A short drive from campus, you can find Frank Lloyd Wright’s Allen House.
Places to Eat, Drink, Shop and Play
Hang out on the lower level of the Rhatigan Student Center where you can play billiards, bowl and eat at Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes.
Head over to Braeburn Square to eat and drink at Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, Social Tap Drinkery, Sungrano Pizza or Wheatly's Burgers.
Find coffee and sandwiches neighboring campus at Fairmount Coffee Co. or beer and live music at Kirby’s Beer Store.
Head east from Fairmount or Kirby’s, you’ll run into Redbud Trail at the corner of 17th and Oliver. Redbud Trail is a rail-trail that runs from near downtown through the eastern part of the city for 11.5 miles then extends father toward Augusta. Enjoy the biking and walking trail where three art and history-filled rest plazas tell the stories of the people who live in those neighborhoods.
Venture farther out to Headshots Bar & Grill and find Kansas’ first and favorite video game cocktail bar serving food while offering free video games.
If you’re up for a short drive northeast of Wichita, shop unique collections at Karg Art Glass or Infinity Art Glass.
Two and a half minutes from campus in east Wichita, Bradley Fair is home to a variety of upscale shopping and dining options. From big name brands like Gap and Athleta to a plethora of local shops, you can shop for hours in Bradley Fair. The area also offers plenty of dining options including Bakesale Treat Parlor, First Mile Kitchen, Redrock Canyon Grill, Homegrown Wichita, Newport Grill, YaYa’s Eurobistro, Cocoa Dolce and more.
Places to Stay
Stay within walking distance to the arena by spending your nights at Hyatt Place right on campus. The Hyatt at WSU is an all-suite hotel with 106 rooms, restaurant, bar, health club and indoor pool.
A little farther away is Aloft Wichita which offers plenty of open spaces, 24/7 pantry, pool tables, a gym and swimming pool.
Stay in Bradley Fair at the Hilton Garden Inn and enjoy the Great American Grill restaurant and bar which serves breakfast and dinner.
Looking for even more things to do in the Heart of the Country? Download our 2024 Spring/Summer visitors guide for more ideas and inspiration for your visit to Wichita.
